Meet the Coach: Mark Aplin

            Mark started riding at 9 years old and started showing at 12 with his first horse, an Appendix named Josh. After progressing from Short Stirrup to Children’s Hunters, Mark moved on to more serious competition, showing in Medal/Maclay classes, Junior Hunters, Regular Working Hunters, and Ch/Ad Jumpers. His junior accomplishments were placing 2^nd at Zone 2 Medal Finals twice, qualifying for USET Finals, and the 1993 Syracuse PHA Junior Rider Sportsmanship Award. When he was 15, he started buying horses and schooling them from the Pre-Greens to Training Jumpers before selling them. As an amateur riding at John Madden Sales, he competed in the A/O Hunters and Jumpers before turning pro in 1994.

            As an instructor, Mark derives his influence and style from his own trainers, Susan Lowe, Michael Page, and John Madden. After successfully coaching students to Medal/Maclay Finals on the East Coast, Mark decided to try his hand at intercollegiate equestrian competition, and in 2003 he moved to Wisconsin to coach the UW-Madison Equestrian Team. Since becoming the head coach, UWET has had two individual National Champions, won seven Regional Championships and one Reserve Championship, had six IHSA Nationals appearances, and of those six has placed in the top ten four times. Mark also coaches students privately, assisting them at A, AA, and NIHJA shows. His riders have achieved Zone 6 Reserve Championships in the Adult Amateur Hunters and Jumpers and have made appearances at USEF Pony Finals.

            Mark’s students value him for his experience and knowledge as well as for his caring attitude. Every student and every horse is important, regardless of ability or show experience, and his quality instruction has helped even the most timid rider build confidence and poise in the saddle.