Maddy Brown has been devoted to horses since she began riding at age four. For as long as she can remember, she was in the barn nearly everyday and would ride any kind of horse she was offered. When she met Laurie Ann Occhipinti at a horse show, she jumped at the opportunity to soak up all the knowledge she could as Laurie’s protégé and earned rides on the “A” circuit for the first time. This childhood as a barn rat and working student provided her with an invaluable education in riding, horsemanship, and work ethic.

 

In college, Maddy earned a spot on the University of South Carolina’s NCAA equestrian team. After her time on the team, she turned professional and began running a small lesson and show barn as she completed her education at USC.

 

She was then brought on as the head trainer at a large farm outside Columbia, SC and spent nearly 9 years there, creating a busy lesson and show program. Her background as a barn rat served her well, inspiring her to create a curriculum for her program that emphasizes horsemanship and unmounted skills just as much as riding and showing. Her students have had great successes including ribbons at USEF Pony Finals and TIP National Championships; several top Medal Finals ribbons with SCHJA, NCHJA, PSJ, and BRHJA; countless wins and year-end championships from walk/trot through 3’3” hunters, jumpers, and equitation; USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Stable Challenge National Champion; and more.

 

At the beginning of 2026, Maddy moved back to her hometown of Myrtle Beach to be closer to family. Though leaving the program in which she had so much pride was difficult, she hopes to bring her passion for horsemanship and developing excellent riders home to the beach and create something special here for young equestrians.

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LESSON RATES and GROUNDS FEE.

$65.00 for 45 minute Private Lesson plus $15.00 Grounds Fee.

$65.00 per person for One Hour Small Group (3-5 people) plus $15.00 Grounds Fee per person.

Travel Fees will be determined by mileage if lesson is at another facility.

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Contact Information:

Phone: (843) 467-4382

Email: garnethillfarm@yahoo.com