Baylor EQ: Getting to Know Isabella Hehr

[Ingram, Brent]

BAYLOR ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS – June 10, 2024

EQ: Getting to Know Isabella Hehr
Get to Know Baylor’s Equestrian Student-Athletes

For more information contact: Brent Ingram; 210-845-8651, brent_ingram at baylor.edu<mailto:brent_ingram at baylor.edu>



Editor’s Note: This is the fifth of a Summer series allowing the Baylor fans to get to know some of the elite student-athletes from the equestrian team on BaylorBears.com.



Bella Hehr is a rising senior out of Hollywood, S.C., who competes in Western events for the Bears. She transferred to the Bears for the 2023-24 season after two seasons at Georgia. She competed in reining in six meets in 2024, including competitions vs. No. 1 TCU, No. 5 Georgia and No. 7 Oklahoma State.



At what age did you begin competing in equestrian events?

Isabella Hehr: I started riding before I can even remember, I would sit in the saddle with my mom while she would ride around. I started showing in the headline around four years old.



Why did you start competing in equestrian?

IH: My mom got both my twin brother and I into riding when we were young, and my dad never rode but was always our biggest supporter. My mom had shown for many years and had always wanted a farm on the water - when she eventually got the farm that was where I got to grow up (it was essentially my version of Disneyland as a child). I have been riding ever since.



What is your earliest memory of riding?

IH: My earliest, and probably one of my favorite memories of riding is when I was 10 and my family saved six mini horses from slaughter (all of which ended up being pregnant). My brother and I were a part of the entire process from birthing these ponies, breaking them to be ridden, riding them and eventually selling them. It was a great learning experience getting to be a part of their entire development.



Who is your inspiration in sports and why?

IH: I would say my inspiration in sports would be Kobe Bryant because of his Mamba Mentality and the way that he always wanted to be the best in every aspect of his life - he inspires me to push my limits and strive for excellence.



Who is a current/former collegiate or professional athlete whom you admire and why?

IH: I admire Ruth Sorrel who was a member of the USC team as well as a highly successful coach at Fresno, Auburn and USC. She is someone I look up to because she has a huge amount of knowledge about everything related to college riding. Additionally, she has been able to be successful in many aspects of this industry, which is something that I hope to accomplish. She has always been my biggest fan and I am lucky to have her as a role model.



What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?

IH: My family consists of me, my mom, Tracey Hehr, who is a nurse, my dad, Jason Hehr is an oral surgeon and my twin brother, Sheldon Hehr, who is a student at USC. My parents live in Charleston, SC.



What are your strengths in your discipline? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?





IH: I would say a strength in my discipline is my ability to let go of past mistakes in previous maneuvers and being able to have a fresh mindset going into the next. I always try to make sure not to let mistakes ruin the entire ride and am able to keep going even after making one. With that being said, a weakness and something that I am working on is not making the little mistakes that make the difference when it comes down to a half point or a penalty free ride.



Why did you decide to attend Baylor?

IH: I actually transferred to Baylor from Georgia and when I was going through the transfer process, Baylor stuck out to me as being a place where I would be given an opportunity to be successful while also being surrounded by a great group of teammates, coaches and staff.



What is your academic major and why did you select that major?

IH: I am a Corporate Communications major and am planning to add a Business minor. I chose to study this because it aligns with my future career goals.



What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?

IH: In the future I could see myself continuing to work towards professionally riding in the NRHA. This is an interest of mine because I want to inspire future generations of young people while also getting to dedicate myself to not only teaching people but teaching horses and being a part of the entire process.



Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?

IH: I would say that a big obstacle in my life would be breaking my back my senior year of high school. This made me question my future in riding however it ended up being a big part in shaping who I am as a rider and person today. That experience made me push through my doubts and fears which only made me stronger.



What do you enjoy doing outside of equestrian and school?

IH: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I also really enjoy going off-shore fishing with my dad when I get the chance!



Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?

IH: I have had lots of exotic pets and animals throughout my life (birds, rabbits, snakes, horses, cows, pigs, deer). Currently, we have a lemur named Herman (who is widely known by people in the industry due to always somehow causing a ruckus and keeping things interesting). We also have nine dogs!



What is something most people might not know about you?

IH: Something that people probably don't know about me is that I have played a lot of sports - I used to play softball, cross country, basketball, volleyball, as well as playing the trumpet!



What would you most like to be known for as a Baylor student-athlete?

IH: I would like to be known for always giving my 1000% to supporting my team in everything we do - from getting hyped on meet days, to having team cookouts and bonding experiences.



What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?

IH: I would say to never be afraid to have big dreams, and always chase after them!



- BaylorBears.com -




--
Brent Ingram | Assistant AD for Communications
Men’s Tennis Sport Program Administrator
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 210-845-8651

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