MALACHI HINTON
Reflects on Business Ventures, Diversity and Competition in Wellington
It was a pleasure catching up with the young entrepreneur a few weeks ago to discuss all things related to her goals this winter season. I met her over a year ago at Global - just around the time that I made a bold decision to dive into the world of equine photography and mixed media. A fellow woman of color, deeply horse-obsessed and forging her own path in this sport, caught my eye from the jump (no pun intended). In a world that sometimes felt guarded and competitive, I found deep comfort in getting to know her outside of the ring and to capture the essence of her character behind my lens.
Let’s take the reins and step into the world of Malachi Hinton. She grew up in the historic city of Newport News, Virginia, is the founder of Rhema Sporthorses, and this year will be competing at two of the largest horse show venues in North America —the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, and the Longines Global Champions Tour in Miami Beach. A fact that carries weight whether spoken aloud or not. Watching her ride is empowering—not just because of her talent, discipline, and grit, but because of what her presence represents in an industry that still has a long way to go. It’s hard to ignore unspoken passion and the kind of quiet confidence it takes to show up fully as yourself. With a junior career marked by a string of accolades at the national level, she’s carrying that momentum forward as a professional and visionary behind her brand.
Her dedication doesn’t stop at the barn. She approaches business and sports management with the same focus, actively prioritizing opportunities to network and learn from leading professionals beyond the equestrian bubble. Drawing inspiration from global powerhouses like Formula One, tennis, and golf, she studies how these mainstream sports have mastered branding, athlete visibility, and commercial growth. Her goal is to see equestrian sport collide with these worlds—borrowing their playbooks, expanding its audience, and reimagining how show jumping can exist on the same cultural and commercial stage as today’s most recognizable sports.“The major goal for Rhema Sporthorses is to eventually be a top showjumping team”- Hinton says. Her entrepreneurial mindset is something that really stands out, shaped by the influence of her mother, who - like her - share the same vision in advancing the sport.
12/25/25; Wellington, FL; Malachi Hinton & Hollister Neufmanoir; Courtney Banks Photography
This season marks an exciting new chapter for Malachi and her team. “This is my first full season campaigning and competing for myself in Rhema Sporthorses. I have some really great supporters behind me who want to see me excel and reach the Grand Prix levels.” She will be accompanied by the newest in her fleet - Hollister, a 9 year old SF Selle Français mare and her 11 year old KWPN Dutch Warmblood gelding King, both of which encompass two completely different jumping styles. One is compact, quick, and electric—fast on her feet and bold to the fences. The other is big, thoughtful, and careful to the jumps. Malachi took the time with me to describe the unique and fun intricacies of each horse, and I couldn’t help but to compare her electric bay mare Hollister to one of my all time favorite horse flick phenoms Seabiscuit- “And though she be but little, she is fierce”- Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Considering the fact that she is the daughter to the super explosive Westphalian stallion Comme Il Faut, it will be fun to watch them grow together to say the least. The mare proceeded to nuzzle the front end of my camera as I stared in awe.
12/25/25; Wellington, FL; Malachi Hinton & King of Rock; Courtney Banks Photography
As our conversation settled into something more personal, Malachi spoke candidly about the space she occupies in the sport. “Being one of very few minority equestrians at this level of the sport can feel a bit lonely at times,” Malachi shares during our sit-down together. It’s an experience that has shaped not only her resilience as a competitor, but her determination to build something of her own — a presence rooted in purpose, visibility, and her deep faith in God. We also touched upon topics related to the financial challenges that can make pursuing your dreams feel nearly impossible. That’s why building an honest, dedicated team of supporters is so crucial. For Malachi, this team includes a remarkable group of Black investors who are not only funding her professional equestrian goals but also sharing in the vision of growth—growth in her skills, her career, and the representation of diversity in a sport in need of inclusivity. Together, they are helping turn ambition into reality, proving that with the right support and shared purpose, barriers can be transformed into opportunities.
Getting to know her beyond the barn revealed a deep love for learning, history, and the heroes who came before her—often found strolling through museums whenever she gets the opportunity between busy show weeks. It’s that respect for legacy, paired with her drive to compete, that makes her presence in the sport feel both meaningful and necessary.
12/25/25; Wellington, FL; Malachi Hinton & Hollister Neufmanoir; Courtney Banks Photography
