By Tori Kistler
Portraits by Susan McClafferty
By all accounts, Dana Lynn Grace Sapp is your typical horse-crazy kid. Her room is filled with Breyer models, her favorite outfits often involve glitter and her best friends happen to have four legs. But unlike most 8-year-olds, Dana’s horse obsession isn’t just pretend—it’s her everyday life.
Growing up on her family’s horse farm, Southern Oaks Equestrian, Dana is surrounded by real-life versions of the Breyers she used to play with on her bedroom floor. Her mom, Marsha Hartford Sapp, is a well-known trainer and performer whose accolades include everything from mustang makeovers to world championships. To Dana, that’s just everyday life.
“I think it’s normal to have horses in the backyard who are also Breyer models,” Dana said with a smile. “I even have their models on my shelf at home!”
Dana began riding double with her mom at just 3 years old. From there, she graduated to Jake, a beloved school horse who has taught countless students over the past 15 years. Jake was Dana’s first real partner, and the pair has already shared some special moments together—including multiple performances at BreyerFest. “I got to dress Jake up in glitter and ride in front of a big audience,” Dana said. “My favorite part was high-fiving all the people in the crowd. It was so fun!”
While the thought of performing in front of thousands might intimidate even seasoned riders, Dana thrives in the spotlight. Her natural confidence and cheerful personality shine through—traits that make her a standout, both in and out of the saddle.
Dana currently rides Intro and Training Level dressage through USDF and recently added jumping to her repertoire, thanks to the addition of two new ponies to the family. Tucker and Jacque, affectionately dubbed “The Wonder Ponies,” are two medium Welsh ponies with impressive résumés and plenty of personality. Tucker is on lease from Jackson Creek Stables, and according to Marsha, “he’s one of the most accomplished medium ponies I’ve ever met.” Jacque was gifted to Dana from Lizzie and Scarlett Yanna, who decided Jacque deserved a retirement home with Dana and Tucker. It was too perfect to pass up as the ponies complement one another so well.
While many riders her age are just starting out, Dana is already competing in USDF dressage at the Intro and Training levels and participating in local schooling show series. She’s also preparing for local hunter shows, thanks to the help of her Wonder Ponies. Her riding is guided by both her mom and assistant trainer Alyssia Martin, who has been part of Dana’s training team since she was 4. “I learn from my mom and Alyssia,” Dana said. “But my mom is the dressage queen!”
For Dana, horses are more than just a hobby—they’re part of her identity. She’s homeschooled and currently in the third grade, where her favorite subject is science, especially when she’s learning about animals. Her dream? To one day become a veterinarian, though she has plenty of equestrian goals too.
“I want to win the Olympics four times—twice in dressage and twice in jumping,” she said with the kind of sparkle that suggests she just might pull it off. She’s also eager to train her ponies to do liberty and bridleless work and hopes to follow in her mom’s footsteps by performing at major events across the country.
When asked what she’s most proud of so far, Dana didn’t hesitate. “Riding with my mommy at BreyerFest,” she said. “That’s my favorite memory.” Of course, she’ll also tell you that her biggest achievement is whichever blue ribbon she earned most recently.
Her life on the farm is filled with opportunity and adventure, but Dana remains grounded in her love for animals and the simple joys of barn life. “The best thing about my life is all my pets and living on a farm where I can learn so much,” she said.
Dana may be just starting out in the show ring, but she’s already making a name for herself with her boundless energy, fearlessness and big dreams. Whether she’s dressing up her pony for a crowd of thousands or quietly learning from her trainers at home, Dana is proof that some dreams really do come true—especially when you’ve got a pony (or three) by your side.
Follow Marsha and Dana on Instagram @southernoaksequestrian
Photos by Susan McClafferty, Mareish Media
