Owner and operator of Higher Ground Stables, Hannah Murrin is a lifelong equestrian whose journey reflects both humility and high performance.
Her beginnings were simple — long days at Hampshire Farms, riding ponies across fields, learning responsibility through Pony Club, and developing a love for horses grounded in care, not competition. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong respect for horsemanship and the values that still guide her today.
Over the next two decades, that foundation evolved into a career marked by precision, consistency, and success in the show ring. As an accomplished amateur rider, Hannah has competed through the 1.45m level nationally, earning top results in Grand Prix classes and Circuit Championships in the High Amateur Division. Her knowledge has been shaped through years of close collaboration and mentorship with some of the most respected professionals and veterinarians in the sport — experiences that reflect years of guidance, deepen her appreciation for true horsemanship, and continue to inspire the standard of care and professionalism that define Higher Ground Stables.
Her dedication to horsemanship also led her abroad to Holland, where she spent several months as a working student at a breeding and training facility, working with young horses from birth through backing them for their first rides and early competitions. That experience deepened her appreciation for the complete lifecycle of the sport horse — from careful development to peak performance.
The name Higher Ground carries personal significance — it belonged to Hannah’s first true top-level competition horse, the one who introduced her to elite sport and helped her achieve early success at some of the nation’s most prestigious venues. That partnership ignited a lifelong pursuit of excellence in both horse care and performance, forming the foundation for everything Higher Ground Stables represents today.
Over the years, Hannah has had the privilege of developing and campaigning several exceptional horses — including her beloved mares Valentina and Landdame, who brought her to elite national finals such as the Washington International Horse Show, Harrisburg, and Devon, as well as to major venues like Wellington, Old Salem, and the Hampton Classic. Her longtime partner, the chestnut mare Essedon, holds a particularly special place in her heart, with a list of blue ribbons longer than any other horse she has owned. The pair’s partnership embodies the trust and joy that define Hannah’s connection with her horses, and when the time comes for Essedon to retire, she will remain at the farm she helped inspire — loved, cherished, and, hopefully, the foundation of a new generation through future breeding.
Originally based in the Northeast, Hannah spent her winters in Wellington before ultimately establishing her permanent home in Ocala, Florida, where Higher Ground Stables continues to grow and flourish. Her experiences traveling to iconic venues such as Kentucky, Spruce Meadows, and Angelstone have further shaped her respect for the sport’s global standard of excellence.
Her late partner, Pappa Ante Portas II, represents the pinnacle of that journey — a horse whose heart, character, and talent shaped her definition of excellence. He taught her perseverance, patience, and partnership, lessons that continue to guide every decision she makes and every horse she cares for. His influence remains at the heart of the farm and the quiet determination that Higher Ground Stables is known for today.
At Higher Ground, Hannah’s role is not that of a trainer, but of a steward — ensuring that horses, riders, and professionals have every resource they need to perform at their best. The facility stands as a reflection of her experience and values: elite infrastructure, meticulous care, and the genuine love of a life spent among horses.