‘AGT’ Season 19: Who is Ada Filppa? Skilled athlete has won many 'horse' competitions
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Ada Filppa, a 23-year-old hobbyhorsing enthusiast, coach, and social media influencer from Finland, is gearing up to showcase her talent on the upcoming episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19.
Hobbyhorsing, a sport that involves gymnastic movements with stick horses, originated in Finland and simulates equestrian disciplines like show jumping and dressage without using real horses.
Ada is excited to bring this unique sport to a wider audience on a global platform like 'America's Got Talent'. Having won numerous hobbyhorsing championships in the past, she showcased her skills once again at the recent Finnish Championships in 2024.
This time, the blonde beauty claimed the gold medal in the International freestyle category and the bronze medal in the Finnish Dressage champion category. After her impressive victories, she took to Instagram to share her joy and excitement with her followers.
"HOW AMAZING IT WAS TO BE BACK COMPETING AT FINNISH CHAMPIONSHIPS?" she started by writing.
Ada added, "It’s been almost five years when I last time started in FM. I’ve been struggling and scared to come back. Why? We never know. But can we talk about how cool is to be back? Let my smile speak for that! International freestyle. Finnish Dressage champion.
The hobbyhorsing athlete continued, "Wow wow wow! I’m ready for new season and trainin. Thank you so much other competitors and FM organization team🫶🏼 More I would like thank you @khtvera helping me going through whole day. Without you I wouldn’t survive. Thanks to @rezperohorses jumping behind the camera and helping to record everything."
"Big thanks to @seppanen.aleksi & @osteocenterturku keeping my body healty and helping a lot with recovering and trainings. Thanks so much my lovely friends @jussi.rynnas and @loboto_mia whose helping and support me whole spring to this big day. Until next year," she concluded.
'AGT' Season 19 contestant Ada Filppa is also hobbyhorsing coach
Ada Filppa, a contestant on 'AGT' Season 19, is not only a talented performer but also a dedicated hobbyhorsing coach. Taking to Instagram on June 15, she shared her thoughts on her coaching experience and expressed her gratitude for the students she has had the privilege of training.
Her post was filled with heartfelt sentiments and appreciation for the hard work and dedication that her students have shown. Ada's passion for both performing and coaching shines through in her words, showcasing her commitment to helping others succeed in their hobbyhorsing endeavors.
"To the beloved trainees, you have come a long way this season. We started training together on a regular Saturday in the fall. Each of you dreamed of qualifying as a steeplechaser, and you were dedicated steeplechase riders. However, your own desire to learn and the amount of practice quickly proved that obstacles alone are not your strength, but that each of you is an immensely talented dressage rider," she shared.
Ada went on to say, "You grabbed the bull by the horns, and with a little encouragement, you decided to strive for the school championship as well. The road has not been easy, and it has been full of insights, but also small bumps. You have never been afraid of the workload, new things, or given up in the middle of a single workout. That work has been rewarded, and you can proudly start the Finnish championships today."
She continued, "I hope that today you wake up proud of yourself and the courage to try something new. You would be gracious in the face of the pressure of new and exciting competition. You would enjoy every moment during the performance, and you would remember the beginning of the path from where we started."
The NBC show contestant added, "You are skilled, persistent, brave and unique competitors. It's been great to be a part of your path, and I hope that no matter what happened in the races today, you dare to say that you still did it, even though it was scary and exciting. You made it to the finals, and together you get to cheer everyone one last time before the next season. Look in the mirror today and smile, you did it. With love and pride, Your coach."
'AGT' Season 19 contestant Ada Filppa responds to trolls with kindness
Over the years, Ada Filppa has faced significant criticism for pursuing hobbyhorsing as a profession. Despite the backlash, she has consistently responded to trolls with grace and positivity. In a heartfelt Instagram post in March 2024, Ada shared her perspective on prioritizing love over hate in the face of adversity.
"Just a quick note to all of you: If someone gives you hate or says stupid and nasty things to you. You do not need to give them the same hate or say the same stupid things back to them. Because who wants to act like the people who hate one another," she penned.
Ada added, "Sometimes we feel like that we can and that it is our right to say bad things back to the peopke who hate and bully us, but doing so you just make yourself a bully too in the process. Sometimes it’s totally fine to just delete the bad comments, ignore them or simply reply by saying that it’s okey and that’s just your opinion."
"Lately I have been receiving a lot of not so nice comments under my videos especially. Sometimes they make me feel sad and feel like I want to reply and give them a piece of my mind. If you sometimes find yourself feeling the same and wanting to say bad things back to the commenters, close the phone and go outside," she concluded.
'America's Got Talent' Season 19 airs every Tuesday at 8 pm ET only on NBC.