For Halyn Haskell, what started as weekly riding lessons at age 11 has evolved into a rising career in competitive saddle seat riding.
Haskell began at Kierson Farm in Flemington, where she joined the academy team and started competing in local shows across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Her dedication and natural talent soon caught the attention of trainers at Kierson Farms, who invited her to join the Kierson Farm show team in 2021.
With the support of her parents and grandparents, Halyn got her first horse, a mare named Unapologetic — known affectionately as Beauti. The pair competed together at the national level for two years, forming a strong bond in and out of the ring.
In 2023, Halyn took the next big step by acquiring a five-gaited mare named Lady on the Move, or Scarlett. After a successful season, she added a three-gaited mare, Milady a la Vegas — known as Emily — to her stable in 2024.
This year, Hayln has already competed in two major events: the Bonnie Blue National Horse Show in Virginia and the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Pennsylvania — two of the most prestigious competitions in the sport.
As her riding career continues to gain momentum, Halyn Haskell’s journey reflects not only competitive ambition but also a deep, lifelong passion for horses. With every stride, she’s proving she’s a young rider to watch on the national stage.