Mainstream v brakes were really 1997, hence the sites cut off at 97 for retro over modern, but what's a year anyway. Are you saying she won it in 96 but it was older?
Maguras are supposedly a great brake, but if you aren't keen, v brakes are what I'd switch to.
Are the forks wearing the maguras pace? Are the maguras fitted to standard brake bosses or dedicated magura mounts? Hopefully it's standard brake bosses or you have the added pain of sourcing the correct brake mounts for the forks.
As has been said, xt v brakes came out around 96/7, lovely looking brakes but if looking to buy a set, make sure there isn't play in the linkage as it rattles annoyingly as you ride.
Xtr m950 came out around 98, linkage design so same potential issue. It can be tuned out with shims if you want to take them apart.
Other Vs of the period worth a look are dx (red, no linkage to worry about) and SRAM 9.0.
You've then got more fancy options like onza, marinovative, Paul's, controltech and others.
If you aren't too worried about period correct (I'm not, but that's me), then there are lots of options like avid (various SD range, but 7, sl, to and mag were higher end).
Not meaning to plug anything I'm selling, but I do have an unhealthily large collection of v brakes if you are looking to go that route).
Post a pic of the bike, would be nice to see and I'm sure help us all assist with your brake choices.