Ariana Marnell: From Hunter Star to the Jumper Ring

The celebrated junior hunter rider is showcasing her poise and competitive spirit in the jumper ring.

Ariana Marnell of Las Vegas, Nevada, carved out an exceptional junior career in the Hunter ring, piloting her outstanding mounts, Babylon and Ocean Road, to victory on the sport’s biggest stages.

By 2023, her final junior year, she had dominated nearly every major championship, from Devon to the National Horse Show, earning the title of Best Junior Hunter Rider. Babylon, her superstar partner, was crowned the Chronicle of the Horse’s Best Overall Hunter and Hunter Horse of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. Wrapping up her freshman year at Auburn University, Ariana continues to balance her passion for the sport with her academic pursuits, proving her dedication extends far beyond the show ring.

Where It Started

Ariana’s path to success in the equestrian world didn’t follow the traditional route. Unlike many top riders, she didn’t come from a long line of equestrians. Instead, her love for animals led her to an unexpected introduction to the sport. After attending a dressage show, she was immediately hooked and begged for riding lessons. With her aunt and uncle both dressage riders, she started in that discipline but quickly realized her true passion was jumping. She persuaded her parents to let her switch barns, where she began competing at local shows before making her way to major West Coast circuits like Thermal and Del Mar.

It wasn’t always just horses. Ariana’s parents encouraged her to be well-rounded and try many different sports before fully committing to riding. At 14, after years of persistence, she convinced them to let her dedicate herself entirely to the sport. She began training with John French with their full support, marking a turning point in her career. “I think this is why I’m so appreciative of how big a deal it was, and is, to train with John and Kent and compete at indoors and Wellington.”

Current Training and Competition

Ariana has long trained with the elite team at KPF, led by powerhouse trio Kent Farrington, Claudio Baroni, and John French. Throughout her junior career, she primarily worked with John, one of the most accomplished hunter riders in the sport. While Babylon and Ocean Road remain under his guidance, Ariana has shifted her focus to the jumper ring, training with Kent and Claudio.

The KPF team is “big picture and focused on the long game,” Ariana shares. “It’s a great environment to be in, surrounded by the most experienced riders.” She also praises the seamless collaboration within the KPF team and enjoys how everyone works together.

Now competing in the U25, 2*, and High Amateur Divisions, Ariana excels aboard her two jumper mounts, Jikki-Cara and Poldi’s Pleasure. Jikki-Cara, an experienced partner, is guiding her through the bigger divisions, while Poldi’s Pleasure is an exciting young prospect she’s developing for higher levels. During Wellington International (WEF) 2025, she claimed third in the U25 Welcome Stake and Grand Prix and won a 1.45m High Amateur Classic on Jikki, while earning top placings in the 1.30-meter classes with Poldi.

Mindset for Success

Newer to East Coast indoor circuits and Wellington, Ariana knew many of her competitors had years of experience at these venues. Determined to set herself apart, she focused on building her mental resilience. “I thought, well, I’ll probably be the least experienced in the group, but there is something that my peers maybe haven’t thought about,” she reflects. Understanding that mindset plays a crucial role in success, she worked on mental strategies to ensure her horses wouldn’t carry the weight of her nerves or mistakes.

Ariana has dedicated time to studying and practicing mental preparation techniques to enhance her performance in the ring. Before her rounds, she visualizes her course and plans each piece. “You can really manifest or put out there what you want to happen. I learned a lot about stress in a good way, and how neurons in your brain can fire faster so your body can respond to your horse quicker,” she explains, referencing her behavioral psychology studies. She observes horses similar to her own but avoids over-watching rounds, knowing that too much exposure can lead to second-guessing her strategy.

Her self-initiated journey into the psychological side of the sport has given her a competitive edge that many riders overlook. Now a freshman at Auburn University, Ariana has her sights set on a future in sports psychology. “I enjoy sports and anything competition-related. I think that’s where I would like to take my career. There’s so much room for improvement in athletes and teams just through this type of training,” she says.

Adjusting to college life has been seamless for Ariana, thanks to years of balancing an intense riding schedule. She’s thriving as a member of the NCAA Division I Jump Seat Equestrian Team at Auburn and is already securing wins in matchups. She says one of the most significant benefits of being on the team is the increased time in the saddle. “Even if we’re just flatting or doing poles, just being on a horse is really helpful for my riding,” she notes. She appreciates the coaching staff’s support in allowing riders to compete outside of school and enjoys the added camaraderie of being part of a team.

Managing academics, team commitments, and individual competitions is no small task, but Ariana prides herself on being highly organized. With an academic advisor helping structure her schedule and the flexibility of online coursework, she’s found a system that allows her to excel in all aspects of her life.

Looking Back and to the Future

“Now I can watch some of my rounds—like Ocean Road’s 95 score from Washington or Babylon’s 95 from Junior Hunter Finals—and realize just how special those moments were without being so caught up in competing,” Ariana reflects. At the time, she admits she didn’t fully appreciate their brilliance. Today, Babylon and Ocean Road remain in her family’s ownership, ensuring they are never overused and always well-loved. “They really are the best horses,” she says fondly, enjoying watching them continue to shine under new riders while remaining in training with John.

Balancing college, riding, and competition is no easy feat, but Ariana credits her success to an incredible team and exceptional horses. “It takes good horses and a really good team to make it all work, and I’m so lucky to have that,” she says. Looking ahead, she’s setting her sights on top placings in the U25 Division and hopes to earn a Young Rider NAYRC Championship medal.

With unwavering support from her family, Ariana has already made a name for herself in the sport. Her father, a former professional athlete, understands the dedication and preparation required to compete at the highest level, and her parents fully embrace the journey despite not coming from a horse background. “Their mentality has always been, ‘Let’s make this happen,’” she says.

Outside of riding, Ariana finds balance through friendships both in and out of the horse world. Her two older brothers and her close-knit group of friends keep her grounded and motivated. “I love coming back to school and having friends who aren’t always horse people—it gives me a refreshing outlook, even after a tough week,” she laughs.

Dressed for Success

Ariana is as polished in her style as she is in her riding, seamlessly blending classic equestrian elegance with modern sportiness. She has a deep appreciation for traditional equestrian fashion, favoring timeless designs that exude sophistication. “Hermès is timeless and consistently beautiful,” she notes, admiring the brand’s meticulous attention to detail, from the stitching on bridles to the buttons on show coats. She especially loves their ready-to-wear pieces, which complement her riding wardrobe effortlessly.

Beyond the show ring and classroom, Ariana embraces an active, outdoor lifestyle. Whether hiking, spending time at the beach, or taking Pilates classes, she values unplugging from technology and enjoying time with family, friends, and her dogs. With her drive, passion, and eye for style, Ariana is sure to continue making an impact in the equestrian world and beyond.

This story originally appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Equestrian Living.