She has faced setbacks from a young age, but has never let them define her. Raleigh Hiler is an American show jumper who has always dreamed big – and has an even bigger drive to keep pushing forward. Once terrified of horses, she has now represented Team USA at the Nations Cup, helping her team secure third place in Vejer de la Frontera in 2025. Read on to get to know MD athlete Raleigh Hiler.

About Raleigh Hiler  

• Born: September 13, 1999

• Lives in: Boston, USA

• Competes for: USA 🇺🇸

• Discipline: Show jumping

• Instagram: @raleighhiler
  
  

For someone who doesn’t know you, how would you describe yourself?

– I would describe myself as hardworking, determined, and resilient. Once I set my mind to something, I will see it through and do everything I can, physically and mentally, to achieve my goals. I’ve had many personal setbacks, including ones related to my riding career, and giving up on my dreams has never been an option.

How did you get into horses from the beginning?

– I had bacterial meningitis when I was eight months old. As a result, I lost 100% of my hearing and received cochlear implants to help me hear and interact with the hearing world. When I was young, I was in a school program that involved other deaf and hard-of-hearing kids. One of my best friends from this program lived across the street from a farm, so whenever I went over to her house, we would pet the horses and watch them. I was terrified of them, but I was also obsessed. None of my family was ever involved with horses, so I begged my parents to let me take lessons. I started by going to riding camp for a couple of weeks during the summer, and that turned into weekly lessons at a local farm in my town. I never dreamed that I would be where I am today, as the horse world was such a foreign concept to my family.

What is it about show jumping that got you intrigued?

– I love the adrenaline associated with show jumping. I love that the courses are always different, the jumps are big, and that there is a new set of challenges every round. It’s quite a remarkable feeling to be able to prove to yourself that you can accomplish something challenging. That’s what show jumping gives me every time I go into the ring. Additionally, what I love about show jumping is that you have to manage and control your impulses and emotions. I was always into sports growing up, and I was a rough-and-tumble type of kid. Show jumping has given me an outlet to channel that energy while teaching me discipline.

“I love the adrenaline associated with show jumping. I love that the courses are always different, the jumps are big, and that there is a new set of challenges every round.”

– Raleigh Hiler

Could you tell us a bit about your top horses right now? 

– Obora’s Chloe (barn name: Chloe) is currently the top horse in my string. I’ve had her for about four years, and we’ve had many firsts together, including competing in our five five-star grand prix and representing the US on the international stage. Chloe is bold, forgiving, and a competitor at heart. I know many people say this about their horses, but I truly believe Chloe wouldn’t put in the same effort for other riders. I like to think that she knows how much she means to me and what she’s done for my riding career. She has a marish personality in that she will fight for you as long as you love her, but she is actually incredibly friendly in her stall and on the ground. She’s always in the mood to snuggle and pose for a picture.

– Lennox VD Bisschop (barn name: Lennox) is another one of my top horses in the string. He has an unconventional jump and is pretty goofy, but he’s so fun to ride and quite lovable. My barn manager says she trusts him with her little kids because he is such a sensitive giant. He truly always wants to do the right thing – he never gives you an indication that he wants to be rude. One of my favorite things about him is his walk. When he is excited and feeling ready, he likes to flick his toes in a very dramatic way. I always joke that we are in the wrong discipline!

Which qualities do you believe are your biggest strengths as a show jumper?

– My biggest strengths as a show jumper are my sensitivity and resilience. I’ve always been able to form a connection with the horses I ride. Throughout my riding career, I’ve had a lot of horses with quirks, and I’ve loved every single one of them. I’ve been able to adapt to them and work alongside their quirks. While I am sensitive with my horses, I am also resilient. Any rider knows that you can’t get far in this sport without having doubts, fears, and setbacks. While I still struggle with all of those from time to time, I’ve worked to overcome significant challenges and never back down. This sport can be extremely mentally challenging, and it can beat you down if you let it. However, I’ve gotten further along in this sport than I ever dreamed, and my goals never stop getting bigger and scarier.

“Any rider knows that you can’t get far in this sport without having doubts, fears, and setbacks. While I still struggle with all of those from time to time, I’ve worked to overcome significant challenges and never back down.”

– Raleigh Hiler

What are your proudest achievements in your career so far?

– My most significant achievement is placing third on the podium with my team members in the Nation’s Cup of Vejer de la Frontera. This was my first time wearing the pinque coat, so naturally, it was a very special and exciting time for me. To be selected for the team was an accomplishment in itself; however, to place 3rd out of 18 teams was a dream come true.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

– I was riding for Team USA in a Nations Cup in Denmark when I went clear till the last line, then fell off. This was definitely the worst moment in my riding career. Being on the ground in the pinque jacket, letting down my team members, chef d’équipe, parents, trainer, and horse, was an extreme low for me. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have negative thoughts about myself and my riding.  However, the great thing in this case was that I was able to ride again in the second round. It was extremely hard, but I put myself in a different headspace. I told myself that I could be as upset as I wanted after the day was over, but in the next couple of hours, I owed it to myself and my team members to put my best foot forward. I went into the next round truly believing I would go clear and trusting myself and my horse. I was clear all the way up until the last rail. We ended the round on four faults. Nothing about the day was perfect, but it taught me a lot about my ability to overcome challenges and the power of mental strength. 

What are your future goals as an equestrian?

– I think it’s easy to get caught up in results-oriented goals. I do have those, of course. However, my future goals are to continue improving my horsemanship skills, become mentally stronger, and enjoy the process. So much of show jumping is objective, which I personally love about the discipline. However, I do think it’s important to focus on personal growth because results don't define your worth.

How do you feel about becoming an MD athlete?

– I am extremely excited to be part of the team! I absolutely love the collection, and the clothes make me confident and comfortable. Additionally, everyone on the team has been a joy to work with. I am very much looking forward to the collaboration and can’t wait to show off some of my favorite Maya apparel.

What are your favorites from the Maya Delorez collection?

– The Athlete Breeches! They hug my waist nicely without being too tight. The material is also soft and sweat-wicking. I also love the performance jackets! They come in so many pretty colors, and they are perfect for chilly morning rides.