Some Horses Are Meant to Defy the Odds
When Spooks Gotta Cinch—better known as Maverick—entered the world in March 2021, veterinarians gave him just a 2% chance of survival.
Born prematurely, the tiny colt faced unimaginable challenges from his very first breath. Even more heartbreaking, his mother, Katy, had been diagnosed with lymphoma during her pregnancy. She fought to stay alive long enough to care for her foal, spending three precious days with him before she was compassionately laid to rest.
For many horses, that would have been the end of the story.
For Maverick, it was only the beginning...
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A Fight Worth Every Minute
Maverick spent his first month at The Ohio State University Equine Hospital receiving around-the-clock medical care.
After returning home, his journey was far from over.
Owner Angela Ream transformed part of her barn into a heated recovery space where Maverick received tube feedings every two hours. Countless friends stepped in to help, making sure the tiny foal never lacked the care he needed.
Slowly, the colt who wasn't expected to survive began proving everyone wrong.
As he grew stronger, so did his personality. Maverick developed into a playful, affectionate horse who still seems convinced he's part human.
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Finding His Talent
His fighting spirit eventually carried him into training at the University of Findlay, where trainer Jerry Coleman and his team helped develop Maverick's natural ability for reining.
Before long, the once-fragile foal was competing successfully at the Quarter Horse Congress, AQHA competitions, NRHA events, and other major horse shows.
The little colt who once fought simply to stand was now doing sliding stops and spins in the show pen.
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The Perfect Partnership
When unexpected life circumstances forced Angela to find Maverick a new home, it wasn't
simply about selling a horse.
It was about finding the right person. That person was Elena Jordan.
The connection ran deeper than anyone could have imagined. Elena's mother had been friends with Angela for years, and the very first horse Elena ever rode was Maverick's mother, Katy.
She had watched Maverick grow from a fragile orphan foal into an accomplished athlete—and dreamed of one day owning a reining horse herself.
Some partnerships simply feel meant to be.
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A New Chapter Filled with Success
Together, Elena and Maverick wasted no time making memories.
In less than a year as partners, they have already earned impressive accomplishments, including:
- Reserve Champion High Point Ranch Pony at the All American Youth Horse Show
- 2026 Findlay Ranch Horse Buckle Series 18U Champion
- Advancement into Diamond Level competition with the Double M Horsemanship YEDA Team
As Elena continues pursuing her dream of riding in college, Maverick continues proving that miracles don't just happen once.
Sometimes they happen every time the gate opens.
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More Than a Champion
Angela remains one of Maverick's biggest supporters, cheering him on from the rail and proudly watching the horse she fought so hard to save continue changing lives.
To everyone who knows him, Maverick isn't remarkable because of the ribbons he's won.
He's remarkable because he was never supposed to have the opportunity to earn them.
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Looking Good Every Step of the Way
We're honored that Elena and Maverick chose to compete in their Custom Collars Boutique show apparel and coordinated show pad.
Stories like theirs remind us why we love serving horsemen and women across the country. Every horse has a story, every rider has a dream, and sometimes the greatest victories begin with simply refusing to give up.
Congratulations, Elena and Maverick—we can't wait to watch the next chapter of your journey.