began her professional riding career in 2019 as a working student for Casi Majeski, a USDF Silver Medalist. Following a four-year partnership, she continued her education under USDF Gold Medalist Laura DeCesari, where she served as an assistant trainer and further developed her skills as both a rider and professional.

In 2025, Hannah was offered an assistant training position in Florida, where she had the opportunity to ride and learn under multiple highly acclaimed dressage professionals, including Jodie Kelly and Joey Perez. During her time in Florida, she produced many green horses introducing them to the show ring and earned her USDF Bronze Medal. Hannah now resides in Northwest Indiana, where she is building a small, tight-knit, and successful dressage program of her own.

Previous to Hannah’s professional career, she spent time in the hunter ring on an IEA team, extensive three-day eventing, as well as cattle sorting and cutting until she found her passion for dressage while living abroad in Germany.

As the daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot, Hannah was fortunate to spend her childhood living internationally. However, she did not always have an abundant access to horses. Through grit, determination, and taking every opportunity that led to more time in the saddle, she has continued to pursue her passion and find success in the sport.

The same is true in life as it is in riding: overcoming setbacks strengthens your ability to grow and flourish. The lessons learned through challenges often shape us far more than stumbling upon the answer ever could.

Hannah Balettie