Bethany Hutchins-Kristen

Bethany began riding at the age of 2 and has been competing at the national-level of eventing since she was a young teen. During her childhood she was first introduced to the discipline of eventing through the United States Pony Club (USPC), where she had much success competing at the MCTA level on her pony, Penny for Your Thoughts. After obtaining her C3 rating from the USPC, Bethany moved forward to 

join the United States Eventing Association's (USEA) Area VIII Young Riders when she was 13. This began her national competition career, where she has achieved many top place finishes.

Bethany was fortunate enough to grow up under the day to day tutelage of her mother, Marian.  In addition to training with her mother, she worked with Stuart Young Black as a young rider, she then continued her education with Buck Davidson and Robin Walker for a number of years.  Presently, Bethany is privileged to be working with David O’Connor, former U.S. 

Eventing Olympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Eventing Team Coach.  Bethany has always placed a strong emphasis on continued training, so she may be the best rider she can be.  

Bethany has chosen to focus her equestrian career on riding and producing young event horses and bringing them up the levels in the competition arena. She enjoys the rewarding challenge of being under the competitive spotlight, and thrives under pressure.  Bethany competes both HVF homebred horses and clients horses year-round, spending the winter season in Ocala, FL and Spring, Summer and Fall traveling up and down the eastern seaboard and Midwest to compete at top competitions. 

Bethany also graduated with University Honors from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a B.A. in Women's Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies.  She is married to her best friend, Nico Kristen, and looks forward to starting a family while balancing her equestrian aspirations.