Spotlight – Stephanie Jennings
Stephanie Jennings is a shining example of support, partnership, and success. The Northern Virginia Working Equitation (NOVAWE) business member is co-owner of Professional Horse Services, LLC, a regular sponsor of NOVAWE events. Jennings is a beautiful and effective rider and is leading the country in the Confederation for Working Equitation standings, Level 2 Open Division (as of November 2019).
Jennings’ Professional Horse Services, LLC, (which she owns and operates with her husband and champion reiner Mike Jennings) is a professional services company providing marketing and education services, and produces on-line Paint and Quarter Horse auctions with a national reach. Jennings is donating to NOVAWE her auction services as a fundraiser. NOVAWE membership is asked to gather up items to donate for auction (targeting February) to the benefit of NOVAWE.
Jennings’ strong work ethic, professionalism and diverse background further contribute to and enhance both her riding success and her teaching success. In 2019 Jennings taught regular lessons for Tri-State Riding Club. She also provided western and working equitation private instruction and clinics, including a WE youth clinic for Loudoun Hunt Pony Club. Look for Jennings on NOVAWE 2020 clinic schedule.
In addition to leading the Confederation for Working Equitation national standings in her division in 2019, Jennings’ impressive list of achievements includes:
- Champion Level 2, Open Division, Eastern Region Andalusian Horse Club (ERAHC) Working Equitation Shows 2019: Virginia Horse Center (VA) and Birchwood (PA)
- 3-Time Champion, Amateur Working Hunter at All American Quarter Horse Congress
- AQHA World Championship Show, Amateur Hunter Hack (3rd)
- NRHA World Champion Limited Non-Pro Reiner
Jennings also has competed in dressage, combined training, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) hunter and western events and has long been involved with breeding, developing and selling Quarter Horses.
As a child in Iowa, Jennings fondly recalls her first buckskin pony named Bubblegum, bought for her at the age of 4 by her grandfather. While living in New Zealand, she learned English Eventing and loved going fast! Her family eventually landed in Loudoun County where she participated in 4-H shows and Pony Club.
When she met and married Mike Jennings, an accomplished reiner and ranch rider, she quickly realized even more opportunities to excel in Western disciplines. Both Jennings are accomplished and serve actively in leadership and membership roles with National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) organizations. “I still love to go fast!” Jennings offers. “I’m very competitive,” she admits. ” I’m also a communicator and someone who loves to help people.”
Team Jennings success has led to sponsorships by Pro Elite Feed which the Jennings promote and feed their own equine partners as it supplies key nutrients and natural ingredients to best support health, nutrition, performance, and longevity. “After 60 days there was a notable improvement in our horses’ coats. Our horses work hard, and we’ve recently been able to decrease the amount fed and still maintain their fitness and condition,” Jennings explained, after having switched to Pro Elite feeds. Four of their horses work and perform at the highest levels of their sports including top-level reiners, ranch riding and working equitation.
Jennings is also sponsored by Flexible Fit Equestrian USA, a unique company that provides a variety of tack including bridle construction, for most English disciplines, whereby you can purchase the individual bridle pieces in various sizes. “I love the quality, and they are beautiful bridles and reins. I love that, if your horse is wide across his forehead, like so many quarter horses are, but has a narrow nose you can configure a Flexible Fit Bridle with a large brow band but a cob nose band, etc.),” Jennings explained, pointing out that Another Turn Tack Shop (one of NOVAWE’s business members) recently started carrying the Flexible Fit Equestrian USA line.
Jennings Working Equitation horse is BOH High Cal Ada, a 9-year-old Quarter Horse mare. “I find a horse I like then strive to be the best,” said Jennings who plans to show in as many WE shows in 2020 as she can fit in her schedule, including the rated show this spring in Tennessee and the Virginia NOVAWE rated show being planned for June at Frying Pan Park.
All riders want the best for their horse’s health, performance, and success. Jennings emphasized that when the rider’s goals enhance the horse’s mental and physical performance, the results maximize the overall well-being of the horse. WE courses are fun but challenging. “The horse is using all parts of the body in working equitation, and the longer you can work a horse using their brain and body, the longer their career,” said Jennings. NOVAWE is proud to be associated with Stephanie Jennings, her Pro Horse Services, Pro Lite Feed and Flexible Fit Equestrian USA.
Contributed by Kristin Mango
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