Wilmington, Ohio – This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on Sophia Tabasso of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. An adoration for animals at a young age was what kick-started the now 17-year-old’s love for equestrian sport. Tabasso has been in the irons since the age of four and has grown to jump at the top level of all three rings under the guidance of Jonathan Martin at Hunt Hill Farm. We caught up with the vibrant young horsewoman after her first Futures Prix debut to learn more about her lifelong journey at Hunt Hill Farm, her horses and her commitment to Oklahoma State University.
WEC: How did you get started riding?
My mom signed me up for a riding camp when I was four. She rode until she was 13 and that’s how I got into riding. Once I started riding at camp, I immediately loved it. The moment I got on my first horse, I fell in love with the horses and the sport. If you ask my entire family, they will tell you how much I just love animals!
WEC: Tell us about your journey at Hunt Hill Farm.
My trainer that I rode with until I turned eight stopped training and recommended that I move to Jonathan [Martin] at Hunt Hill Farm. I’ve been riding with him ever since and he was only 22 at the time. I have been with him for almost ten years now so it is really special. I owe literally everything to him. He’s given me so much confidence and we have grown so much together. He has been my biggest mentor and supporter and is genuinely one of the best people I’ve ever met. I have so much respect for him.
WEC: Tell us about the horses that you are showing this season.
I have Eretto who is my equitation horse. I’ve had him for about a year and a half. The Takacs family owns him. They’ve let me lease him for the past year and a half and I appreciate them so much. We do the big equitation and we had a good week this week. He did the age equitation and I was first and second and he won the Maclay! He is a been there done that horse and has been a rock star. He gives me so much confidence.
I have Maui, my Junior Hunter. We just got him in September. I think this is my third show on him, and he’s only eight, so he’s young. He has been a rock star. I’m super excited for this year with him since it is my last junior year. I’ll show him throughout the year and hopefully do indoors and Devon. I love doing the hunters. I’ve been doing that the longest and it is how I started! Maui is like a little teddy bear in the barn. He is so sweet and has so much personality. Fun fact, he got his name because the mark on his face looks like Maui’s hook from Moana!
Kensington is my jumper that I just started leasing in the beginning of the summer and we’ve been doing the Low Juniors. He’s been a steady-eddy and I’ve had a lot of fun with him. He’s super cool. He jumps amazing and is so fun to ride. He is the sweetest horse I have ever had; he would crawl into my arms if he could!
WEC: Tell us about your commitment to the Oklahoma State University NCAA Equestrian Team.
I’m committed to Oklahoma State to ride on their Division I team! I am really excited because I’m a person who loves team sports. I’m super competitive and when you’re on the team, riding is not just individual anymore. If you have a bad day, it’s not over because you have your teammates and you can cheer them on. I’ll start in the fall of 2025 and I was one of the earlier commits. When I went to OSU, I fell in love with the people, the place and the coaches. Coach Carter and Coach Sanchez, they’re amazing, and I can’t wait to be on their team.
WEC: Tell us about your experience at WEC – Wilmington.
I’ve always loved it here. I have been coming here since I was doing the ponies. The facilities are phenomenal and they do such a good job with all the courses. It is always a really solid experience for me and the horses. I always look forward to coming back in the winter. I’ve made tons and tons of friends here, so I always look forward to coming and seeing people that I don’t always see at the other shows or close to home. I’ve definitely made connections and a nice friend group. Some of my favorite people I have met at WEC!
WEC: What is your biggest riding goal for 2025?
My biggest riding goal is to qualify my hunter and do all of the finals at the end of the year. I just want to finish my last junior year really strong and on high note that I’m happy with.
WEC: What is your favorite thing about the sport?
The connection with my horses is 100% my favorite part about it. I adore animals and I think it’s so cool that we get to become connected to them and literally ride every beat with them. Also, they show us something new every day. There’s always a new surprise or a new challenge and it makes everything so much more rewarding when you get to spend time working with them.
Thank you, Sophia, for taking the time to speak with us! We wish you continued success throughout the 2025 season and cannot wait to watch you flourish at OSU!