About
Black Hawk Equine was built on a shared passion for horses, a dedication to continual growth, and the belief that great horsemanship is about far more than simply riding. It's about understanding the horse in front of you, never settling for "good enough," and always striving to learn, improve, and provide a better experience for both horses and the people who love them.
Our team brings together diverse backgrounds and experiences from across the equine industry, allowing us to approach each horse and rider with a well-rounded perspective. From performance horse operations and breeding programs to horse care, education, and rider development, every member of Black Hawk Equine contributes something unique that strengthens our program.
We invite you to meet the people behind Black Hawk Equine and learn more about the experience, passion, and dedication that continue to shape who we are today!
Taylor Brinton
As Co-Owner and Head Trainer of Black Hawk Equine, Taylor Brinton leads the vision and direction of the program with a passion for developing both horses and riders. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management with an Equine Focus from Penn State University, she combines formal education with over a decade of professional experience in horse training, facility management, and the day-to-day operation of successful equine programs.
Taylor has successfully restarted and retrained more than 50 off-the-track Thoroughbreds, helping each horse develop the skills and confidence needed for a successful second career. Her experience spans ranch riding, reining, mounted shooting, trail, hunter under saddle, jumpers, and numerous other English and western disciplines, allowing her to create training programs tailored to the individual horse rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
With more than 12 years of colt starting and problem-solving experience, Taylor enjoys helping horses gain confidence while giving owners the knowledge and tools to continue building on that foundation. She has also trained police horses for the unique demands of public service and
is PATH-certified, providing therapeutic riding instruction for veterans, trauma survivors, individuals in recovery, and participants in equine-assisted programs.
Throughout her career, Taylor has managed several prominent equine facilities, including an FEI dressage program, nationally recognized hunter/jumper barns, and a premier Paint Horse breeding operation. Overseeing programs of up to 60 horses has provided extensive experience in breeding management, horse health, lesson programs, staff leadership, scheduling, and maintaining efficient, high-quality facility operations.
At Black Hawk Equine, Taylor oversees the training program, colt starting, rider instruction, horse development, and the long-term growth of the business. She is continually pursuing new educational opportunities in horse training, equine health, welfare, nutrition, and management, believing there is always more to learn in an industry that is constantly evolving.
Taylor's goal is simple: to help every horse reach its fullest potential while giving owners the confidence, knowledge, and support to enjoy the journey alongside them. Whether working with a young prospect, a seasoned performance horse, or a rider stepping into the saddle for the first time, she is dedicated to creating thoughtful programs that set both horse and rider up for long-term success.
Robert Harris
Robert Harris is the friendly face behind the scenes of Black Hawk Equine, ensuring everything runs smoothly for our clients and their horses. As the Business Manager, Robert oversees client relations, scheduling, and financial management, combining his professional expertise with a passion for creating exceptional experiences.
With a background in managing large-scale projects for an award-winning home builder, Robert brings meticulous attention to detail and a knack for keeping operations organized and efficient. His years of experience in project management have equipped him with the skills to handle the logistical challenges of running a busy equine facility while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere for clients. Robert’s success as a top sales representative for a leading automotive company further enhances his ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide tailored solutions. His approachable nature and dedication to exceptional customer service make him a trusted partner for our clients, whether they're scheduling lessons, discussing training plans, or exploring our sales options.
Committed to fostering a positive environment for everyone who visits Black Hawk Equine, Rob is here to ensure you feel supported, valued, and at home in our community!
Maggie Schamburg
Assistant Trainer Maggie Schamburg brings a diverse background in horse care, barn management, and performance horse operations to Black Hawk Equine. Her career has taken her across the country, working as a barn manager at several large-scale Warmblood and performance horse facilities, from California, Florida and more, before returning home to Maryland to become an integral part of our team.
In addition to her experience with Warmbloods and sport horses, Maggie has spent time in the Standardbred harness racing industry; giving her a unique perspective on conditioning, management, and performance that further expands the knowledge and experience available to our clients and their horses.
With years of riding experience rooted in the English discipline, Maggie has embraced the western industry with enthusiasm and dedication. Over the past several years, she has continually expanded her knowledge while playing an essential role in our young horse program, always bringing a thoughtful, patient approach to developing confident horses.
At Black Hawk Equine, Maggie oversees many of the day-to-day aspects of horse care that keep our program operating at the highest level. She manages our forage, feed, and individualized supplement programs, helps maintain the exceptional standard of care every horse receives, assists with colt starting and young horse development, and enjoys introducing new riders to the equestrian world through our beginner lesson program.
Maggie's commitment to lifelong learning, exceptional horse care, and quality horsemanship makes her an invaluable member of the Black Hawk Equine family. Her attention to detail, positive attitude, and genuine passion for both horses and people help ensure every horse that comes through our program receives the individualized care and foundation they deserve.
