About the trainer

My name is Maddison Lyons, I’m a Lifelong Phoenix Native and animal lover from day one.

I knew I wanted to help people and animals when I grew up from a young age. I volunteered at animal rescues and did riding lessons and dog agility training throughout my childhood. In my teenage years, My parents leased me horses as I got in to running barrels and poles and competing in gymkhanas. Soon, my drive to be at the barn was enough to justify buying my very first horse, an AQHA Gelding named Valentine.

I started doing chores at my barn for a board discount, which quickly became my very first internship at only 16. I had opted to get my GED, so I spent every day at the barn for hours, soaking in all the information i could and working with horses of all breeds, temperaments, and training levels. I worked under a local legend in the barrel world named Crystal Logan. Her advise and guidance took me from a rider who ‘could’ ride, to someone who effectively communicates and improves any horse I ride. In 3 short years, I earned my way from doing chores, to taking on my own project horses and managing the barn sole charge.

In Summers from 2020- 2023 I was a Wrangler for Horsemanship based programs. It was here I learned of my talent and love for comprehensive instructing and coaching (and my collection of snazzy button-ups started) . We worked using methods from Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman , and other bridle horse experts. I spent up to 14 hours every day working and riding horses of all breeds and training levels, breaking some of the rowdiest colts not through simple pull and kick methods, but through an understanding of equine behavior. I developed my skills for trail riding and handling whatever was thrown my way while riding the rough, diverse plains and mountains near Bob Marshal Wilderness Complex. During the winters, I continued internships and working student programs and started up True Passion Horsemanship.

I knew I wanted to run a small, Versatile riding program early in my Equestrian Career. I wanted to have the same impact on my students and horses that some of my greatest teachers had on me. I wanted to ride and train in a way that puts the horse and horsemanship first. I had been involved in programs that lacked a ‘spark’ of commitment to the horses and people involved, and I knew that spark was something I wanted in full force in my own training and instructing. I’ve always wanted to do more than just break colts and teach people to sit in a saddle, I want to truly be someone others look to as an example of what horsemanship and integrity look like when put together. I look to a future where I can offer training to rescue horses free of charge as well as work with students that want a career in the industry.

True Passion Horsemanship was founded because I believe in good Horsemanship above all else. I’ve ran Barrels and Poles, done Classical Dressage and Working Equitation, dabbled in Eventing and rode endless ranch miles. In every single arena, across US states and riding different disciplines, I take my knowledge of biomechanics and equine behavior with me. With every horse I’ve impacted, from Spanish Imports to BLM Mustangs, knowledge, patience and honest Horsemanship have yet to fail me.

I do everything with a horse first mindset. If it’s not helpful for the horse, it simply won’t be part of my program. I’ve found that success with horses is only possible when we work with them, instead of wanting them to work for us. Simply put: working with horses is much more than just riding around for me!