Never Have I Ever

For everyone who had the privilege of being part of Never Have I Ever’s extraordinary life, the memories are countless. World Championships, Congress victories, unforgettable rides, and the friendships formed along the way. But today, as the industry mourns her unexpected passing, it is the beautiful sorrel mare they affectionately called “Madonna” who is being remembered most.

The heartbreaking news was shared by Starnes Quarter Horses, where Madonna was born, raised, and trained. At just nine years old, her passing has left an enormous void in the lives of those who loved her, particularly her owner, Jordan Macan, and the many people who were fortunate enough to share in her remarkable journey.

Foaled in 2017, Madonna was a double-registered AQHA/APHA mare by No Doubt Im Lazy and out of A Certain Illusion. Bred by Rawlings Enterprises LLC of Summerton, South Carolina, she possessed the exceptional talent and quality that would eventually make her one of the most celebrated Western Pleasure mares of her generation.

Her accomplishments began early, and they came in extraordinary fashion.

Under the guidance of Jay Starnes and with young exhibitor Dakota Andrie, Madonna quickly established herself as a formidable competitor. At the 2020 NSBA World Championship Show, she captured an incredible seven Western Pleasure titles, including World Championships in the 3-Year-Old Open, 3-Year-Old Intermediate Non-Pro, and Open Junior Western Pleasure.

That same year, Dakota and Madonna earned both the Level 1 and Level 2 AQHYA World Championships in Youth Western Pleasure. Their success continued into 2021, when the pair claimed the APHA World Championship in Western Pleasure 18 & Under and the coveted Level 3 AQHYA World Championship in Youth Western Pleasure 14–18.

Madonna also earned the 2021 AQHA Level 3 Reserve World Championship in Junior Western Pleasure, shown by Sara Simons, adding another prestigious accomplishment to an already remarkable record.

By the time she was five years old, Madonna had accomplished more than many horses achieve in an entire lifetime. Yet her career was still unfolding.

In May 2022, Madonna began a new chapter when Kent Ray Taylor purchased her from Dakota Andrie. The decision was an emotional one for the Andrie family, who had shared so many extraordinary moments with the mare. Dakota’s mother, Dana, spoke at the time about how important it was to find Madonna a wonderful home, knowing that the mare would always hold a special place in her daughter’s heart.

It was a testament to the kind of horse Madonna had become. Her success in the show pen was undeniable, but the bond she formed with the people who rode and cared for her was every bit as meaningful.

That connection was especially evident in the heartfelt tribute shared by Dakota following the news of Madonna’s passing.

Dakota remembered how grateful she was to have been Madonna’s person, describing a mare who made her dreams come true, taught her so much, and gave her memories she would cherish forever. For a young exhibitor, finding a horse capable of achieving such extraordinary things is rare. Finding one who becomes such an important part of your life is something else entirely.

Madonna was both.

Dana and John Andrie also shared their heartbreak, remembering the special mare who had been such a significant part of their family’s lives. Though the years had brought new owners, new opportunities, and new accomplishments, the love they carried for Madonna had never diminished.

At Starnes Quarter Horses, the loss is deeply personal as well. Madonna’s story began in their barn, and the team watched her grow from a promising young horse into a champion recognized across the industry. Their tribute spoke of the memories, accomplishments, and lasting relationships created throughout her life, while expressing heartfelt gratitude to the veterinarians and friends who worked tirelessly in their efforts to save her.

There is tremendous sadness in knowing that a mare with so much life still ahead of her is gone. Madonna had already written an extraordinary chapter in Western Pleasure history, and there should have been so many more years to enjoy her.

Still, what she accomplished in those nine years was remarkable.

She helped a young girl realize her dreams. She gave trainers and exhibitors moments they will remember for the rest of their lives. She brought families, friends, and competitors together through a shared appreciation for a truly exceptional horse. And wherever her journey took her, she left people who continued to love her long after their time together had changed.

The championships will remain part of the record books, but Madonna’s greatest legacy may be found in the people who can look back on their years with her and say that she changed their lives.

From all of us at StallionCompare, we extend our deepest condolences to Jordan Macan, Dakota, Dana, and John Andrie, Jay Starnes and the entire Starnes Quarter Horses family, Brianne Lenehan, Kent Ray Taylor, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing, showing, caring for, and loving Never Have I Ever.

Rest peacefully, beautiful Madonna.

You gave your people so much to celebrate, so much to be proud of, and now, so much to remember.

What a privilege it must have been to call you theirs. ❤️