Sophia Hill: Riding High into 2025

As one of Australia’s top eventing athletes, Sophia Hill is no stranger to the demands of high-level competition. As a 5* event rider, mother, and proud Horseland-sponsored rider, she’s heading into the 2025 season with big goals, a talented team of horses, and a strong support network behind her. With eyes set on the prestigious Adelaide Equestrian Festival and beyond, Sophia is ready to build on past success and chase new heights in the sport she loves.

Big Goals for a Big Year

With an impressive competition record already under her belt, Sophia is aiming even higher this season.

“Adelaide 5* is the target event for Humble Glory this year. I am hoping to improve on our 3rd place from 2023!” she shares. While Humble Glory, her seasoned campaigner, is set for the only 5* in the Southern Hemisphere, her rising star Tulara Baltango is on his own exciting trajectory. “Tulara Baltango is competing in the 4* Short at Adelaide and then will aim for the 4* Long at Melbourne 3DE.”

Meet the AEF team for 2025

“Humble Glory (Hughie) is a 13yo thoroughbred gelding. He placed 3rd at Adelaide 5* in 2023 and then 22nd at Burghley 5* in 2024. He is known for excelling in the jumping phases.” With that kind of résumé, he’s one to watch on the cross-country course.

Meanwhile, Tulara Baltango – or Tango – is proving to be a horse with serious promise. “Tango is a 9yo warmblood gelding. He has recently stepped up to the 4* level after being very successful in both 2* and 3*. He is a very special horse, who excels in all three phases of eventing.”

Life as a Mum and Elite Eventer

Being a professional rider at the elite level is demanding enough - but Sophia also takes on the equally challenging role of being a mum.

“This is definitely a challenge,” she admits. “I think the biggest part of being able to do both successfully (riding professionally and being a mother!) is having good help with both aspects – the horses and my son too.”

Her secret? A team she can trust completely. “I have 8 horses in work and when I’m riding, I have someone who looks after my son so that I can be completely focused on training the horses. Then once I’m finished riding, I’m back to being a Mum, and am lucky to be able to fully trust the care of the horses with my groom Bianca. It is truly thanks to the amazing team around me, and especially my husband Andy, that it is possible for me to ride at the 5* level.”

Staying Cool Under Pressure

So how does Sophia manage the mental pressure of competing at the highest level? By sticking to a process that works.

“I try to treat a five star like any other event. We go to competitions all the time, so competing itself is familiar and I fall into the same routine that I would at any event. This helps me manage any 5* nerves! Once at the event, I just focus on one day at a time, and one phase at a time.”

Her Eventing Essentials

With years of experience both at home and abroad, Sophia has discovered which tools and comforts make all the difference at an event.

“When competing in the UK last year I had to go without a lot of things that I have in Australia – not everything fits in a suitcase! The two things I missed the most were my electric bike, and the horse truck.”

As Sophia enters another demanding season at the top of the sport, it’s clear she has all the right pieces in place - a talented team of horses, a strong support crew, and a strong sense of determination. With the Adelaide Equestrian Festival firmly in her sights and a wealth of experience behind her, she’s ready to take on whatever 2025 throws her way, continuing to show why she’s one of Australia’s most exciting eventing talents.

Written by Horseland for Adelaide Equestrian Festival