4 minute read
Young Rider: Steph Hann
YOUNG RIDER
All in a day’s work
With horses to train, shows to attend, textbooks to read and essays to submit, sometimes there aren’t enough hours in Steph Hann’s day, writes SUZY JARRATT.
Life is full and very varied. “I’ve recently been told I should occasionally take time off so I’ve allocated one day a month when I can do housework and frivolous things,” declares 24-year-old eventer Steph Hann, who is studying for a Bachelor of Teaching. “I spend many late nights getting everything ready, and go into Adelaide Uni twice a week. Getting a teaching degree is a contingency plan as I know how difficult it can be to make a living from horses.”
Based in South Australia, Steph lives with her family on eighteen acres in Aldgate. “My grandmother was an international dressage judge and Mum trained and rode dressage but gave it up when she had my brother. He’s scared of horses.”
Both her parents, Terry and Hilary, are professional photographers. “Dad specialises in racehorse photography and Mum in wildlife. I’m very lucky to have their help and support in everything I do. Mum comes to shows and is groom, videographer, counsellor and co-driver of our float.”
Often in that float is True Celebre, aka ‘Wally’, Steph’s eventing partner on various national and state squads. “He’s by Peintre Celebre (USA) out of Dalzing and raced for a couple of years but not very successfully,” she says. “I got him from Mildura as a nine-yearold. He was meant to be a sell-on horse but then he stayed.”
In 2019 they were selected for the National Youth Squad to compete in the Oceania Championships in Taupo. “Some of those memories are bittersweet,” she recalls. “After a final gallop before leaving for NZ Wally was uneven, I think it was a stone bruise, and after discussions with the vet and Chef d’Equipe we decided it wasn’t worth the risk of taking him away. But it was still a great experience attending the training camp in NSW where I learned an immense amount from team coach, Will Enzinger, and Sam Lyle.”
There haven’t been many competitions recently. The Ballarat International Horse Trials in early May will be the next big one for Steph and Wally. “When it comes to competing I used to get nervous,” she explains, “but I’ve tried hard at turning that into excitement. I work a bit with sports psychologist, Jacqui Sandland, who used to be an eventer.”
One of Steph’s main teachers is Lucy Williams. “Before moving from the UK she’d trained with Chris Bartle for six years. I’ve been working with Lucy for ten years, she’s a very important part of the team and a good friend. I’ve also been lucky enough to have lessons from Martin Plewa, one of the most highly qualified trainers to come to Australia.”
Steph doesn’t have heroes, but there are some riders she holds in very high regard: “I’m not a fan of the idol thing as that implies they’ve never made mistakes but those I respect in the equestrian world are Ingrid Klimke, Carl Hester and Klaus Balkenhol.”
She is also on the SA Dressage Squad with several Brockhurst Stud horses owned by Georgie Ray and Scott Donner, who regard Steph as a tactful and beautiful rider. “I’ve been showing for them since 2017,” she tells me. “Their Oldenburg mare StPrS Light My Fire recently won a National Performance Gold Medal, and their German Riding Ponies, Rainbow Dancer BHI and Golden Delight BHI are both state champions. A couple of special young ones are presently being broken in and I’m very excited to be hopping on them very soon. There is a lot to look forward to.”
FACING PAGE: Steph and Brockhurst Stud’s StPrS Light My Fire BHI ride an Elementary test. TOP: With True Celebre in the CCI3*-L at the 2018 Adelaide International. BOTTOM: Steph and Wally compete in the 2020 CCI4* at Wallaby Hill. All images by Atkins Photography.
FOR SALE
Alkina
Eight-year-old mare 15.1hh Sire: Tui’s Nimrod Morgan, Warmblood and Irish Sport Horse bloodlines.
Naturally forward moving horse. Needs a rider with experience and independent seat, legs and hands to continue training her. Ready for dressage, adult riding club. This allrounder and would make a nice breeding prospect.
