102 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
It wasn’t long ago that Spencer Brittan, of West Lake, Texas,
and his identical twin brother Jackson were competing, and
winning, in the highly competitive pony hunters. Last year his
older (by minutes) brother made the jump up to the Grand Prix
ranks during The Summer in the Rockies Series at The Colorado
Horse Park.
This year, at the ripe old age of 15 (he rides as 14), it was
Spencer’s turn aboard the big grey gelding Unico as his brother
and their trainer Hector Florentino of Stransky’s Mission Farm
cheered from the sidelines. He finished 11th overall and is ready
for more! In addition to his impressive skills in the saddle, Spencer,
Jackson and their older sister, Kelsie, represent the Step by Step
Foundation when competing. Sidelines Magazine sat down with
Spencer in between shows to talk about his career in the saddle.
What inspired you to begin riding?
My sister Kelsie introduced us to riding. My twin brother Jackson
started riding when he was nine and I started a year after. We
were showing in the ponies and Jackson and I would take turns
beating each other! I stopped riding the ponies because I got too
tall for them. When I got my first low junior horse I really began
e
to advance. It’s a large step going from the pony ring into a low
junior class.
What is life like as a twin?
Jackson was the first-born and he was the first to do a Grand
Prix. We are identical twins and people confuse us all the time.
We are home schooled, but have different teachers for each
subject and we now train with Hector Florentino of Stransky’s
Mission Farm.
What has been your most exciting competition so far?
The $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix this past
summer at the Colorado Horse Park. I started riding Unico, who I
lease from Liliane Stransky, and he took me into the high juniors.
I was desperate for a new horse and both Liliane and Hector
thought we’d be a good match. Last year, Jackson finished 12th
in his first Grand Prix during Summer in the Rockies and I finished
11th this year and we each had one rail; so now I have bragging
rights. Jackson didn’t compete in the Grand Prix this year because
he has a new horse who is still young so he is going to do a few
more shows first.
What was it like competing in a big open jumper class against
your own trainer, other Step by Step riders and seasoned
veterans two, even three times your age?
The Grand Prix was completely different than the juniors and
left little room for mistakes. My strategy was to stay relaxed and
not to over think or over complicate the course. I had a good first
round with one rail and we were all really pleased with that.
Besides riding and supporting the non-profit organization
Step by Step at competitions, what else do you like to do?
I play a lot of golf, occasionally paintball and I help Liliane with
Step by Step. I love showing and my favorite horse show is the
Winter Equestrian Festival. I hope do as many Grand Prix as
possible this year, possibly even go to Spruce Meadows.
For more information on the Step by Step Foundation, visit www.
stepbystepfoundation.com.
The Brittan Twins:
Double the Trouble in the Grand Prix
Spencer (right) with his
twin brother Jackson and
trainer Hector Florentino.
Photo by Step by Step Foundation
Spencer and Unico competing at the Colorado Horse Park.
