story by Lily Weinacht
Hannah Martin – JenningsRodeoPhotography.com
The energy and adrenaline of rodeo matches Hannah Martin’s lively personality perfectly. The 16 year old from Junction, Texas, pursues life with vigor, particularly her events of barrel racing, pole bending, ribbon roping, goat tying, breakaway roping, and team roping with the AJRA. Her lifelong love for rodeo began before she was knee high, riding with her dad, Dean Martin, who entered Hannah in playdays on the red roan she was given on her fourth birthday. She joined the AJRA soon after. “I know rodeo looks good on a résumé and scholarship application, but I mainly do it because I get to see my friends and hang out with little kids that look up to me, and it means so much for me to see them,” says Hannah, who is one of the AJRA’s student directors this year. “Rodeo is a stress reliever for me – it’s just awesome!”
Hannah’s favorite event is goat tying, as well as team roping as a heeler. “I like the events that are more hands-on,” she explains. “Goat tying requires more hand-eye coordination than any other event and it’s my passion.” Hannah is coached in her events by her dad, who ropes in the USTRC. “He pushes me in rodeo – sometimes more than he should have to when I just feel like riding my horse and not practicing,” Hannah admits. “He encourages me, and he’s my biggest fan.” Likewise, Hannah’s mom, Belinda Martin, comes to many of Hannah’s rodeos to cheer her on. In 2013, Hannah qualified for the San Antonio Youth Rodeo and won the goat tying with a 7.3 second run, a new personal best. It was especially meaningful since Hannah’s mom, who had been sick, was able to come watch Hannah compete – and win. Hannah also has an older sister, Trady. “She’s my biggest fan, second to my dad,” says Hannah. “She’s mentally disabled, but she’s got a great sense of humor and I love her to death!”
Hannah and her parents live in Junction, but keep their horses on their property near the North Llano River, which is perfect for Hannah to swim her horses in. These include Lady, Pistol, and Patron. Lady, though 22, is still running barrels and poles like a professional athlete, and after an injury and rehab, began running barrels and poles consistently faster. Pistol is Hannah’s goat tying and heel horse, and admittedly her favorite, though she says he is the laziest horse she owns. Patron, her mount in the breakaway roping, is out of the Martin’s mare that took Hannah to the NJHFR in 2013. They now have high hopes for the young gelding. “I have a chance to win the all-around for the 16-19 girls this year, and I owe all that to my horses,” says Hannah. “God has blessed me with parents who know how to find the best horses!”
Having finished her sophomore year at Junction High School, Hannah has more time to focus on rodeo. She is also in charge of music at cowboy church, where her dad does the preaching. Infused with her love of music by her grandpa, Hannah plays the trumpet, piano, and clarinet. “Thankfully, my rodeo buddy is a drum major, so I’m not the only rodeo/band freak there is!” she says happily. “There’s something about Christian music and its message about God that gives me fire. It’s good for your soul!”
Hannah is pursuing her goals of qualifying for the NHSFR in goat tying, and earning a scholarship for college rodeo and a degree in equine business. She’s doing so with the support of her parents and grandparents, and finishes, “God is helping guide me along the way.”
