A Bit About Sara
Sara grew up on the east coast of Italy in the city of Ancona. She first rode a horse when she was just four years old on a family vacation in northern Italy, which is where her love of horses began. Her mother encouraged her to try many types of sports, instruments, and activities when she was young. Sara asked to take horseback riding lessons when she turned eight years old. Just a year later, she gave up all other sports to pursue her passion for horses and give 100% of herself to the equestrian world. She went on to give up two other passions she had for horses: Conservatory as a pianist and a law degree.
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In 2020, Sara started her own training program with the aim of high quality training and care of the horses in a European style. She founded ForteBella Equestrian LLC in 2023 along with her business partner, Kelly Hammett.
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Sara was competing in international eventing when Johann Hinnemann, international dressage trainer from Germany, suggested that she specialize in dressage. Since switching disciplines in 2008, Sara has trained with Johann Hinnemann and Olympians Coby Van Baalen, Marlies Van Baalen, Anna Merveldt, and Olympic coach Ernst Hoyos.
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Sara came to Texas in 2013 and has been successfully competing in all levels up to Grand Prix. Her major accomplishments include the USDF Silver and Bronze medals, the Hedley Lamberty Trophy, GAIG Champion, SWDC Champion and she has earned many high score champion ribbons in recognized shows, achieving scores over 81% from Training to Fourth Level.
Olympic Plans & Collaborations
Sara is training to represent her birth country, Italy, in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in the summer of 2028.
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If you would like to be a part of her Olympic journey you can contact our marketing department at fortebellaequestrian@gmail.com.
