“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1:3)
Growing up in Georgetown, Texas, I found my passion in the most fitting place—the barn. The crunch of hay under my boots and the scent of dust and manure in the air are as familiar to me now as they were the first time I sat on a pony—a little Shetland named Sparky in the summer of 2011. From running through grass fields at summer camp to spending every spare moment at the barn, riding has never been just a sport to me; it’s a way of life, built on trust, communication, and perseverance.
In the spring of 2023, I faced one of my biggest challenges. My beloved mare was no longer suited for the demands of the junior hunter division, and just as I was preparing for Junior Hunter Finals, I suffered a concussion. In an instant, my dream felt out of reach. But instead of letting setbacks define me, I poured my energy into recovery and training a new baby green through the relentless Texas summer heat. Without realizing it at the time, producing this young horse into a successful performance hunter became one of my greatest accomplishments outside of competition. What started as an unexpected challenge turned into a defining journey—one that strengthened my patience, persistence, and faith while making me a better rider and individual.
I currently train with Kalli Smith at Monarch Stables in Buda, Texas. My recent accomplishments include:
2025
- Qualified for the Gladstone Cup
- Qualified for Dover Medal Finals
- Texas Winter Series 4: 15-17 Age Group Equitation Champion, 2nd place Maclay, 2nd place Dover Medal, 4th place Jump Seat
- WEF IV: 4th place Dover Medal (Section A)
- WEF I: Top 12 Junior Jumping Seat Medal
2024
- Final Chase: 5th place Dover Medal, 1st place NHS Medal
- Southwest Showdown: 1st place Dover Medal, 5th place Maclay, 2nd place Jumping Seat Medal, 5th NHS Regionals
- Competed at Capital Challenge
- Competed at National Horse Show
That same resilience extends beyond the arena. At Georgetown High School, I maintain a 4.9 GPA, enrolled in all Advanced Placement courses, and rank in the top 8% of my class. I am a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society, and the Debate Team. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule at a traditional public school while pursuing collegiate equestrian goals has strengthened my time management, responsibility, and self-advocacy skills.
Before my junior year, I was a starting player on the varsity tennis team, an experience that taught me how to perform under pressure and reinforced the value of teamwork. These lessons translate directly to the equestrian world, where responsibility, resilience, and a positive mindset are just as important as skill in the saddle.
Riding has shaped me in ways that extend far beyond competition. It has taught me to face challenges with courage, knowing that growth often lies on the other side of adversity. My diverse experiences—in academics, athletics, and riding—have prepared me for the demands of a collegiate program. No matter the obstacles, my passion for this sport remains unwavering, and I am eager to continue this journey for years to come.
Sincerely,
~ Hannah Sprague