Meet Tanimara Macari, born and raised in Cancun Mexico. She started riding in a small riding club and climbed her way up the ladder starting with an Andalusian “dancing horse” before making her way into showjumping. Her classic and chic fashion sense and love for “good fitting” clothing make her a showstopper in and out of the show ring. Read our style profile Q&A on Tanimara Macari below to learn more!
Q: Give us a little background on you and how you got into horses.
A: I started riding when I was about 5 years old. My best friend at the time had invited me to come over to her house one day and coincidentally had riding lessons that evening, I came over and watched her ride. Safe to say, I was hooked from day one! I asked my parents if I could start riding as well, and they agreed. However my family didn’t have any riding background and so my first horse was an Andalusian dancing horse. We managed to go over 60cm cross rails but that was pretty much his limit, nevertheless I wasn’t ready to give up on it and finally got my first jumping horse! I was born and raised in Cancun, Mexico where showjumping is pretty non-existent, there is only one small riding club, where I rode for the most part. I only showed around 6 times a year and slowly climbed up the ladder. My passion for horses drove my family to build a small barn which was more convenient at the time, since I already had 4 horses and my sister had started riding as well. When I finished highschool, I was hungry to explore the riding world, so I took a gap year and moved to Germany to work with horses. My time there opened up my eyes to the real world of showjumping, I learned everything from the basics of how to take care of horses to taking lessons with some of the best riders in the world. I ended up staying a year and a half, and when my time there was over, I moved to Wellington with my 4 mares. I am currently a full time student at University of Miami and try to balance life and horses at the same time, which can get tough but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Q: What do you love most about being an equestrian?
A: I love the connection and bond we get to create with the horses. We deal with animals that weigh around 600 kg and yet they are so noble. I think the trust between a horse-rider partnership is incredible to feel and watch.
Q: Tell us about your horse(s) … (show name / barn name, size, division you compete in, any “cute quirks” etc)
A: I could talk about my mares for hours! I currently have 4 mares, I am not picky at all when choosing horses but destiny has chosen all of them to be mares haha. Feminka, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, is my life partner. She’s the mare with the biggest heart I have ever met, inside the course she’ll do what I ask without the blink of an eye. I got her as a 7-year-old when I was living in Germany, and we’ve grown together so much over the past few years. Cassinette, an 11-year-old Hannoverian, helped me step up to the bigger levels and she’s as careful as it gets. She’s super chill at home, however once inside the course she’s all about the game. Lastly 5 months ago we got two younger girls to join the team, Isla de Muze and Conora Blue PS that at home go by Isla and Conora, Isla is 7 and Conora is 6. Isla has had 2 foals before, and I have to say the mom spirit stuck to her! She’s patient and super calm, and hopefully we can build a partnership to later on jump the big classes with her. On the other hand, Conora is the family’s baby and she has some room to mature, she loves trying to buck you off from time to time but definitely a true jumper.
Q: Do you have a favorite horse show or place you’ve traveled to?
A: Spruce Meadows is a one-of-a-kind show! The place is beautiful, and I truly believe the horses enjoy it so much there. We also had good results in the under 25 series with Feminka, which maybe makes me a little bit biased, haha. Nonetheless, the show is beautiful and the rings are amazing!
Q: How do you describe your style?
A: I would describe my still as classic, but chic. I tend to go for more monochromatic tones but not afraid to add some edge to an outfit!
Q: Do you have any “go-to” favorite pieces that you wear in the horse show ring? What about after the horse show?
A: I always love a good show outfit, something that looks good and feminine but can also be versatile and comfortable to ride in. Good-fitting clothes is also a must for me, and I honestly don’t think there’s any secret brand or piece of clothing to make an outfit special but rather how you style it. On the other hand, it’s hard to see me in an outfit that is not a riding one, sometimes I forget there are normal clothes! (haha!)
Q: Anything fun (or unique about you) you’d like to share with our readers?
A: I love reading and baking in my spare time. A good book is always in my bag, and whenever I have some free time and enjoy baking so much, I find it so relaxing!
