Hannah Derks

 

Hi! My name is Hannah Derks. I attend Fremont High School, and I am a sophomore. I have just moved into a new house with my mom, Marji, and my brother, Sam. I also have two dogs, Simon and Copper, my horse, Phil, and my crazy cat, Geoff.  When I am not showing or riding horses, I am normally in some gym, playing some sport!  I love volleyball and basketball. Next year I will be on the varsity teams, and I am hoping for a great season.
    This year will be my 5th year showing in reining, I think. Also, this year will be my third year showing Gyrators Poco Boy, my first two years I showed Corchas Bug, aka Phil. I have been around horses all my life, showing in lead line at open shows when I was about three. Along with reining, I show at open shows under both English and western disciplines.  I use my "retired" reiner, Phil, for that. 
    I'm am overly excited for this year's show season. With Matt Lantz, my trainer, now living only one mile away, I can go and ride almost any time I want!  It's pretty cool, because it'll give me much more experience on Fly, so I can become a better rider.  Needing to protect my 2004 MRHA 14-18 championship title, I'm going to need all the time I can get in the saddle. 
    Fly used to be my "aunt" Wendie Gerber's horse. After showing him for a couple years she just sort of handed him off to me.  I have Wendie to thank for getting me involved in reining, and helping me become as competitive as I am now. I'd also like to thank the entire Lantz family, along with Meri Sheffler, for everything they have done for me.  Without any of them, I would not be able to be involved in reining at all.
    My favorite thing about the horse shows, I would have to say, is definitely the food (Ben and Jerry's this year, OH BOY!)  Also, I love to be able to hang out with McKenzie, she is always hyperactive and puts me in a good mood!