FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES OCTOBER 2011 55
have 13 or 14 jumps, which is a lot longer than the normal hunter
course, and it’s individual jumps and lines. It’s a lot more fun and
more of a mental game. I think I was blessed by learning to ride
by the seat of my pants. We didn’t always have saddle. I think
between that and running up and down hills, you learn balance.”
Jane rides every day, but she tries to keep Lumiere fresh and
limits how often he goes into the ring. She takes him cross-
country: he lives right in the middle of Orange County’s territory,
characterized by hills and rolling terrain, where they jump coops
and other hunting fences.
In terms of advice for adults who want to resume or even start
showing, Jane says, “I think if you have passion for anything, go
do it. I’ve been fortunate to do what I want to do. I still consider
myself a student of riding, and I think you can always improve. If
you’re older, fnd a professional or mentor who fts your style and
your needs and just go for it.”
Jane Gaston hunts with Live Oak in Monticello, FL and knows the hounds well who appear in this rendition, painted in ‘98 or ‘99,
which she calls “Down Time.” Photo Courtesy of the Artist