Junior Jumper was born to ride

For Cristian Hacker, life means “I eat, sleep and breathe horses.” That has been the focus of the 16-year old from day one when he was adopted from Guatemala at eight months old by Mindy and Mark Hacker.

The Hacker family were not horsey – but they are now. Mindy, Cristian, Madison and Mark Hacker. Photo: Sarah Eakin

“For Cristian, from the beginning, it was nothing but horses,” said his mother Mindy. “He had a large stuffed horse that he adored and would keep with him constantly. All his toys were horses. Horses were all he ever wanted.”

The Hackers were not a horsey family at that time, but that has now all changed. Cristian’s older sister Madison was the first to take up riding and Cristian soon followed. Last year the family moved from Chicago to Wellington where Cristian trains under Olympic medalist Norman and his son Nick, Dello Joio.

Cristian and Nick Dello Joio — Nick (and his father Norman) Dello Joio have elevated Cristian’s riding. Photo: Sarah Eakin

“They are geniuses,” Cristian said. “I have learned so much – this is now our third year together. I can really see and feel the difference in my riding and how my horses are jumping. They put so much time and effort in with me and I appreciate it so much. Because it’s really made a difference in my life not only just with riding, but in my life.”

Age restrictions in Illinois meant Cristian did not formally start riding until he was six years old. “If we had our own horse I could have ridden when I wanted,” he said. “But we didn’t and I started taking lessons at a pony farm when I was six.”

Cristian Hacker and Sparks 55 — Cristian and Sparks 55 jumping to victory in week one of WEF. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Cristian has already landed a victory in week one in the 1.40m Junior Jumper riding Sparks 55 as well as placing third on Cocaine de Riverland. “Riding is what I love to do and it’s what I want to do with my life,” said Cristian, who is not short on ambition for the future.

“I want to become a pro,” he said. “I really want to work super hard and have the ability to ride for the US and possibly make it on an Olympic team in the future and just have the chance to compete around the world.”