United States Eventing Association

From the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Cross-Country: Miriam Keefer’s Eventing Journey

At last fall's Full Moon Farm Horse Trials, 16-year-old Miriam Keefer guided her horse, Micky, over the final cross-country jump with quiet determination and a flash of joy. It was her first recognized event at the Novice level, and she placed second out of 16 competitors—qualifying her for both the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and a long-format three-day event. To the casual observer, it was a successful round at the Finksburg, Maryland, event. To those who knew her story, it was something more: the latest chapter in an incredible journey that began more than 7,000 miles away.

Keefer was just 2 years old when she first met Susie Keefer, the woman who would later become her adoptive mother. Susie traveled from Delaware to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a mission team for the United Methodist Congo Partnership, visiting a nutrition center in Mpasa where hundreds of children came to be fed every day. “She put her little arms up for me to pick her up,” Susie recalled. “Each time I tried to put her down, she kept her arms wrapped around my neck and her legs tightly around my waist.”

That visit turned into something life-changing for both of them when Susie decided to adopt Miriam. What was initially described as a four-month process turned into 14 months of navigating international regulations and unforeseen government delays. Susie ended up staying in the Congo for 37 days to complete the adoption, while her husband, Ed Keefer, returned home. They were staying with the center's director, which allowed Susie to continue working at the nutrition center during that time.

Over the course of multiple trips, Susie and Ed founded a second nutrition center—Miriam’s Table—just a few miles from where they had first met their daughter. Susie continued to return year after year, marking her eighteenth trip to the Congo this past November for the center’s 10-year anniversary.

By the time Miriam came home to Delaware at age 4, she had already inspired a movement. Years later, when she returned to visit the Congo, Susie found her gently feeding children in the same way she once had been. “Her life was full circle—from a child who once was fed, to one who feeds others,” Susie said.

Though her early childhood was marked by immense change, Miriam adapted quickly. She picked up English with ease, excelled in school, and settled into life with her parents and two older siblings, Jaclyn and Jim Keefer. But even Susie couldn’t have predicted the next twist: horses.

It started with a show on Netflix—”Free Rein”—that ignited something in Miriam, though her first real encounter with horses came earlier, with a beachside pony ride at a fall festival in Rehoboth. One day, out of the blue, Miriam said she wanted to go to horse camp. “We were completely surprised,” Susie said. “We weren’t horse people at all.”

That summer, Susie found Winswept Stables, a nearby day camp run by eventing rider and trainer Dawn Beach. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Beach brought structure and high expectations to the barn—but also a deep well of care for both horses and riders. She remained an active competitor herself, often hauling a trailer of students and horses to shows, where she coached from sunrise to sunset. For Miriam, watching her in the ring was just as inspiring as learning from her in lessons. From the start, it was about more than just riding. Beach emphasized horsemanship and care, bringing in veterinarians and equine dentists to teach campers the full scope of responsibility.

“Miriam really fell in love with the horses,” Susie said. “And we fell in love watching her.”

Miriam quickly became a regular at the barn, taking lessons throughout the year and returning to camp each summer. She began competing in starter trials on lesson horses Blaze and Dolly, and eventually met her biggest challenge—and greatest partner—in Master Magician (“Micky”), a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Tiznow x Im A Flake) who had been Beach’s former ride.

“I started riding Micky about two years ago,” Miriam explained. “He had a powerful landing after a jump. My first few lessons with him, I ended up on the ground several times. Ms. Dawn called him a ‘rocket jumper.’ ”

Beach vividly remembered that first ride. “She must have flown off of him five or six times in that one lesson,” she said. “But with tears in her eyes, she kept getting back on. She was determined to learn how to ride him.”

That determination paid off. Over time, Miriam and Micky became an inseparable pair. They tackled starter trials, moved up through the levels, and grew into a true team. “Our partnership has grown so much,” Miriam said. “He has a very quirky personality, especially at shows. It takes about 40 minutes of practice to calm him down before we compete.”

Micky’s energy proved a perfect match for Miriam’s favorite phase: cross-country. “I love the freedom and speed out there with just me and Micky,” she said. “It’s his favorite part, too.”

But the journey wasn’t always smooth. As Miriam moved up to the Novice level, she found new challenges, particularly in the dressage ring. “It required more intricate details,” Susie said. “The rider and horse really need to be in sync.”

“I know a lot of people go through this stage,” Miriam said, “but at the moment I do struggle with it. Getting Micky supple and in frame can be tough—but we’re working on it.”

Beach agreed. “Now their biggest challenge is her learning to become that more sophisticated rider in dressage to get the best out of [Micky],” she said. “But she’s one of those kids who stands out for their commitment and love of the sport. I’ve taught many kids over the years, and there are always a few who leave a lasting impression—Miriam will be one of those.”

Through it all, eventing gave Miriam more than ribbons and recognition. “She has blossomed into a confident rider,” Susie said. “We can see that confidence slowly spilling over into other areas of her life—school, friendships, everything.”

Even Miriam had started to recognize it. “Horseback riding gave me confidence in myself as a rider,” she said. “Sometimes, I don’t see it, but other times I do.”

She credited much of her progress to Beach, who continued to ride and compete alongside her students. “Ms. Dawn was my inspiration,” Miriam said. “I strive to be like her. She really cares about helping us succeed. You can feel how much she loves the horses and wants us to be great riders.”

This fall, Miriam and Micky set their sights on their biggest challenge yet: the Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event (Laytonsville, Maryland). It would be a major milestone, but Miriam is ready. “I do hope to be very prepared for it,” she said. “That’s our goal.”

Whatever happens, she knows she won’t be doing it alone. Her parents are always at her side—her mom, ready to help tack up and keep everything organized; her dad, holding Micky or lending a hand wherever needed. Beach remains a steady guide. And most of all, she’s forged a bond with her horse that continues to push her forward.

For Miriam, that journey—from a nutrition center in the Congo to the cross-country course on Micky’s back—has never been just about winning. It’s about connection, perseverance, and the quiet power of believing in what’s possible, one stride at a time.