In 2008, 26-year-old Tik Maynard faced a crossroads
54 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
EE
not unlike that of other young adults. A
university graduate and modern pentathlete, he
suffered both a career-ending injury and a painful
breakup, leaving him suddenly adrift. The son
of prominent Canadian equestrians, Maynard
decided to spend the next year as a “working
student.” In the horse industry, working students
aspire to become professional riders or trainers,
and willingly trade labor for hands–on education.
Here Maynard chronicles his experiences—good
and bad—and we follow along as one year becomes
three, what began as a casual adventure
gradually transforms, and a life’s purpose comes
sharply into focus.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tik Maynard began riding with the Vancouver Pony Club,
in Southlands, British Columbia. After achieving his ‘A’ rating,
he began competing in Modern Pentathlon, where he
represented Canada at three World Championships, and
the 2007 Pan–American Games. In 2008, Maynard began
a journey to improve his riding.
From Germany to Florida, from Alberta to Texas, and from
Florida to New Jersey, Maynard was willing to go wherever
he had to, to learn from the best. Along the way he
discovered something more important: horsemanship. It is
that idea that continues to motivate him. Today, Maynard
searches out knowledge from many sources, but his most
important mentors are his parents and his wife. He is married
to US Eventing Team Member Sinead Halpin. Together
they run Copperline Farm in Citra, Florida.
Maynard has always been a passionate book lover. He
has written a children’s story, published by REAL magazine,
has won the Malahat Review Open Season Award, and
has twice been shortlisted for the CBC Literary Awards for
his non–fiction works.
Over time, Maynard evolved under the critical eyes
of Olympians, medal winners, and world-renowned
figures in the horse world, including Anne Kursinski,
Johann Hinnemann, Ingrid Klimke, David and Karen
O’Connor, Bruce Logan, and Ian Millar. He was
ignored, degraded, encouraged, and praised. He
was hired and fired, told he had the “wrong body
type to ride” and that he had found his “destiny.”
He got married and lost loved ones. Through it all he
studied the horse, and human nature, and how the
two can find balance. And in that journey, he may
have found himself.
Publishing June, 2018
From Trafalgar Square Books
www.horseandriderbooks.com
www.TikMaynard.com
Look for Tik’s
His & Hers interview
with LA Sokolowski-
Pomeroy in an
upcoming issue!
/www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
/www.horseandriderbooks.com
/www.TikMaynard.com