Spotlight On: Stella and Clara Propp

Written by Grace Klement and Lillian Ferguson

Sisters Stella and Clara Propp, based in New York City, have carved out distinguished careers across both the hunter and jumper rings. Introduced to the sport at a young age, the sisters advanced from the short stirrup to be competitive in all three rings.

As Stella approaches her graduation from Brown University, she continues to balance academics with a successful showing career. Her accomplishments include multiple Grand Champion titles. In 2024, Stella captured three championship titles at the National Horse Show

Clara’s junior career has been equally decorated. A three-time USEF Junior Hunter 3’3” Overall Grand Champion, she has also earned a High Classic title pre-circuit.

Training together under the guidance of Brianne Goutal, the Propp sisters have also built a growing presence beyond the show ring, sharing their journey through the sport on social media. We caught up with Stella and Clara to talk about their paths so far—and what lies ahead.

Shared Ponies, Individual Paths

Sisters Stella and Clara Propp began riding at a young age, marking the start of what would become successful careers in the hunter and jumper disciplines. Stella, the oldest of three, was introduced to horses first after participating in pony rides at a friend’s birthday party at age four. “I fell in love with it immediately,” she says. As Stella began riding, her younger sisters followed, despite the family not having a background in the sport. “Once my sisters rode, it became second nature to me,” Clara explains, noting that she started riding around age three.

Their early years in the sport were shaped by their first shared pony, Cece, who carried each sister through the walk-trot and children’s classes. “She started with me, then taught Juliette, and then Clara,” Stella explains. As they progressed, the Propp sisters moved away from sharing horses, opting instead for clear, individual partnerships at the upper levels of competition. “Consistency is important for the horses,” Stella explains. That structure allows each rider to develop independently while remaining supportive of one another’s goals. “If a horse is better for one of us at a certain time, it’s an easy decision,” Clara says.

Annie has been a cornerstone horse in both sisters’ careers, first with Clara in the junior hunters and now with Stella in the amateur ranks. Clara and Annie claimed three consecutive USEF Junior Hunter 3’3” Overall Grand Championships, beginning in 2021. “She was a bit green that first year, so the win felt huge,” Clara says. As the titles added up, so did the pressure. “By the third year, it was definitely stressful, but also incredibly rewarding.”

Now under Stella’s ride, Annie continues to prove her consistency and competitiveness. “She’s extremely hard-working and truly loves her job,” Stella says. “She feels like my equal partner in the ring.”

Stella Propp aboard Arabesque, AKA “Annie” at the Winter Equestrian Festival © Giana Terranova Photography

Balancing Two Rings

Balancing both hunters and jumpers has shaped each sister’s approach in different ways. Stella continues to compete in both disciplines, relying on a mental reset between rings. “They’re so different, so I really try to compartmentalize,” she says. “When I walk into a new ring, I look at it as a clean slate.” Whereas Clara has shifted her focus primarily to the jumpers, drawing on her hunter background while embracing a new challenge. “The hunters gave me an incredible foundation,” she explains. “Now I can fully focus on the jumpers and building success in a different ring.”

Within those disciplines, their preferences are equally defined. Stella is drawn to the technicality of the hunter ring, particularly handy courses. “I’ve always loved the rollbacks and tight turns,” she says. “When the jumps come up fast, you don’t have time to second-guess.” Clara, on the other hand, enjoys the strategy of the jumper ring, with one clear caveat. “I love a big rhythm and a clean jump-off,” she says, laughing, “but going fast is not my favorite.”

This season, both Stella and Clara are focused on leveraging their horses’ strengths while continuing to grow as riders. Clara—with six promising jumpers—including a few new partnerships she’s excited to develop. “All of my horses are so different,” she says. “This season is about getting to know them, seeing how we grow together, and learning from one another. No matter the round, there’s always room for improvement.”

Stella is focused on matching her strengths with her horses’ abilities. “A weakness of mine is day two of showing when I’m sitting in the champion position—I tend to crack under pressure,” she admits. “I’m working on being more consistent. I love a good handy round, the rollback turns, and hand gallops. Trot jumps? Not so much.” She adds that in the jumpers, “triple combinations are intimidating, but I love to go fast.”

For Clara, choosing the right horse for her classes has been essential, particularly for her first Grand Prix. “Etna was my option for the Grand Prix because I have confidence in her,” she says. “We had a great weekend in the pre-circuit, winning the high classic. She gives the best feeling and is the sweetest horse.” Clara also emphasizes planning carefully to protect her horses throughout the season. “Part of these 13 weeks is making sure each horse isn’t showing too many weekends in a row. Next week, for example, I have the U25 on Mister, which played into my decision to do the Grand Prix with Etna this weekend.”

Stella is also excited to introduce a new jumper this season. “I just got a new horse that I’m really looking forward to getting to know,” she says. Clara had tried him last year, but it wasn’t the right fit. “I revisited him this year, and he’s exactly what I’m looking for,” Stella explains. Affectionately named Elvis in the barn, she plans to show him in the low amateurs for their first classes together as she builds toward her goal of competing in the U25 division.

Clara Propp aboard “Highway” in the BrainJuice U25 Semi-Final Grand Prix during WEF8 2025. © Giana Terranova Photography

Next Chapter, Next Jump

Balancing academics with a competitive riding career is no small task for Stella and Clara. Stella, currently a senior at Brown University, shares her insight on juggling academics with showing. “It’s brutal, I’m not going to lie,” Stella says. “It takes planning and time management—getting assignments done ahead of time so I can focus on my horses on show weekends. Organization and communication with professors are key.”

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue graduate studies in English Literature while continuing to ride. “I’m really looking forward to devoting my time to the next chapter of my life while riding,” she shares. Stella is excited to continue her time in the hunter and jumper rings and aims to participate in the U25 division.

Clara, currently on a gap year before starting at Brown University, is already taking notes from her sister. “It’s really special having Stella giving me advice on balancing school and riding,” she says. Although still prioritizing her time in the saddle, Clara shares her upcoming riding goals: continuing in the U25 division and one day competing on 3* Nations Cup Teams. “I’ve always loved riding on teams,” Clara notes. “Working with other riders has been one of my favorite parts of the sport.”

Stella Propp and “Grand Remo” in the $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular during the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival © Giana Terranova Photography

More Than a Circuit: WEF and the Lessons That Last

Competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has long been a highlight for the Propp sisters. “We have been showing at WEF forever,” Stella says. “The level of competition pushes me to do my best, and you’re surrounded by so many talented riders, trainers, and grooms.”

For Clara, WEF is both a seasonal highlight and an important training opportunity. She emphasizes how the 13-week schedule allows less experienced mounts to grow: “Being here for 13 weeks is great—they get to learn and grow. If you have a bad run, you can go in and try again. The number of classes and heights they [WEF] offer is amazing.” She adds, “I can’t picture my year without it, and by the end of the season, I’m already looking forward to it starting again.”

When asked what advice they would give younger riders, or their younger selves, both sisters emphasize patience and self-focus. Clara urges riders not to compare themselves to others. “You’re working with literal animals; this isn’t soccer or basketball. Your horse is different every day, so the only person you should compare yourself to is yourself, aiming to be a little better each day,” she encourages. “If you make a mistake, focus on fixing it rather than worrying about who won. Just keep going, do your own thing, and do what makes you happy.”

Stella echoes the sentiment, highlighting the importance of resilience. “Don’t beat yourself down too much,” she says. “Whether it’s coming back from school or feeling rusty on the first day, comparison doesn’t help. You can always start fresh and improve your mistakes. If you discourage yourself, you’ll never succeed.”