Ambitious. Grounded. Eyes set on the future. Meet MD athlete Elena Haas, an aspiring young equestrian competing at the top level of show jumping. So far in 2025, Elena has claimed major wins at Wellington and North Salem, made her CSI5* debut with a top-5 finish at Spruce Meadows, and represented the US in the Nations Cup in Luxembourg – aiming high with each ride. 

About Elena Haas

• Born: 2003

• Lives in: Oakland, California, USA

• Competes for: USA 🇺🇸

• Discipline: Show jumping

• Instagram: @elena_.haas
  
  

If we rewind a few years to where it all began, Elena’s passion for animals – and eventually horses – started with childhood summers spent at her grandparents’ farm in Missouri.

– I grew up in California, but my dad was raised on a small cattle ranch in rural Missouri, where my grandparents still live. As a kid, I would spend a few weeks each summer on the farm, and while my brothers would be off riding dirt bikes, I preferred to help my grandmother feed the calves. My grandfather saw my love for animals and bought a retired broodmare for about $50, and I fell in love. I begged my parents to bring me to a stable back home purely because I wanted to be around horses, and I’ve been riding ever since!

At the time of writing, Elena has one year left of studies at Wake Forest University – where she studies sustainability. A passion she wants to integrate into the sport after graduating. 

– Sustainability is something I’ve been passionate about for a long time, and I hope to integrate more fully into the equestrian world once I graduate from college. Unfortunately, our sport is not inherently the “greenest,” so to speak, however, I believe there are still many feasible ways we can lower our overall carbon footprint. Recently, it has been great to see leading organizations such as the FEI and USEF embrace sustainability initiatives, as well as facilities such as Spruce Meadows really make big efforts to lower their carbon footprint. I hope to further this work as climate change is an issue very close to my heart.

When we ask Elena to describe herself, it is clear that family values have shaped her humble approach, always combining drive with kindness – in every area of her daily life. 

– I really try to be very kind to everyone I meet. My parents taught me that no matter the circumstances, you can always choose to be kind, and I think that’s really important in all areas of life. Finally, I’d say that I’m very ambitious. I have very big aspirations in the sport, in my education, and in life, and I’d definitely say my ambitions shape who I am.

“Having people who believe in you truly means the world, and although you eventually need to be able to stand on your own two feet, being surrounded by good people certainly helps you get there more quickly.”

– Elena Haas

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and the lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

– I would have to say my confidence has always been my biggest challenge. I’m not the most inherently confident person in general, and that has definitely held me back from time to time in the arena. Everyone handles confidence differently, but I’ve realized that having good, supportive people around really makes an incredible difference for me. I think finding a team that pushes you to be better, but also helps to build you up is so important. This sport is already full of ups and downs, so having people who are consistent that you can rely on to stick with you through it all is so reassuring. 

She continues:

– I’m really lucky to work with an incredible trainer in Darragh Kenny who has definitely helped instill a lot more confidence in me in the time we’ve been working together. Having people who believe in you truly means the world, and although you eventually need to be able to stand on your own two feet, being surrounded by good people certainly helps you get there more quickly.

What is your long-term goal in the equestrian sport?

– I would love to become one of the strongest American riders – to jump for the team at all of the major Championships, help win Nations Cups, and to hopefully grow into a very strong role model for the next generations. I also, of course, want to be the best horsewoman I can be, and to try and bring the very best out of each horse that I am lucky enough to work with.

“At the end of the day, we all do this sport because we love it and we love our horses, so I think trying to stay grounded in that is the best way to stay calm and perform your best when it's time to compete.”

– Elena Haas

How do you prepare yourself for a competition? Can you give us your top tips and advice?

– As simple as it sounds, I think the best way to feel prepared for a competition is to make sure you’ve done as much work as possible beforehand, so that during the competition, you can just focus on the task at hand. 

• Since every horse is different, try to figure out a routine that works for them
  

• Take care of yourself and prioritize things that bring the best out of you 

– I work with a great sports psychologist that I like to call before a big week, but sometimes getting my head in the right space can be as simple as just taking my horse out for grass, walking my dog, or calling a friend or family member to chat. Just like the horses, everyone is different, so I think figuring out the things that make you feel your best before you compete is really important, and it can definitely take time and a few tries! At the end of the day, we all do this sport because we love it and we love our horses, so I think trying to stay grounded in that is the best way to stay calm and perform your best when it's time to compete.

Which are your favorite MD products? 

– The new Athlete Breeches have quickly become a new favorite for me! They are so comfortable, flattering, and well-made. I also especially love the Everyday Halfzips, jackets, and all of the hoodies! Everything is so comfortable for long days riding and competing.

How do you feel about starting this collaboration?

– I am so excited to be starting this collaboration! I have been riding in the Maya Delorez clothes for about a year now and have loved them. I’m so grateful to be working with such a supportive, innovative, and truly wonderful company, and I’m very excited to see all that we can hopefully accomplish together!