Young Sportsmanship Award Recipient Represents Remarkable Resilience and Courage in the Face of Heartbreak

When Laura Connaway of Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. came up with the idea of introducing and supporting a new junior sportsmanship award at the three Experience Equestrian League (ExEL) events in 2024 at the Germantown Charity Horse Show grounds in Germantown, TN, little did she know the remarkable story of a courageous young girl with a big heart — and ambitions to match — that would emerge.

The 11-year-old Savanna Springfield of Oakland, TN, was awarded the prize at the ExEL Winter Wonderland show on December 6-8, 2024. The judges and officials selected the awardee at each show as the young rider who was deemed to have shown outstanding sportsmanship throughout the competition. Savanna and her pony Candy Crush, a 12-year-old American Paint, were a clear choice. Her courage and character in the face of adversity, heartbreak, and nerves, plus her fantastic attitude at the show, shone like a beacon.

The run-up to the ExEL Winter Wonderland show was extremely traumatic for the horse-mad youngster. Tragically, she lost her little brother to a drowning accident just three months earlier, and her pony had been out for a year with a significant hock injury that required surgery and extensive stem cell therapy.

Since the show was close to Christmas, Savanna dressed “Candy” with festive bridle decorations, but during their first trip around the ring it became clear that the pony was not enjoying her adornments and uncharacteristically refused a couple of jumps. Instead of being angry, Savanna exited with a smile, giving Candy lots of love. She removed Candy’s holiday decorations and returned to the competition ring to produce a lovely second round.

“Savanna has always been a bright light in our lives, but she seems more resilient than ever because of the therapy she receives from the bond with horses,” said Savanna’s mother, Ayana Springfield.

“While as a family we are all still very traumatized, we are slowly healing through the remarkable strength and tenacity Savanna possesses. She was so excited and shocked that she was chosen for the sportsmanship award. She felt like a movie star, but the thing she was most proud of was that her hard work of learning to care for her horse properly was noticed.”

The Springfield family bought Candy Crush in July 2022, even cutting short their summer vacation to rush back and try her when they heard she was available. The pair bonded instantly and enjoyed a year of getting to know each other and showing before injury struck in September 2023. The ExEL show was their first big competition since Candy’s return to work.

Savanna, who has been riding since she was eight, said, “Winning the award was a huge highlight for me. Candy is so sweet but spicy, and she makes it easy for me to love on her. Candy knows how to take care of me on the course and help keep me safe when jumping. I know when we start doing cross-country more, she will take care of me because she already has at shows, in training, and just hacking.”

Savanna has wide-ranging dreams for the future, which include jumping Candy at 3’3”, going to Pony Finals, riding a Belgian Warmblood, trying her hand at vaulting, riding a Clydesdale on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street, and competing abroad one day.

“I have learned that with patience, you can do anything you want to with horses,” added Savanna. “They will learn anything you have time to teach them.”

For us, winning this sportsmanship award meant more than any other competition combined,” concluded Ayana. “Savanna is so deserving of it because she works hard. Her love for the sport, for horses, and for her pony is amazing. It’s great to place first on skill, but maintaining true respect and positive attitude can take you further in life, and that’s what we’re most proud of.”

Laura Connaway said, “I am truly humbled and honored to sponsor the Experience Equestrian League’s sportsmanship award, especially after witnessing Savanna’s remarkable bravery in the face of such adversity. Her unwavering dedication and diligent care of her pony, Candy, are inspiring and a testament to the true spirit of sportsmanship, which is the essence of this award.”

About Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc.
At Connaway & Associates, teamwork allows horse people to protect horse people. Since 1992, Connaway & Associates has built a strong reputation as a reliable partner in competition and in business. Connaway & Associates is licensed in 48 states and offers competitive insurance coverage options through several A-rated admitted insurance carriers. Connaway & Associates does the work so its clients can enjoy their passion for horses. For more information on Connaway & Associates and its offerings, visit www.connaway.net.