When Jaxon Hoshaw enters the ring Saturday for the prestigious Premier Equitation Cup at World Equestrian Center—Ocala (Florida), he’ll already be a winner.

The 17-year-old from Clermont, Florida, will have help offsetting his competition expenses after being named in January as the first recipient of a $10,000 scholarship from the Hannah M. Serfass Foundation—the largest award the foundation has given to date. 

The foundation was established in 2023 in memory of Hannah Serfass, a 15-year-old rider from Webster, Florida, who died in a riding accident at horse show in April 2023. Donations from the equestrian community in the wake of her death helped seed the foundation, which Serfass’ family founded with the mission of uplifting junior riders who embody the values that defined their daughter.

“At that point in time, I personally decided, and I also talked to Hannah’s trainers, that it would be a good idea to start a trust and a foundation in Hannah’s honor,” her mother Janine Serfass said. “We wanted to try and help other kids that might not be as fortunate as she was to ride at some of the big venues.”

The foundation provides scholarships and awards to junior riders, helping them attend competitions, gain national exposure, and pursue their dreams. It also contributes to initiatives such as the 4-H Area West Horse Show—where Hannah first began riding—fostering opportunities for riders at all levels.

“We want to help that younger generation achieve their next goal,” Janine said. “Sometimes it’s a small show that’s right down the street, but a lot of times it’s the A-rated circuit and national shows.”  

The foundation sponsors trophies for junior riders at local and national shows including Devon (Pennsylvania), Junior Hunter Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Final (Kentucky).

The $10,000 scholarship for this weekend’s WEC Cup is the largest the foundation has sponsored to date, recognizing a class that was particularly significant to Hannah herself.

“Hannah competed in the 2023 WEC Cup and wanted to achieve a top-20 standing,” Janine recalled. “She exceeded her expectations by earning 12^th place. … She had achieved competitive status and was on her way to being a rider to watch.”

In selecting the scholarship’s winner, she said, they looked for a rider whose ethos reflected Hannah’s.

“When we look at applications, we’re looking for kids that have a love for the horses, and they’re not just there to win or be in the spotlight,” Janine said. “They’re in the barn all the time, they’re doing everything they can to learn more about horses and about riding, and they’re wholeheartedly involved. It’s just a passion for them because it was a passion for Hannah.”

That describes Hoshaw, said his trainer Will Baker, who nominated the teen, submitting a letter of recommendation on his behalf. Baker, of Coast to Coast Equestrian in Reddick, Florida, has been working with him since last April. 

“Jaxon is amazing,” Baker said. “We are very big on the working student program, and I always have two or three [students] year-round because I believe in giving back to that next generation. Jaxon always comes with a smile. There’s no, ‘No, I can’t do that’ or, ‘No, it’s too early or too late.’ He longes his own horse, takes care of his own horse, and he’s really a super young man. 

“I think and I hope that everyone sees how hard he works and how dedicated he is,” Baker added. “He’s always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it.”

Hoshaw learned he had received the scholarship while competing at a horse show. His phone was tucked away in his backpack, and after finishing his round, he pulled it out in surprise. It took a moment for the news to fully sink in, but once it did, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.

“I’m a working student,” Hoshaw said. “My family and I don’t have all the money in the world to show all the time, and it takes a little bit of stress off. I’m really happy and excited for the WEC Cup.”

Hoshaw has a deep admiration for Hannah’s legacy and hopes to honor it through his own dedication to the sport. 

“From what I’ve heard, she was very hard-working and kind to the horses,” he said. “I really want to try to display as much of her character as I can and keep working hard and caring for the animals and putting them above everything.”

Baker praised the foundation’s work in commemorating Hannah and helping other young people realize their dreams.

“I think it’s great to give kids an opportunity they maybe otherwise wouldn’t have,” he said. “I came from somewhere that didn’t have a whole lot of opportunity. There was a bit of financial restraint coming up, so having a foundation like this to give back to those riders and let them have the opportunity is fantastic.”

The Hannah M. Serfass Foundation recently announced two additional $2,500 scholarships, which will be awarded on May 1, open to junior riders who want to attend competitions or gain national exposure. Application information is available on the foundation’s website.