January-February Issue IV

sports 9
Athlete of the month:
Sasha Deringer ‘23
By ELISE KAIT ‘21
While it isn’t a popular sport,
horseback riding is a significant
part of its competitors’ lives,
such as Sasha Deringer ‘23.
Deringer’s journey in the sport began
at an overnight summer camp, where she
rode simply for fun. She enjoyed the activity
so much that she signed up for lessons,
and the rest is history.
“I show with my pony, Maria, in the
large green pony hunters, and I show my
horse, Willie, in the children’s hunter horses,
but will most likely be moving up a division
to the 3’3 junior hunters soon. I show
in these divisions on the A circuit, which is
a high level of competition,” Deringer said.
Deringer trains at Hunt Hill Farm in
Chester Springs with her coach Jonathan
Martin.
“Even though horseback riding is an
independent sport, it still requires a lot of
support and coaching, and I am grateful for
the team behind me.”
Deringer didn’t always have the enthusiastic
attitude for her sport that she
does now; she saw horseback riding as
more of a hobby for the first few years, but
she became increasingly invested in the
sport over time.
She currently practices almost daily
and focuses on improving her athleticism
and technique. Deringer feels that being
committed to a sport is very important; it
motivates her to work hard both at riding
practices and at school.
“Horseback riding has strengthened
me both physically and mentally and has
taught me how to have a strong work ethic
to apply elsewhere,” Deringer said.
She also explained that the bond she
shares with her horses is significant and
brings profound happiness to her life.
Currently, Deringer is hoping to
place well at Pony Finals this summer. She
recently qualified for the event, which she
considers a huge accomplishment.
Specifically, Deringer’s goals are to
be more consistent all-around and move
up to the 3’3 junior hunters, which is
a more competitive event with higher
jumps.
Though she doesn’t plan to have a
professional career in riding, Deringer
hopes to continue her riding career on an
equestrian team in college while also focusing
on academics.
Finally, Deringer shared some advice
that she would give to her younger self.
By ELISE KAIT ‘21
“Horseback riding is a sport where it
is so easy to get caught up in what others
around you are doing and how much success
everyone else is having. If you can
focus on your own improvement and stay
focused on strengthening your skills, it is
so much easier to succeed when competing.
I think the advice to focus on your
own goals and not others around you is
an important thing to remember not only
in horseback riding but also throughout
life.”
Photography by Sasha Deringer ‘23
Graphics and design by Chloe Yan ‘24
Pictures of Deringer’s two ponies: Maria (left) and Willie (right)
Deringer and her pony,
Maria, competing in Aiken,
South Carolina
Willie and Deringer win first place
at a competition