This week’s episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, is with one of the top trainers in the United States and the owner and founder of Stonehenge Stables, Max Amaya.

Born in Argentina, Max was exposed to show jumping at age 9 by his grandfather and learned to ride under his tutelage. After moving through the junior ranks and onto the South American grand prix circuit, Max moved to Canada to work for Mario Deslauriers in 1992.  

Then, in 2000, Max made the final decision to relocate to the U.S. where he was introduced to Stacia Klein Madden and Frank Madden and joined the team at Beacon Hill Stables. During that time, Max got the ride on Church Road, a horse he rode at the World Equestrian Games and Pan American Games and who he speaks lovingly about during the conversation. When he wasn’t competing, Max brought his show jumping expertise to students at Beacon Hill and trained countless to success. 

In 2006, Max founded his own training business, Stonehenge Stables, which is located in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Stonehenge provides a range of training from short stirrup to grand prix with a foundation rooted in traditional equitation principles—skills that Max believes are what propels U.S. riders to such great heights. His students are ranked among the country’s top riders in the junior, amateur, and professional divisions, with 19 ribbons won at major equitation finals, 10 ribbons at North American Young Rider Championships and 4 that have ridden on the United States Equestrian Team.  

This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, with three research-backed ration balancers to fill nutritional gaps in your horse’s diet. Enrich Plus delivers a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. Enrich Plus Senior features ActivAge Prebiotic Technology and Outlast Supplement for aging easy-keepers. Omega Match is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, great for horses without access to green grass. Find a ration balancer for your horse at purinamills.com/RationBalancers, or visit your local feed store.