Margaret Hutchison established Larkin’ Hill in 1995. A highly respected riding instructor, trainer and competitor for nearly 30 years, Margie has competed in eventing since the early 1980’s and currently competes at recognized horse trials and international three-day events at the Intermediate level. She trains with international event rider, Marcia Kulak, and with Eric Horgan, a former member of the Irish Olympic Three-Day Event Team and a renowned clinician, coach and official.
Margie began riding as a child in North Salem, New York, where she came up through ranks in the equitation division, training with such luminaries as Victor Hugo-Vidal and Ronnie Mutch. She earned a U.S. Pony Club “B” level rating, and, at 17, she placed fifth in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
After graduating from Skidmore College in 1974, Margie began her professional career as a riding instructor and horse trainer in Old Chatham, New York. She became involved in breeding, training and showing Morgan horses in various disciplines. She won numerous national and regional championships, including the inaugural “Versatility Challenge of the Breeds” championship at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show in St. Louis, Missouri, with her homebred Mancunian Dauphin. Margie also has foxhunted for many years, earning her colors as a member of the Old Chatham Hunt Club, and served as member of the former Taconic Hunt Club staff.
A number of Margie’s students also have competed successfully at horse shows, horse trials and three-day events up to Preliminary level. Through her 30+-year career with horses, she has introduced countless students of all ages to the joys of riding in the Hudson Valley and the many opportunities it offers in dressage, eventing, foxhunting, horse shows, hunter pacing and trail riding.
In addition to being an instructor, trainer and active competitor, Margie also serves on the board of directors of the Eastern New York Dressage and Combined Training Association (ENYDCTA). She is a former co-chair of Area I (New York/New England region) of the United States Eventing Association and has organized several USEA-recognized horse trials in upstate New York. She currently is the Organizer of the annual ENYDCTA Horse Trials in Old Chatham, New York.
Recently, Margie has become a Level II Certified Instructor with USEA, and is a USEF Recorded Judge for Eventing.