Team

Jill Humphrey

Jill’s love for horses began at the age of 7 while attending a birthday party where pony rides were offered. Riding lessons started shortly after that party and have led to an illustrious career of competing and training. Throughout her years as a junior, Jill spent the majority of her time in the Hunter and Equitation arenas. With the guidance and assistance of numerous California trainers, Jill ended her junior career with three World Champion Hunter Rider Championships, Champion at Capitol Challenge Horse Show, and qualification for all major medal finals.

After graduating from the University of California, Davis in 2004 with a B.S. in Communications, she moved to Sacramento and began working for Rudy Leone at Leone Equestrians, Inc. This new partnership allowed Jill tremendous opportunities in the Jumper ring. In 2005, Jill won PCHA Rookie Rider of the Year and just two years later became PCHA Grand Prix Rider of the Year aboard Kaskaya. The bond formed between Jill and Kaskaya would prove magical over the next 6 years. In 2007, Jill and Kaskaya were the top West Coast qualifiers for the World Cup finals in Las Vegas. They also attended the Pan American Games and the $1 Million Athena Onassis Horse Show in Brazil the same year. In 2009, they found themselves qualified for the World Cup finals in Las Vegas for a second time, and in 2011 Jill joined a prestigious group of USHJA $500,000+ prize money winners.

Along with competing on the Grand Prix circuit, Jill also has a passion for teaching and instilling horsemanship in young riders. Her love for this sport combined with extreme patience gives her a unique training quality that has proven to be very successful by the accomplishments of her students. These accomplishments include PCHA junior jumper of the year, 4 medal finals wins, a top 10 finish at North American Young Junior Rider Championships, Top 3 at US Pony Finals in Kentucky, and multiple qualifiers for the “final 4” at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta.

Jan Humphrey-Hanson

Head Trainer/Owner
  • Jan’s junior career was marked by numerous accolades in both the equestrian arena and academics. Her exceptional riding accomplishments were complemented by her academic pursuits, as she began taking junior college courses the summer after 5th grade and graduated from high school early at just 15 years old. From there, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology from the University of California, Davis in 2009, all while continuing to excel in her equestrian endeavors.
  • A master of balancing a busy schedule, Jan not only won the prestigious title of Miss California International in 2008 but also secured a 1st Runner-Up finish at the Miss International competition. Throughout her college years, she maintained a strong connection to the sport of show jumping, capping off her amateur riding career with notable achievements. These included a NorCal Medal Finals win in 2009, a top 10 finish in the USEF Talent Search Finals, HITS Thermal Desert Circuit Champion in the High Amateur Owner Jumpers, and several top 10 Grand Prix finishes.
  • In 2010, her growing interest in the equine import business led her to explore the European horse market. During a year spent in Germany, Jan had the opportunity to work alongside renowned professionals Stal Distel and Jochen Scherer Sportpferde, where she gained valuable insights into the traditional European sales model. Her love for European horsemanship and equine development brought her back to Europe in 2012, where she worked with Alan Waldman in the Netherlands, a highly respected horseman known for his exceptional ability to identify, train, and sell young horses.
  • Jan’s deep passion for the equine import business, combined with her expertise in matching horse-and-rider combinations, has led to impressive successes. Horses under her care have earned PCHA year-end championships, NorCal year-end titles, and qualifications for all major medal finals. Her horses have also achieved top 10 finishes in numerous national finals, including the USEF Pony Finals, where they placed in the Top 3, and notable placings at the North American Youth Junior Rider Championships (NAYJRC). Jan’s commitment to excellence continues to shape her growing legacy in the equestrian world.

Additional Team Members

Aliyah Hacker
Barn Manager/Assistant Trainer
  • In November 2021, Aliyah joined the JH Sporthorses team, bringing with her an impressive depth of knowledge and experience that has significantly enriched our program. Her lifelong passion for horses has been the driving force behind her continuous development in the equestrian industry, where she has honed a diverse range of skills. Aliyah’s expertise spans three-day eventing, thoroughbred breeding, and breeding program management, as well as the intricate process of starting and training young horses, preparing them for successful careers in both show jumping and beyond.
  • With her comprehensive understanding of horsemanship, Aliyah plays an essential role in the daily management and long-term success of our horses. Her responsibilities extend from health and conditioning to fine-tuning show preparation and overseeing the overall maintenance and well-being of each horse in our care. Whether managing the complexities of a breeding program or ensuring that horses are in peak condition for competition, Aliyah brings meticulous attention to detail and a deep commitment to excellence. Her hands-on approach and tireless work ethic have made her an invaluable member of our team, helping elevate JH Sporthorses to new levels of success and professionalism.
Makenna Nastri
Assistant
  • Makenna’s passion for riding began at just five years old, sparked by a pony party that ignited a lifelong love for horses. In 2016, she competed at Pony Finals with her medium pony, “Spotlight,” marking the start of her competitive journey. Since then, Makenna has showcased her skills in hunters, jumpers, and equitation up to 1.15m, competing across the Pacific Northwest and California.
  • While in the Pacific Northwest, she gained invaluable experience working as a student under Shelley Campf. During her high school years, Makenna also spent time in California, where she worked as a student for JH Sporthorses, further elevating her skills and knowledge.
  • Makenna is thrilled to return to JH Sporthorses as an assistant, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to Jan and the team. She looks forward to contributing to their success and continuing her journey in the equestrian world.
Candido Luna
Head Groom
  • Candido has been an integral part of the JH Sporthorses team for many years, bringing a wealth of expertise in horse care, grooming, and show preparation. His extensive experience and deep knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the team.
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