Jen and her Taffy at Global in Wellington, FL
Jen's Dare 2 Dream (D2D) training system is basically an amalgamation of her experience and education starting as a child growing up in 4-H on her family's Quarter Horses to eventing as a teenager and finally dressage in her 20's. Unlike many passionate young riders who solely focus on their craft, Jen diversified her education earning a Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's in Criminal Justice Research all while continuing to teach and train a few horses. After graduation, Jen got her USEF amateur status back and started her own company that tracked Domestic Violence cases through final prosecution (a task that hadn't been possible before because there was no internet yet). Her company eventually got swept up by a forward-thinking defense contracting firm for which she worked for several years before feeling truly ready to Dare 2 Dream and turn her dressage passion into a profession.
The first horse Jen trained to Grand Prix was Lafayette HQ "Taffy" who she bought for $1 because he had a severe injury from fracturing his left hind cannon bone and was going to be euthanized. Six years after she bought him, Taffy had overcome his physical and psychological problems so well, he not only made it to Grand Prix, he kept competing there for 5 years! You can read all about that journey on Taffy's Page. Jen "dared to dream" that this lovely, physically and mentally traumatized horse could overcome his obstacles by building trust, physical therapy, strength training, and helping him develop coping strategies for what scared him...it worked!
Jen has been very fortunate over the years to have studied under a number of highly respected national and international trainers. This list only includes trainers she worked with extensively, not just ridden with in a clinic.
Jen currently rides with US Elite Team Rider, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, since 2018, before that, Mary Wanless, Heather Blitz, David DeWispelaere, Gerd Heuschmann, George Williams, Linda Zang ("O" judge). USEF "S" judge, Susan Madden-Mandas, has been Jen's long-time coach, mentor and friend since around 1996-7...we try not to count that far back because it makes us both feel old!!
The first horse Jen trained to Grand Prix was Lafayette HQ "Taffy" who she bought for $1 because he had a severe injury from fracturing his left hind cannon bone and was going to be euthanized. Six years after she bought him, Taffy had overcome his physical and psychological problems so well, he not only made it to Grand Prix, he kept competing there for 5 years! You can read all about that journey on Taffy's Page. Jen "dared to dream" that this lovely, physically and mentally traumatized horse could overcome his obstacles by building trust, physical therapy, strength training, and helping him develop coping strategies for what scared him...it worked!
Jen has been very fortunate over the years to have studied under a number of highly respected national and international trainers. This list only includes trainers she worked with extensively, not just ridden with in a clinic.
Jen currently rides with US Elite Team Rider, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, since 2018, before that, Mary Wanless, Heather Blitz, David DeWispelaere, Gerd Heuschmann, George Williams, Linda Zang ("O" judge). USEF "S" judge, Susan Madden-Mandas, has been Jen's long-time coach, mentor and friend since around 1996-7...we try not to count that far back because it makes us both feel old!!
Jen evaluating Ren for bit fitting during a clinic
Because of her diverse background, both professional and equestrian, Jen brings unique skills and perspective to her training and teaching. For example, she looks at what other's may call a "training issue" from a more holistic approach. Jen acknowledges that horses and riders often face complex mental, emotional, physical, and equipment comfort/fit obstacles that can't be completely fixed with typical arena training. She asks questions and takes time to carefully evaluate the current situation and makes recommendations based on her education in saddle, bridle and bit fit, horse and human stretches, and topics of conversation with the vet/farrier. Once she ensures the horse is comfortable, the training based on her accumulated knowledge of in-hand work, classical dressage principals and human and equine biomechanics begins.
Some of the many benefits of Jen's D2D holistic approach:
Jen is happy to work with dressage, eventer and jumper riders of all skill levels. Her years as a winning western rider make her uniquely qualified to help western dressage riders, as well.
Some of the many benefits of Jen's D2D holistic approach:
- Evaluation of: saddle, bridle and bit fit, horse's hyoid, neck, back, shoeing, recommended stretches
- Enhanced awareness of your horse's emotional state
- Create a bond and build trust with your horse through communication that recognizes, respects and responds to the horse's mental and emotional state
- Develop a common language between coach and rider by utilizing principles that convert the "traditional language" of dressage teaching into ideas and exercises that tell the rider not just what to do, but why and how to do it
Jen is happy to work with dressage, eventer and jumper riders of all skill levels. Her years as a winning western rider make her uniquely qualified to help western dressage riders, as well.