News Release: “Adam’s Wall” Breakthrough
(CELINA, TX)
The communications breakthrough known as "Adam's wall" – the barrier between us and animals – has been
breached in Celina, Texas.
At least, it seems to come down when you watch Jennifer Jones and the Danish warmblood horse Reggae strut
across the arena at Legacy Equestrian Center.
Jones, a U.S. Dressage Federation silver and bronze medalist, is at work for her gold medal. Her handsome steed,
Reggae, prances skillfully, stamping his forelegs in the most elegant manner while his muscular hind surges forward
with perfect control. The irony of sheer power combined with lightness and grace makes the sport of dressage
fascinating.
Dressage has been described as ballet for horses. Spectacular movements include: Piaffe, a highly collected
elevated trot in place; Passage, the suspended trot in slow motion; Pirouette, a rhythmic turning in place at the
walk and canter; Half Pass, a forward and sideways movement at the trot or canter where the horse crosses his
legs; and Flying Change, a skipping type movement at the canter where the horse changes his leading leg every
fourth, third, second and finally every stride.
"I have so much fun at the high levels because I have found the tools to master the movements," Jones said. Among
those tools are seven years of training with classical horseman and well-known author Thomas Ritter, Ph.D. "With
his instruction, I went purely classical. Dr. Ritter helped me make a breakthrough after I'd reached a plateau," Jones
said.
Born a horse lover, her first memory began as a toddler. Her family will never forget the alarm felt when she went
missing as a 3-year old. To be sure, she was found – in a nearby field on the back of a horse! "And I'm still alive!"
she said.
What began as a childhood passion developed into a career. Along the way, she studied in England, earning
instructor certification from The British Horse Society. Additionally, she is certified with the American Riding
Instructors Association. "I like to study teaching," said Jones, who trains riders and starts young horses. "Often, you
learn what not to do by watching."
Jones' education includes a lifetime of disciplines and experiences. Although she has ridden jumpers, hunters, and
eventors, she specializes in dressage. "Dressage is a true art form," she said. "It's always about training for the
betterment of the horse and rider. It has to be both and it is a continual process of being challenged. Sometimes I
think, 'Wow, I can't believe I can get my horse to move this way!' "
Indeed, while riders in other disciplines can reach plateaus in a few years, dressage requires infinite practice. "I
compare it to artists who study art all their lives. When they look at their work, they still may not see the ultimate
in what they were trying to achieve," Jones said.
Likewise, the dressage horse at age 8 can still be in the mid-levels of competition. By age 14, the horses are
competing at the highest levels. "There are so many elements and it is truly a horse/rider combination," she
continued. "Many horses who are talented may not handle the pressure mentally. Dressage makes horse and rider
think. It takes a special combination of both."
Enter Nancy Jane Elmore, M.D., who co-owns Reggae with Jones. Elmore, a well-known competitor, has bred warm
bloods at her Denison farm. A student of Jones, she has mastered several levels of dressage. "Jane saw something
special in Reggae, and she thought I would be the rider to bring it out," Jones said.
Consequently, Jones continues her education with the Columbian Olympic Team rider, Marco Bernal. She trained
with Bernal last spring and plans to return in the fall. "Marco was here in Dallas and he invited me to come to his
training facility in Florida," she continued. "So, I'm going for the gold with Reggae." Wellington, Florida, home of
Bernal's facility, is the locale most international riders seek to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
According to Jones, preparation for the gold medal will require a year or two of training.
Yet, another aspect of the industry has interested Jones - biomechanics. "The high level riders, especially Olympic
riders, are involved in biomechanics and how the correct saddle fit relates to the movement of the horse." As a
result, she sought internationally connected Katarina Wenger, who manages Champ Equestrian Outfitters in Texas.
"Saddle fitting is so interesting and crucial to the balance and connection between horse and rider," Jones said.
Meanwhile, in addition to her lesson schedule, Jones also tutors two young trainers at Legacy Equestrian Center:
Katie Beard and Amber Fuller.
Beard has of course, been riding her entire life. A U.S. Dressage Federation bronze medalist, she plans to progress
by competing at higher levels. Last fall, she qualified for a regional championship at 3rd level on her Netherlands-
imported Friesian gelding, Gauke. Like Jones, she has studied with Dr. Ritter, Volker Braummen, Gerhard Politz and
Reinhardt Dorsch. "I was born with a fire inside me that made me want to communicate with horses," Beard said.
"Horses are teachers, they're incredibly humbling and fair. When I'm riding, the communication is as much physical
as it is mental. It looks like dancing."
Recently, a spectator, after watching Beard and Gauke perform, commented that there didn't seem to be much to
dressage. "I took that as a huge compliment," she said, "because nothing in your demeanor should betray the
difficulty of this sport."
Likewise, Amber Fuller chose dressage as her discipline and career. "Dressage is difficult because it requires
perfection," she said. Fuller has been showing and starting young horses for years. "I really have a passion for
getting the young horses on the right path," she said. Her education includes the British Horse Society at Queen
Margaret's School in British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, she has trained with clinicians Jane Savoie, Gerhard
Politz and Heather Blitz. Like Beard, Fuller is accepting students and horses for training at Legacy Equestrian Center
in Celina. Both will continue instruction under Jones' tutelage.
Situated on 400 acres in Celina, Legacy Equestrian Center offers boarding and training. The barn contains 44 stalls,
two tack rooms and four wash bays. A separate building houses a 20 x 80–meter covered arena with mirrors and
stadium seating. The property includes two round pens, individual paddock or pasture turn-out, trailer parking and
picnic grounds. The center is managed by Randy Cavness, a lifelong horseman, who was educated at Tarleton State
University in Equine Production and Management. The facility frequently hosts national and international clinicians,
who teach various disciplines.
Susan Mullally Knapp is an award winning journalist who has worked in television, print and public relations.
For information, contact Susan on (903) 815-6355 or email: maculusha@gmail.com
