Meet Hannah Hotz, the young horse rider
My passion and dream wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and support put in by my parents, my coach; my grooms, and my fellow riders.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Hannah Hotz is a 14-year-old Grade 8 learner at Redhill Middle School.
She defines herself as a horse rider. She started riding at the age of six at Riverpark Stables, under her coach Fiona Butcher.
According to Hannah, horse riding is a very expensive sport and some cannot afford it, only those who are dedicated and put in the time can. It is not always about who has the most expensive gear or horse, but who has the passion, dedication, and determination that makes a winner.
When Hannah began horse riding as a full-time sport, she used to practise twice a week, and as time went by, she improved.
” At the age of six, I was invited to a play date with a friend who rides horses. She allowed me to ride her pony and from that moment, I knew I wanted to take lessons – from my first lesson on a pony, I was hooked.”
Hannah has participated in many shows locally and nationally. Last year she was lucky enough to go to the South African champs in Shongweni. ” I was chosen to compete in the team for equitation and we won. The experience, friendships, and knowledge I gained from that show I won’t forget.”
According to Hannah, it is challenging to juggle school and riding as her schoolwork is very important to her, and she wants to excel in both school and riding.
” I ride five times a week but always make time to do homework and study to keep up with both. I have shown up almost every weekend but I have found a balance to manage both school and riding. I have learnt that the more you put in, the more you get out, so I practise as often as I can.”
Her strongest memory of her younger childhood was when she first fell off a pony and hurt herself quite badly. That is when she knew that she would pick herself up and get back no matter what, as this was a passion for her, and she was never going to give up.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/330975/alannis-continues-her-love-affair-with-horses/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/330743/aqua-dressage-rider-wins-at-inanda-base/
