Marci Fisk and her mare Piper working cattle in a cutting arena.
CuttingMarci FiskNovember 2026OklahomaPiperReal RiderReal Rider of the Month

Marci & Piper: November 2026 Real Rider

NOVEMBER 2026 · WELLSTON, OKLAHOMA · CUTTING

What Marci and Piper brought home from Worlds

Marci Fisk and Piper walked into the herd at the AQHA World Show with a lot of hope and a lot of hours behind them. The run didn’t go the way Marci wanted. She still came home proud of Piper and with a clearer idea of the rider she wants to be for her mare.

Meet Marci Fisk and Piper, our November 2026 Draw It Out® Real Rider honorees.

“You can come home disappointed in a run and still be proud of your journey. I know I am.”

Marci Fisk

The mare with the little star

Marci bought Piper, registered as Hashtag Legendary, when she was four. Piper is now a seven-year-old bay Quarter Horse mare with a little star on her forehead and a habit of chewing on her lead rope. Marci describes her as quiet and willing, with her own way of doing things. Three years in, learning that way of doing things is still part of the partnership.

What it took to get to the herd

Marci and Piper are a weekend cutting team competing in NCHA and AQHA events. Practice happens around work, family, and everything that needs doing at home. There are stalls to clean, a trailer to get ready, lessons to make time for, and another ride to fit into the week. For Marci, getting to the World Show meant learning to be more consistent in the middle of all of that.

“Between work, family, and responsibilities at home, I make time to ride, take lessons, and haul when I can.”

Marci Fisk

There was also a stretch when Piper was injured in training. Marci remembers veterinary visits, corrective shoeing, and the patience it took to give Piper time. Her regular barn routine includes wraps when hauling or stalling, a stall mat, and Draw It Out® liniment and gel. Knowing what they’d worked through made that trip to the herd mean even more.

Pay attention to the horse underneath you

When Marci talks about improving, she starts with Piper. She’s learned to recognize a good effort while it’s happening and to notice when they’ve done enough for the day. She has goals for their next trips to the herd, and she wants Piper to feel good about the work they do together.

“One of the biggest lessons has been learning to pay attention to the horse underneath me.”

Marci Fisk

Why we selected Marci and Piper

Marci gave us a story any rider can use. There’s the work you do to get ready, the run you actually get, and the horse you take home. Her advice for that last part is simple. Keep showing up for your horse, pay attention to the effort they give you, and give yourself credit for how far you’ve come together.

Thank you, Marci, for letting us share Piper’s story. We’re proud to feature you both and glad there are more trips to the herd ahead.

Meet the other 2026 Real Riders

Story and photo submitted by Marci Fisk and shared with her permission.

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