About Jana
I grew up riding horses. My Grandfather had a farm, several ponies and a six horse Belgian (draft) driving team. He was a terrific horseman and taught me a tremendous amount. I participated in 4-H and qualified/competed at the state fair. I rode dressage throughout college and in my sophomore year was a working student at Evergreen Equestrian Center, where I also learned how to jump. After graduation, I entered the corporate world to finance my riding and continued my weekly dressage lessons. After 15 years of corporate work (I worked as a Human Resource Manager at Amazon.com, Expedia, etc.) I realized that if I continued to work 60 hour weeks and ride one hour per day it would take a very long time to reach my long term goal of becoming a Grand Prix rider. So in 2002, I quit and became a working student to focus on horses full-time. I now ride multiple horses per day, teach and train part-time while balancing time with family & raising our 5 yr old daughter. My husband is very supportive and his support has been essential in continuing to pursue my riding goals, especially after the arrival of our daughter, Cate.
In 2003 I met Terry Church. Terry has completely redefined how I interact and "see" horses. This process of learning continues each day. Through working with Terry I have gained a whole new awareness of the whole horse; what is going on internally (mentally and emotionally) and externally (physically). I have learned to pay attention and address the "little" signs of tension, such as bracing the back, leaning in on a shoulder, or a worried look in the eye. In my work with Terry I have also realized how much what I am feeling and thinking impacts the horse. The horses mirror us; if we are relaxed the horses are relaxed. If we are holding tension, the horses will be holding tension. I have learned the value of time. Every horse and rider is different and each day is different. Each horse and rider need the time it takes to learn a new skill or break an old habit. It is my goal to help horses and riders create a greater communication and harmonious partnership. Dressage can be hard work but it should also be fun for both the horse and rider!
In 2009, I had the wonderful opportunity to begin training with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, author of "Tug of War" and Peggy Cummings of Connected Riding. I am learning so much for both of them and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity. I will continue to participate in clinics with both going forward. For more details on my training background please see the Training & Education page.