By Sondra Barr

Photos courtesy of the Bein family

For McKenna Bein, horses aren’t just a hobby—they’re a way of life. The 18-year-old senior at Cactus Shadows High School has been riding since she was big enough to sit in a saddle. Growing up with a horse trainer for a mom, McKenna started competing when she was just four years old. Now, after more than a decade of dedication, she’s gearing up for the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which runs from Feb. 13 to 23. It is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse competitions in the world.

McKenna has been showing at the event since she was 5, making this her 13th year competing in the show. Over the years, she’s tackled nearly every discipline—reining, horsemanship, trail, ranch riding, showmanship—you name it, she’s probably done it. This year, she’ll be riding multiple client horses in a variety of performance events. But her heart belongs to her own horse, Adessa, a decorated champion with 10 national titles!

Preparing for the big event takes serious commitment. McKenna rides four to five horses nearly every day, practicing multiple disciplines to keep her skills sharp. But all that hard work pays off—especially when it leads to unforgettable moments. One of her favorite memories? The time she tripped and fell just before stepping into the arena for a showmanship class. With dirt on her clothes and determination in her heart, she entered the ring and won her first national championship!

McKenna’s passion and talent have earned her a Division I scholarship to Texas A&M University, where she’ll ride for their equestrian team. But no matter how far she goes, the lessons she’s learned from horses will stay with her.

Her advice for aspiring riders? “Start early, work hard, and enjoy every moment—even the tough ones.” And when it’s time to compete, she has a special ritual: listening to a calming podcast before heading into the ring.

As horse girls gain popularity on social media, McKenna hopes people recognize the real work behind the scenes—the early mornings, the endless grooming, and the deep bond between horse and rider.

With her dedication and love for the sport, there’s no doubt McKenna Bein is a rider to watch at this year’s Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show—and beyond!

To learn more about the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, visit scottsdaleshow.com.