New Podcast: Anna Marek on Passion, Patience, and Performance
We are excited to be joined this week by Anna Marek—a rider whose journey, dedication, and connection with her horses epitomize the values of this series.
You can listen to the interview here
The Early move to Florida
Anna’s journey began in Michigan, where her childhood was filled with dreams of horses and riding. In the show, she talks about her parents sacrifice to get her and her brother access to great education - and of their unwavering support for a road less travelled when the opportunity to ride presented itself.
A pivotal moment in her career came when she made the decision to move to Florida to work with Belinda Nairn, an opportunity that allowed her to ride a variety of horses and immerse herself in the sport at a high level. Though it meant stepping away from traditional education, it provided her with the experience that would later shape her into a top competitor.
Anna’s father played a crucial role in her journey, serving as a mentor, supporter, and even a “dressage dad” who follows her results as closely as any dedicated sports fan. His background as a competitive athlete himself has given him an eye for detail and an understanding of the dedication it takes to succeed in sports.
You can listen to the interview here
Family Support and Balancing Parenthood
Beyond her personal ambition, Anna credits her success to the support system around her. As a mother, she faces the challenge of balancing her professional career with her deep attachment to her children. She acknowledges that her family’s unwavering support allows her to focus on competing at the highest level without feeling the guilt of time spent away from home. It’s this deep-rooted sense of family and connection that resonates with so many equestrian fans and makes her story relatable.
Fire Fly: A Teacher in Patience
One of Anna’s standout horses, Firefly, and the winner of a leg in this series already, did not arrive in her barn as a finished Grand Prix competitor. He was talented but faced mental roadblocks, particularly in the piaffe. Rather than pushing too hard, Anna took a measured approach, allowing Fire Fly to progress at his own pace.
“He has taught me more than any other horse about patience and when to slow down,” she says. Her strategy involved treating him as though he was learning from scratch, allowing him to rebuild his confidence. That methodical patience paid off, as Firefly has since delivered some of the highest scores in the US Equestrian Open, earning over 80% from one of the judges this year.
Fayvel: A Rising Star
If Firefly represents a lesson in patience, then Fayvel is Anna’s chance to be bold. Originally owned and competed by Cynthia Davila, Fayvel transitioned into Anna’s competitive string when Cynthia’s injury took her out of the saddle. Despite coming onto the international stage slightly later than intended, Fayvel is proving to be a powerhouse, taking Anna to the the World Cup™ Final in Riyadh in April 2024. His rideability allows Anna to take more risks, particularly in the freestyle where she can push for every point.
The Power of Freestyle and Music Selection
One of the most exciting elements of dressage for fans is the freestyle to music, where riders choreograph performances to music that enhances their horse’s movements. For Fire Fly, Anna and his owner wanted something dramatic—the theme from Stranger Things became the perfect fit. Working with a top freestyle designer, Anna and her team built a routine that matches Fire Fly’s strengths, adding an extra dimension to their performances.
The US Equestrian Open and Building Fan Connection
One of the key goals of the US Equestrian Open is to make the sport more accessible and relatable to fans. For Anna, this initiative is helping to bridge the gap between riders and spectators.
“When you feel like you know someone, you’re more likely to cheer for them. Our sport needs that—positivity and connection.”
With the Open currently in a run of week-to-week shows taking us through almost directly to late April, fans now have the opportunity to watch leaderboards shift and follow riders like Anna on their journey. Seeing their stories unfold week after week transforms names on a leaderboard into athletes with a narrative—one that fans can invest in, just like any other sport.
Looking to the Future
As Anna continues to compete at the highest level, she also has her eyes on the next generation of top horses. One name to watch is Lareau D.E. , or “Larry”, a young talent that she believes could be a future international star. With a natural ability for piaffe and passage, Larry’s progress will be one to follow closely - Check out @phylbot07 on Instagram.
A Season of Excitement
The US Equestrian Open is providing a platform for our US superstars like Anna Marek to share their journey, bringing fans into the sport in a deeper way. As she continues to compete and inspire, one thing is clear—Anna’s story is one of passion, patience, and perseverance, and she is just getting started.
You can listen to the interview here
What’s Next?
The qualifiers continue in Wellington next weekend for Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 7, where two key contenders in the US Open of Dressage standings will be in action—Evelyn Eger (GER), who currently shares the lead, and Felicitas Hendricks (GER), winner of Week Two’s qualifier. With standings this competitive, next weekend's results could once again reshape the leaderboard.
Stay Connected
For the most up-to-date series calendar and latest standings, visit the official US Equestrian Open Series hub at usequestrianopen.org.
Stay connected with the latest news and standings on Facebook and Instagram, and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter). Use #USEquestrianOpen to join the conversation.
