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Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe
Ramona, CA |
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Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe
Discipline: Eventing
Horses: The Good Witch, Fleeceworks Fernhill, Nobouco De Lessay
Kerrits Pick: Breathe Tight II
At age nine, Jennifer gained her first taste of eventing through the Pony Club. As stable manager at a combined training rally, she marveled at the action required of each discipline. Although at that early age she had no idea of the intricacies of combined training or three-day eventing, she was eager to experience it herself.
Jennifer’s mother was a single parent and money was always tight, but she figured a way to provide Jennifer with a horse. Over the years, as Jennifer moved through the ratings, she learned from her experiences. She has had her share of struggle, loss and injury, but adversity strengthened her character, and season after season she continues to follow her dream to ride horses, compete and learn.
In 2004, she secured her equine partner, the Good Witch, whom she has trained to Advanced level. With help from her coach, Ginnie Bryant, she is responsible for her own training program, from nutrition and conditioning to improving the skills of both "Pooh" and herself. In 2006, Jennifer relocated her business to Ramona, becoming head trainer of Trinity Farms, and allowing Jennifer the time and focus to compete at the International level.
The year 2006 was a crossroads for the Good Witch and Jennifer: finishing 2nd in the Galway Downs World Cup qualifier, they entered their first International competition. They completed the Blenheim Palace CCI*** and finished 18th in the 2006 World Cup at Malmo, Sweden. In 2007, she finished 14th at the Jersey Fresh CCI***, and moved up to an 11th place finish at the Pau, France CCI**** – the youngest and highest-placed American.
Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch recently competed in the Land Rover Burghley CCI**** Horse Trials in England. They were one of eight horse and rider pairs selected the US Equestrian Federation to compete. Jennifer and The Good Witch made the trip two weeks prior to the competition for training sessions with Captain Mark and Sandy Phillips.
Dressage was intense, requiring a superior quality of gaits and movements; however Jennifer felt they rode a good test. Saturday's Cross Country was thrilling and more technically difficult than any course they have ridden. Despite a run-out at Discovery Valley (along with several other horses) they finished the course with minimal time penalties. Sunday's Stadium went well except for an unlucky rail that fell with just a nick. Overall they finished 31st out of 80 starters from Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, France, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the US. They placed 4th out of the US riders.
Jennifer's goals for 2010 are to be selected to represent the US at The World Equestrian Games that will be held at Kentucky Horse Park in the fall. This is the first time the US will host the WEG. To prepare, they hope to compete at Badminton CCI**** in May and Rebecca Farm CIC***W in July. They also plan compete at Galway Downs, Twin Rivers and Woodside as well as several dressage and jumper shows.
Jennifer is also currently eventing Nobouco De Lessay at the 2** level as well as Fleeceworks Fernhill. |
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