OCET People
Hannah Burnett
An avid equestrian since the age of seven, Hannah Burnett grew up in Finchville,
Kentucky riding under the tutelage of her mother Sue Burnett.
Out of all her siblings, she was the only child to follow in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing a career in the horse industry. Hannah was actively involved with several different equine activities, and was a
member of the Louisville, Kentucky Long Run Pony Club.
At the age of 10 she was riding at Novice Level, and by 13 Hannah was riding at
the Preliminary Level on a pony named Codiak Moment.
In 2001, Hannah purchased a large thoroughbred gelding nicknamed “Ben,” or Keep the Faith, who would become her partner for the next six years. 2003 was a year of success for the pair when they won three Preliminary Level
horse trials in a row.
To pursue a career in the equine industry, Hannah took on a working student
position with Cathy Weischoff the following year and continued her training
with the Kentucky-based eventer down in Florida.
Ben and Hannah moved on to Advanced in 2005, the same year she started as a
working student position for Karen and David O
’Connor.
In 2006 she competed with Keep the Faith at the NAYRC Championships CCI**, and
also at the Fair Hill International CCI***.
The year of success and surprises was 2007, when Hannah and Keep the Faith
placed 10th in the prestigious Red Hills Horse Trials CCI***, a world cup
qualifying competition.
Hannah feels the highlight of her career so far has been her participation in
the 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** where she and her horse Ben
took on the challenge of one of the country
’s most difficult equestrian events.
