About Lauren Hester
Lauren discovered her love for horses at an early age and never looked back. Starting in the pony ring at the age of 10, she promptly moved on to horses and excelled in the Children’s and Junior Divisions. Lauren shined in the equitation ring where she trained with Karen Healey. Her years with Karen served her well; she ended her junior career winning the CPHA Junior Medal Finals, CPHA Foundation Finals, and USEF Regionals.
As the 2004-2005 Junior Jumper Hall of Fame winner, Lauren was also successful in jumper ranks on her horse Oxford. She won the Shalano Style of Riding award and Junior Achievement Award in 2005. Just two years later, Lauren and Oxford won the $40,000 Menlo Grand Prix.
Lauren Likes Homework
Unlike many riders with whom she competes, Lauren has always played a big role in training her own horses. Starting as a junior, she would meet her trainer at the shows, and after focusing on the competition she would take her horses and homework back to her barn at home. This practice continued with her first Grand Prix horse, Cracky Z, who was purchased as an inexperienced but incredibly talented prospect for the big ring, An approved Zangersheide stallion, Cracky Z and Lauren were competitive in numerous grand prix events, including World Cup Qualifying classes until he was sold in 2010.
European Education
Living and riding in the Netherlands with Emile Hendrix, Lauren currently has four horses actively competing at the Grand Prix level, plus several young horses that are just beginning to compete at the International shows.
Hester Equestrian also owns babies who are growing up in the fields of Europe. Working with well-known breeder Paul Hendrix, Emile’s brother, Lauren is gaining invaluable knowledge from more than one Hendrix!
