Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Hannah Naftal of Madison, New Jersey. For three years, Naftal has made an annual trip to WEC – Wilmington to show in the Junior Hunters and National Derbies. We caught wind of Naftal’s positive energy ring-side after her round in the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday evening and caught up with the young rider to learn more about her journey!
WEC: How did you get started riding?
My dad grew up on a farm when he was younger, and he thought it was a good idea to put me on a pony when I was three. Little did he know I literally never wanted to get off a pony! I loved it and I’ve been riding since then. I can’t imagine my life without it. Now, I ride at Someday Stables in Reddington, New Jersey. I do the 3’3 Junior Hunters and this is my last year as a junior. I’ve qualified for Junior Hunter Finals, which is really exciting. I’ve just been having a lot of fun and trying not to ride like my life depends on it! I have really been looking forward to showing.
WEC: Tell us about the horse you are showing this week, Svengali.
I have a horse named Svengali this week, and he’s my new horse. I’ve only had him for two months and he is my dream horse. I’m so blessed to have him. He is just the best partner ever and I am so lucky. He did some equitation and some hunters, he’s really good at either. He loves his derbies too!
WEC: How do you balance school and riding?
It is a lot of responsibility, but I’ve tried to make a really healthy balance. I had to take a little break from showing, even though I was still riding every day at home. I had to really lock into school to for the college process. It all worked out for me. I got into Bucknell University early decision. Now that I have gotten in, I’ve been able to really explore my showing and get a lot of miles. We go to a lot of home shows, and I get to keep practicing. I go to the barn to take care of my horse every day after school, straight from school!
I try to stay there for as long as I can, because it’s so much more than just a horse to me. He is like my best friend. I maintain the balance with school and work hard because riding is so important to me.
WEC: How was IEA influential in your riding career growing up?
I started IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) in sixth grade, the first year I could. I grew up watching all the older girls doing it and finally I was able to when I was in sixth grade. I got at the show at 5am even when I wasn’t showing until 3pm. I had such a good experience and ever since then, I have gone to IEA shows. Last year, I showed at the National Horse Show and the weekend after went to an IEA show. That was really how I learned to ride, by riding all different horses. It is truly the luck of the draw, and you have to learn to ride whatever you are given. It also gives you a good sense of team and community. I can’t wait to do IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) in college to continue riding and meet friends that have the same interest as me.
WEC: Tell us about your experience showing at WEC – Wilmington.
I have come here for three years in a row now. This was my first big girl show! The first year I came, I was so nervous, but my favorite thing about being here is that I was able to consistently get in the ring. By the end of the week, I felt so comfortable. Last year I was third in the derby on my previous horse, Don Chacco. I ride really well here because I feel like I can sink in and be comfortable here.
WEC: What is your biggest riding accomplishment?
The Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship was a really big accomplishment for me. I started out on a little pony, so the fact that I was able to make it to the National Horse Show and have a successful season, I was really proud of that.
I also feel that being able to ride now without feeling so nervous and really enjoying the ride is a huge accomplishment for me. I just go in and enjoy every single jump and I am grateful for every ride.
Thank you, Hannah, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued success in and out of the ring!