Savannah Hemby of Flower Mound began taking riding lessons when she was only 4 years old at Bridlewood Equestrian Center. Though she was young, Savannah knew she would one day be an equestrian. Thirty-minute lessons quickly became one-hour lessons, which led to pony competitions, then larger horse competitions and multiple awards.
Savannah’s breakout moment came in 2018 with a Reserve Championship in the Hunterdon Cup Equitation Classic in Saugerties, NY, where she competed against 97 other riders. When Savannah was a junior in high school, she transferred to Leeway Preparatory Academy to focus on horse showing at the national level. She now competes at Baylor University, where she will be a sophomore in the fall. When she is not at Baylor, she rides locally at Woodhill Farm in Argyle with trainer Matt Cyphert.
When did you realize you wanted to become an equestrian?
Ever since my first experience at Bridlewood, I’ve known deep down inside that the equestrian world was my true calling. I vividly remember falling in love with the first horse I rode, Skeeter, plotting the course for me to fully invest in the horse experience.
Most readers are familiar with Show Jumping as seen in the Olympics. Can you expand on this discipline?
Show Jumping in the Olympics is a timed event, based on speed and successfully clearing the jumps. Speedy, agile, athletic horses are used for these classes. I only began competing in this discipline in 2019, being awarded the William C. Steinkraus Style of Riding Award at the Prix des States event at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Another branch of this discipline is called Equitation, which is not timed, but judged and scored on the rider’s elegance and ability to smoothly, gracefully, and consistently navigate the horse over jumps and around the course. Currently, I participate in both the show jumper division and the equitation division with my personal horses, and the equitation division at Baylor.
What is your favorite part about riding and competing?
Whether I’m simply spending practice time at the barn or jumping 1.40 meters at the national championships, I treasure every minute of it! My parents have always been my number one supporters, having sacrificed and worked hard to help me achieve my goals. So, I guess my favorite part is when they can witness these events in person and share these times together.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being an equestrian?
I think this would involve learning to balance my nerves while maintaining a calm, laser-like focus…all the while having FUN in the process! A trainer once told me, “If you aren’t nervous, then you’re crazy!”
What has it been like to compete on Baylor’s equestrian team?
I couldn’t be happier. Becoming a student-athlete on Baylor’s equestrian team has been a life-changing experience. Equestrian is primarily an individualistic sport, so now, having the opportunity to become part of a collegiate competition team has taught me the value of teamwork and togetherness. Our coaches are very supportive and help us achieve a good balance of athletics and education.
What are your hopes for the future?
I really want our Baylor team to win a National Championship! Being part of a championship team would be an incredible experience. I’d like to get my MBA, and then join the business world…and of course, find time to show more amazing horses in the amateur jumping circuit!