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AQHA Manager Jemma presenting the AQHA Incentive Awards for $ 2,500 Cash – Breeder Incentive & $ 2,500 Cash – Owner Incentive to Penny Macintosh on Metric Man Q-97271
A fitting recognition for the team behind an exceptional athlete. An outstanding rider, an exceptional horse, and a thoroughly deserved win on one of the nation’ s most prestigious stages.
DISCOVERING METRIC MAN Q-97271 The story of Metric Man Q-97271 began with a moment that many horse trainers recognise instantly that feeling when you sit on a horse and know there’ s something special.
“ The first time I saw Metric, Cameron Parker was riding him out the back at Nutrien,” Macintosh says.“ I mentioned to Les and Carmen that I’ d found a horse.”
After asking Parker if she could have a ride, the connection was immediate.
“ The moment I walked off on him I knew there was something very special about him,” she says with a laugh.“ He’ s like a Ferrari with legs.”
BALANCING BUSINESS AND COMPETITION Alongside her competitive career, Macintosh runs the successful training and coaching operation High Heel Horses a business that continues to expand through clinics and education.
Penny Macintosh on Metric Man Q-97271
Rather than seeing competition and business as competing demands, she believes they complement each other.
“ I find it all ties in well together,” she explains.“ The clinics I run within my business are growing all the time, and that’ s something I’ m really passionate about and love doing.”
BUILDING TRUST WITH EVERY HORSE For Macintosh, success in the arena starts long before the competition run. It begins at home with the daily work that builds confidence and understanding between horse and rider.
“ The bond I have with Metric and with all my horses comes down to trust in one another,” she says.“ What I show them, they give me back in full return.”
Her preparation focuses less on drilling manoeuvres and more on creating confident, capable horses.
“ At home, my preparation for any event is about building and maintaining their confidence so we can handle whatever is put in front of us.”
2026 AQHA MARCH / APRIL ISSUE