Cheryl Maye
Fairfield, Virginia
Owner/Trainer, Maye Show Ponies
How long have you been part of the horse world?
I’ve been part of the horse world for 30-plus years.
What part do you play in the horse world?
I specialize in breeding quality Welsh and Welsh-cross ponies and I stand several top pony stallions. I also produce, train and show young ponies for the in-hand and performance ring.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
I love training the young ponies — from working with the foals to starting youngsters under saddle and taking green ponies to their first horse shows. It’s very gratifying to watch your pony’s progress in the ring, whether in the present or future. It makes it worth all the hard work!
What’s your biggest achievement?
I have two achievements that I’m really proud of. The first is producing the 2018 Champion Pony Colt and Champion Pony filly at Devon, as well as winning the 2018 Best Young Pony at Devon — that was shown by my son, Ethan Maye, who was 17 years old at the time. He was the first junior ever to win these awards! Proud Mom moment there!
The second achievement is the trust I’ve earned from several top breeders who have sold or leased us their fabulous pony stallions and/or broodmares to help me get this quality breeding program up and running. I couldn’t have done it without them and their amazing ponies, and I’m eternally grateful!
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to continue breeding top-quality ponies and put some true Welsh type back in the breed. We’re selecting our stallions and mares carefully to strive to bring the best.
What’s the best thing about your life?
I would have to say none of this would be possible without my family: my husband, Paul Maye, and my two sons, Ethan and Ashton. We all play a role in the horse industry in different ways and I love watching how each of us has become successful in our own ways and disciplines.
Best kept secret about what you do?
I don’t think most people know that I’m the one who produces all my ponies. I spend hours with a rub rag on these babies and I enjoy every minute of it. Yes, I have help that could do it for me, but I wouldn’t get the same satisfaction that I do knowing I’ve done it myself.
For more information, visit www.mayeshowponies.com
Photos by Dena Ragan Radosevic
