Gianna Trotter

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Gianna Trotter is a 25 year old equestrian who, at just one year old,

suffered a brain injury from a car accident. She lost all of her motor

function and doctors told her parents she wouldn’t survive. Her

disability is known as hemiparesis which leaves her with increased

muscle tone and limited function on the right side of her body. 

After 24 years, Gianna has defied the odds and continues to carry out her passion. She has been riding for only four years and has fallen

completely in love with show jumping. She rides with magnetic stirrups to assist with her lack of heel strike and a modified rein setup that allows her to ride with one hand. Gianna’s first horse, Ziggy, was a 22 year old Appendix Quarter Horse who showed her the ropes of the

discipline and instilled the confidence she has today. 

Gianna and Ziggy placed 4th in the 2019 year end rankings at Princeton Show Jumping for the 0.70m division. Her new horse, Casey, is an 8 year old Appendix who she hopes will become her new jumping partner.

Gianna has always enjoyed sharing her story and creating a platform

to further inspire others. She has been public speaking about her

disability since the age of 12 and horseback riding has given her the

opportunity to continue doing just that. 

Gianna has a passion for vlogging and shares her journey on social media. She believes that anything is possible and if she can jump her horse the way she does, then who says others can’t. Gianna is based in New Jersey and rides with Licha and Neal Shapiro at Hay Fever Farm.