Hannah Deegan and HK Hawthorn, fondly known as Bentley. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.
At just 22, Hannah Deegan is rapidly establishing herself as one of Australia’s most exciting young eventing talents. Her double victory at the 2025 Sydney International Three-Day Event, where she claimed the CCI3L aboard HK Hawthorn and the CCN1 on Zipalon HK, has turned the spotlight firmly onto the hardworking rider whose passion for Thoroughbreds is matched by her dedication to the sport.
But for Hannah, that moment didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of years of persistence, a strong support network, and a bold interstate move to chase her dreams.
Hannah and Zipper HK, aka Zipper, on cross country. Image by Britt Grovenor Photography.
A FAMILY BEGINNING IN TASMANIA
Hannah’s story starts far from the major eventing hubs of New South Wales and Victoria. She grew up in Tasmania where grassroots equestrian sport laid the foundation for her riding career. Interestingly, it wasn’t Hannah who first caught the riding bug – it was her older sister, Alex.
“My sister started riding first,” Hannah explains, “and then of course I wanted to do what she was doing. So that’s really how it all started.”
It was Alex who convinced their parents to bring home the family’s first pony – a pivotal moment in both sisters’ lives. As Hannah puts it with a laugh:
“Alex was really the driving force. As the older sister, she was the one who campaigned for the first pony… and then I was lucky enough to follow along behind her once the hard work of convincing Mum and Dad had already been done.”
What began as simply wanting to emulate her big sister quickly grew into something deeper. The two girls spent their childhoods immersed in ponies, local events and learning the ropes for horsemanship the traditional way: hands-on, practical, and in all weather. For Hannah, those early years in Tasmania instilled the fundamentals that still guide her today.
Hannah and Bentley schooling on cross country. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
EARLY GUIDANCE & BUILDING A PASSION
Hannah’s first eventing coach, Lucy Bennett, played a pivotal role in shaping her early development. Under Lucy’s guidance she learned how to read a cross-country course, ride with rhythm, and trust her instincts.
Lucy also introduced Hannah to Prue Barrett, who was regularly visiting Tasmania for squad and private clinics. These sessions, combined with Lucy’s ongoing training, allowed Hannah to access higher-level coaching – however, there were still limitations in the way of competition experience. With Tasmania only hosted two CCN1* events each year, training was difficult.
This forced Hannah to start considering moving interstate. “It was amazing to have access to both Lucy and Prue,” Hannah said. “But even with great coaching, I realised there were limits to how far I could progress while staying in Tasmania.”
Once Hannah finished her degree in nursing, she decided to make the move and pursue eventing. Leaving her family and support network behind, she relocated to Maitland NSW with her horses in April 2025 to base with Prue and Craig Barrett at Sandhills.
“Up here, there are just so many more events,” she said. “It makes everything easier – travelling, training, being around other riders doing the same thing. It’s the right place to be if you want to push yourself.”
Hannah and Bentley competing at Adelaide Equestrian Festival where they finished third in the CCI3*L. Image by Annabelle Hobbs Photography.
MEET THE TEAM
HK Hawthorn (Toorak Toff x Volksraad) – fondly known as ‘Bentley’ – was purchased by Hannah when she was 15. This was the first “proper” OTT she had ridden. Purchased directly from the trainer, Bentley has since taken Hannah on an extraordinary journey.
Before Bentley, Hannah had only competed up to 95cm. Now the pair have progressed to winning CCI3* events.
“He’s really bold and he has potential to go further,” Hannah said. “Time will tell if we get there.”
The second horse in the team is Zipalon HK (Wordsmith x Red Ransom) – fondly known as ‘Zipper’ – who has only been a part of the team for two years.
“My friend purchased him after he finished racing, and I just fell in love with him from the instant I met him. He’s quite a big horse, and he wasn’t very confident; he didn’t end up being right for my friend. I started helping her out with him, but it wasn’t clicking with the two of them, so she offered him to me. My parents and I purchased him, and he’s been a part of the family since then.”
Slowly Zipper has found his confidence, and the once gangly off-the-track Thoroughbred has now blossomed into a promising event horse in his own right. His CCN1* win at Sydney shows that he, too, is on an upward trajectory.
Hannah’s team consists exclusively of Thoroughbreds, reflecting her strong preference for the breed. “I had a few other breeds along the way,” she says. “But I just really love the Thoroughbreds. Their work ethic and brain makes it so fun.”
A BALANCING ACT
Not one to sit still, and with the rising cost of living, Hannah has a jam-packed schedule managing her two horses around work as a nurse. A typical week sees the horses being worked Monday through to Saturday, typically in the morning following a night shift at the hospital. A next level commitment from Hannah at just 22!
Training varies depending on upcoming competitions, but variety is key. Hannah tailors each session to suit the individual horse, ensuring both Bentley and Zipper remain mentally fresh and physically prepared.
Hannah and Zipper having fun on cross country. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
A CAREER HIGHLIGHT
“It was pretty cool,” Hannah says of her success at the 2025 Limitless Lodge Sydney International Three-Day Event back in November. “Bentley led from start to finish in the CCI3*L and then for Zipper it was his first ever CCN1*. For him to step up and win that class at one of the biggest events for him was really special. Clearly, he was definitely ready for the challenge. Paired with the CCI3*L win, which was probably my biggest win to date, Sydney was like a dream.”
While eventing is an individual sport, Hannah is quick to acknowledge the team behind her success.
“I’m really lucky that both my mum and sister flew interstate for that event. I’m very fortunate that they were both there, particularly my sister; she’s the best groom in the world.”
Hannah also credits Prue and Craig Barrett as instrumental figures in her development. “I think that’s the biggest thing, the good results come from the team behind you. I mean the horses are obviously amazing, but I couldn’t have gotten here if it wasn’t for everyone supporting and helping us along the way.”
Whilst Zipper is new to the success, Bentley has quietly been getting more consolidated at three-star level, winning the CCI3*S at Sydney in 2024 as well as placing third in the CCI3*L at the 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival.
LOOKING AHEAD
For Bentley, Hannah’s next target is four-star level – a big goal, but one she believes he is ready for.
For Zipper, the aim is to continue building confidence and experience, including taking him to the 2026 Melbourne International Three-Day Event for the CCN1* competition – a class held exclusively for off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
Longer term, Hannah hopes to continue producing Thoroughbreds and competing at high levels nationally and internationally. EQ
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