Hannah Wirfel Jones ’07
DEGREE: B.A. in art history
JOB TITLE: Horsemanship Program director at New Canaan Mounted Troop
FAVORITE TRINITY MEMORY: I spent a summer at Trinity’s Rome Campus. Living in Rome was incredible, but getting to celebrate Italy’s World Cup soccer win was truly unforgettable. Huge projector screens were set up in the Circus Maximus, with the Palatine Hill as a backdrop. The Italian team’s celebratory parade felt like a modern-day version of an ancient Roman triumphal procession!
What was your path to your current position?
I started horseback riding lessons when I was 7 years old and was always passionate about the sport. Inspired by accomplished riders at my barn, I set a goal to qualify for the National Horse Show and to ride in the Maclay Finals. After years of dedication, I proudly competed in the 2001 Maclay Finals—the last year it was held at Madison Square Garden. At the end of my junior riding career, I found myself wondering what was next. While I was grateful for the competitive experiences, I realized that horses were more than just competition for me—they were my grounding, my community, and my sense of belonging. That’s why I joined the Trinity Equestrian Team to stay connected and to continue learning. After graduation, a fellow Trinity alum offered me a chance to teach riding at Farmington Polo Club. I even had the opportunity to coach the Trinity Equestrian Team for a couple of years! That experience helped me discover a passion for helping others grow as riders.
In August 2011, I was hired by New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) to be their head riding instructor. NCMT, founded over 85 years ago, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit riding school that teaches leadership and horsemanship skills from the ground up. All the horses are donated to the program, and “Troopers” (kids aged 7–18) must help care for the horses to ride and be part of our Horsemanship Program. When NCMT launched its therapeutic riding program, I was part of the team that helped start the Super Troopers Program. In 2013, I became a PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor, which allowed me to combine my love for horses with my commitment to community. I still teach in both our Horsemanship and Super Troopers Programs, but now I’m the Horsemanship Program director. My unique skill set—developed through PATH certification, years of instruction, and personal experiences—helps me identify how different riders process information and adapt my teaching to meet their needs. This role allows me to bring together my lifelong passion for horses, dedication to helping others, and commitment to creating inclusive spaces where every rider can thrive.
What do you do in your role?
I teach, ride, and coach (we started our own interscholastic riding team several years ago!), and I create work schedules for both our human and equine staff. I also serve as the adult adviser to our high schoolers’ Troop Leadership Council and as an adviser to the board at NCMT.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like knowing that I’m part of creating a safe space for so many kids. So much baggage can be left at the door—whether it’s something going on at home, at school, or in the world—because no matter what, the horses still need to eat.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
Since we’re a nonprofit, we don’t have a huge budget. Also, there are only so many hours in the day to get everything done!
How did your time at Trinity help prepare you for your career?
The liberal arts foundation gave me the flexibility to adapt, problem-solve, and continue learning, which has been invaluable in this role.
What was the most memorable course you took at Trinity?
It’s hard to pick one: Erik Vogt’s courses on existentialism and media philosophy and Kathleen Curran’s courses on suburban sprawl and urban planning. They expanded my understanding of how people interact with the world around them—insights I now apply when working with my students.
Was there a professor at Trinity who was particularly influential?
Professor Vogt and Professor Curran. Their classes pushed me and gave me the confidence to think in new ways, and their guidance shaped my ability to approach challenges creatively and with insight into other people’s perspectives.
For more on the NCMT, visit trincollreporter.online/Jones
