Mimi Benton grew up in California. Her love for horses started at a young age and she would ride as many horses as she could. At the age of fifteen, she finally got her first horse by convincing her father she was responsible enough to own one, but had to pay for everything on her own. Mimi’s passion and dedication helped her earn the necessary money to own a horse by riding several others. Mimi would often ride four or five horses after school instead of doing her homework. She moved to Arkansas when the land she rode on became a new development project for new homes. Mimi continues to ride multiple horses a day. Her passion for riding and sharing her love of dressage with others will continue to be a lifelong passion.
Accomplishments
- 2013:
- USDF (United States Dressage Federation) Bronze Medal on her home-trained Hanoverian, Lexington.
- 2015:
- Region 4 Championships :
- Champion at Training Level with a score of 75% out of 24 riders.
- Reserve Champion at First Level with a score of 73%.
- Dressage National Finals:
- Placed 3rd on Wiebekka with a score of 72%
- Scored in the ribbons at First Level with a score of 70%
- Region 4 Championships :
- 2017:
- US Dressage Finals:
- Earned USDF Silver Medal at Prix St. George.
- Region 9 Championships:
- Reserve Champion with a score of 68.882%
- 3rd place for Second Level with a score of 67.927%
- 3rd place for Third Level with a score of 66.731%.
- US Dressage Finals:
- 2018:
- Began training and working for I-1 and earned her first two scores towards her gold medal in Intermediate I.
- The dream of USDF GOLD became in reality at Texas Rose Horse Park in 2023. Mimi earned her two remaining scores in the Grand Prix for the GOLD.
- 2024:
- Awarded Dressage Foundation Instructors Grant for USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program.
- Present:
- Mimi has instructed riders who are reaching for their goals.
- She continues to compete as much as her schedule allows.
Mimi has ridden with Lilo Fore, Janet Foye, Sarah Geike, Heidi Chote, Cathy Zappe, Jurgen Hoffman, Sarah Martin, Melissa Creswick, Lisa Wilcox, Rebecca Rigdon, Lurena Bell, and Kim Koford.
Current Goals:
- Completed USDF L Program. First 3 levels are done!
- Work towards Training, First, and Second Level Certification
- Complete USDF Instructor/Trainer Certification Development Program
Sponsors & Affiliates
