By: Athletux
Some stories in our sport deserve to be told again.
At Athletux, we’re incredibly proud to welcome Marilyn Little back to our athlete family—a partnership that has come full circle after more than a decade of following one of the most unique careers in equestrian sport.
We first worked with Marilyn during the height of her eventing career, when she had established herself as one of the world’s premier three-day event riders. Throughout those years, Athletux had the privilege of sharing her journey as she represented the United States on the international stage, earned individual and team gold medals at the Pan American Games, and competed at multiple FEI championships.
What makes Marilyn’s story so extraordinary, however, is that eventing wasn’t where it began.
Long before becoming a decorated event rider, Marilyn was already an accomplished international show jumper. Rather than staying comfortably in one discipline, she took on the enormous challenge of transitioning into eventing—a move that few elite riders have successfully made. She didn’t just compete; she excelled, becoming a championship medalist, a Nations Cup representative, a CCI5* rider, and one of the most recognizable names in the sport.
Now, in a remarkable full-circle moment, Marilyn has once again returned to the show jumping arena. And once again, she’s proving that exceptional horsemanship transcends disciplines.
At the heart of this exciting chapter is the extraordinary mare, La Contessa.
Every rider hopes to find that one horse who reminds them why they fell in love with the sport in the first place. For Marilyn, Contessa has been that horse.
Their partnership has reignited her passion for riding, bringing a renewed excitement to every round and every competition. The trust, confidence, and mutual respect between them are evident every time they enter the arena together, and watching their journey unfold has been one of the most inspiring stories in American show jumping.
That partnership has now reached one of the highest honors in the sport.
Marilyn and La Contessa have officially been selected to represent the United States at the FEI World Championships, an achievement that speaks not only to their talent but also to Marilyn’s relentless drive to reinvent herself while continuing to compete at the very highest level.
Very few riders have reached the pinnacle of one Olympic discipline. Even fewer have done it in two.
Marilyn’s career is a testament to what is possible through vision, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her craft and her horses. From international show jumping, to championship-winning eventing, and now back to representing Team USA in show jumping, she has built a legacy unlike almost anyone else in equestrian sport.
For all of us at Athletux, it’s especially meaningful to once again be part of that journey.
We are honored that Marilyn has chosen Athletux to help tell her story once again as she and La Contessa take on the world. We can’t wait to share the moments ahead and cheer them on as they represent the United States on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Welcome back, Marilyn. Here’s to the next chapter.
