Today we’d like to introduce you to Malachi Hinton

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My name is Malachi Hinton, and I’m a USA Professional Equestrian Show Jumping Athlete and Owner of Rhema Sporthorses. I’ve been a part of equestrian sport for 17 years with experience competing among the highest national levels. My story is one that is non-traditional for the sport as I was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia far from the world of elite equestrian sports and the resources that are needed to participate. I was introduced to horses at one of the only inner city stables close to my home and quickly fell in love with these animals. I started learning how to ride on the semi-retired horses and ponies that were there and began studying more about the sport online. While studying online my mind was quickly opened to the possibilities within the sport, and I immediately knew – without hesitation or concern for how it would happen – that this would be my life and that I wanted to be one of the best in the world.

As a child, I worked and rode wherever I could, spending endless days, birthdays, and holidays at the stable, riding any horse or pony available. When I felt ready, I took a bold step as a teenager and reached out to a top professional show jumper from Germany who was returning their operation to Northern Virginia. I went for an audition to work with them and quickly started riding some of their sale/lease horses, going to national level competitions, and listening to every showjumping sport and business-related conversation I could. These moments were invaluable as I gained knowledge and insight about every aspect of the elite level sport and industry.

Armed with this knowledge, my mom and I created our own opportunity. We pitched the idea of forming a small investment group to a group of business professionals from my community, who came together and invested in an upper level horse for me to grow and develop with. Fast forward, with that horse I competed all the way up to the highest national junior level, with many wins and placings, life-changing experiences, and a qualification for the Prix Des States Junior National Championships (one of the most prestigious high level championships for junior athletes and a predictor of elite level potential).

That incredible horse with his inspirational story and full resume has since been sold to another great team and I have continued on with the dream of becoming one of the best athletes in the sport. With another wonderful investment horse in development and my sight still firmly set on some impactful, exciting, and game-changing feats ahead, there is so much to look forward to.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Despite celebrating many successes along the way, my path has not always been smooth. In a sport and industry often seen as unreachable for those from humble beginnings, it has been a true journey of faith the entire way. Being one of very few African Americans in the sport, I experienced the unfortunately common and expected instances of racism and prejudice. However, I have never been fazed by such blatant actions. While I have always received compliments on my talent for the sport, competitiveness, and unrelenting work ethic, I learned early on that when pursuing what others believe to be impossible, it’s common for people to project their own doubts onto you. Through these experiences, I discovered what it truly means to live with an unshakable faith and a laser focus.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As a professional show jumper, I specialize in the management, development, training, and competing of top level show jumping horses. I love being a student of the sport and enjoy studying film, engaging in discussions with other professionals, and reading relevant literature. In this sport, it is not simply about being talented, it’s just as important to be committed to constant growth and improvement. Throughout my career, I have always strived to embody this principle.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

Everyone who has spoken with me and knows me understands that I am faith-filled, ambitious, focused, and passionate. I deeply care about others and love to encourage people whenever I can. I don’t think there’s much about me that would surprise those who know me well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rhemasporthorses.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malachi_hinton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mali.hinton.3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rhemasporthorses-malachihinton