“I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Marli McMullen. As the owner and trainer of Endeavor Farm, I have spent more than 30 years working with horses, ponies, and students of all levels. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of developing riders and watching them grow within the equestrian sport. This experience has allowed me to recognize the qualities that distinguish successful riders, including dedication, coachability, perseverance, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to improvement.
I have had the pleasure of working with Marli for approximately two summers and two winters, and during that time I have had the opportunity to watch her grow not only as a rider, but also as a dedicated, hardworking, and determined young woman.
From the beginning, Marli has stood out as an exceptional student. She consistently arrives on time, prepared, and eager to learn. She approaches every lesson with focus and a positive attitude, always looking for ways to improve herself and become a more effective rider. Her commitment to her training and willingness to put in the necessary work are qualities that set her apart.
Throughout our time together, Marli has continually worked to improve her position, effectiveness with the horses, and ability to communicate clearly and confidently. She has shown significant improvement in her position, leg placement, balance, and ability to adjust and influence a horse’s stride. Her willingness to listen, apply instruction, and make adjustments demonstrates that she is highly coachable and committed to becoming the best rider she can be.
What impresses me most about Marli is the work ethic and dedication she brings to the sport. Her growth as an equestrian reflects the countless hours she has invested in training, developing her skills, and building partnerships with her horses. Her achievements in competition are a direct result of her discipline, determination, and passion for riding.
Beyond her abilities as a rider, Marli is a respectful, dependable, and positive individual. She understands the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and patience, which are all essential qualities in a collegiate equestrian environment. She would be an asset to any team and would contribute not only through her riding ability, but also through her character and commitment.
After more than 30 years of teaching students and working with horses and ponies, I can confidently say that Marli possesses the dedication, maturity, and determination needed to continue succeeding at a high level. It has truly been a pleasure working with her, and I believe she will represent any program with professionalism, enthusiasm, and integrity.
I highly recommend Marli McMullen and believe she would be an outstanding addition to a collegiate equestrian team.
Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information.”
~ Marianne Roth, Owner & Trainer, Endeavor Farm
“I have had the privilege of working with Marli over the past few years as she advanced from jumping 2′ with a very green horse to jumping around the 3’3″ medals and Junior Hunters on various horses. She has developed into a skilled, dedicated, and adaptable equestrian athlete.
Marli possesses the foundational qualities that college coaches look for in a recruit. She is a versatile rider who never shies away from unfamiliar mounts. In the last two months, she piloted a green hunter that she had ridden for just a few weeks to its first 3’3″ medals and hunter classes. Then after a week on a new Eq horse, qualified for the 3’3” Jumping Seat finals on it at WEC Ocala.
She has soft hands, correct equitation, and a calm demeanor that will help her excel in collegiate programs.
In addition to her riding skills, Marli has an excellent work ethic. Always putting the horse first, she makes sure they are cared for before she is.
She takes direction extremely well, which allows her to absorb feedback from her trainers and clinicians.
She knows how to manage her time efficiently, balancing her riding schedules with her academics.
Marli has the drive, talent, and coachability to make a positive impact to her campus community.
I highly recommend Marli to your program.
Please feel free to contact me directly at 719/332-3178 or via email at [email protected] if you need any further information or to discuss her riding abilities in greater detail.”
~ Julie Harrington, Trainer and USEF ‘R’ Judge
“It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Marli McMullen as she pursues a position on a collegiate equestrian team. I have had the privilege of working with Marli for over two years through my training program and have watched her grow into an accomplished, dedicated, and resilient equestrian. I recommend her without hesitation.
During her time in our program, Marli has successfully progressed through the divisions, consistently advancing her skills while actively competing and earning top placings in both equitation and hunter classes. Her commitment to improving her riding, combined with her competitive drive, has allowed her to achieve success while continuing to develop into a well rounded horsewoman.
Marli consistently arrives prepared, maintains a positive attitude, and is willing to put in the work required to accomplish her goals. She is coachable, accepts constructive criticism with maturity, and continually strives to improve both in and out of the show ring.
What sets Marli apart is her resilience and adaptability. When her own horse was sidelined due to injury, she refused to let that obstacle define her season. Instead, she confidently stepped onto multiple unfamiliar horses, quickly adapting to each one and continuing to compete at a high level. Rather than simply participating, she continued to earn wins and top placings. This ability to ride a variety of horses successfully is a testament to her feel, horsemanship, and determination. These qualities that are invaluable in a collegiate riding program.
Marli is also incredibly goal oriented. She focuses on her own development while remaining humble and supportive of those around her. She understands that success comes from dedication and consistency, and she approaches every ride with a willingness to learn.
Equally important, Marli is a true team player. She is encouraging to her teammates, respectful of trainers and fellow competitors, and contributes positively to the atmosphere of the barn. She understands the importance of supporting others while working toward shared goals, making her an excellent fit for the team environment of collegiate equestrian competition.
I have every confidence that Marli will be a tremendous asset to any collegiate equestrian program. She possesses the work ethic, sportsmanship, adaptability, competitive spirit, and character necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. I am excited to see what she accomplishes in the next chapter of her riding career and recommend her with my highest confidence.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can provide any additional information.”
~ Kris Di Carlo, Head Trainer/Owner, Kris Di Carlo Equestrian
“As a barnmate of Marli’s I can confidently say there has not been a day I have witnessed where she hasn’t put in 100% effort and care, not only into her riding, but also into her horse’s well-being. I have had the pleasure of knowing Marli for the past 3 years, and have seen first-hand the work she has put into progressing her abilities to get better each day, and I know she will continue to do so all 4 years for her future team. And as a peer who has had the opportunity to ride beside her, the incredible support and encouragement Marli has shown our fellow barnmates and I throughout our rides is a true testament to her uplifting nature and positive outlook. Being a collegiate rider means being a good competitor, teammate, and cheerleader; all of which are skills Marli will provide to a very lucky team someday.”
~ Hallie Nelson; Sweet Briar College class of 2029, NCEA collegiate athlete
“Through my experience on both an NCEA and an IHSA equestrian team, I’ve been lucky to interact with fellow riders from all different backgrounds and disciplines. I’ve learned to appreciate that time spent on horse care and team bonding are equally important, if not more, than riding skill and experience.
Marli is a great example of these qualities. She and I rode together before I left for college, and she started riding a horse I had leased for a couple of years shortly after. She now owns him, and I couldn’t imagine a better partner for him. Marli frequently sends me updates and spends lots of time loving and caring for him, demonstrating her dedication to horsemanship. She consistently takes opportunities to ride new horses and gain more riding experience while maintaining a strong commitment to supporting other members of the equestrian community, setting jumps with her trainers at shows and always lending a helping hand to other riders heading into the ring. Her beautiful riding and passion for horses and her fellow equestrians make her a great fit for riding on a college team!”
~ Katherine Hoerle