58 SIDELINES JANUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
was still not a widely discussed discipline. Jonathan continuously
educated the equestrian community about this unique sport and
he enjoyed the impact he had on fellow equestrians. Jonathan
also served on the USEF Youth Council and was a proactive
member of the United States Para-Equestrian Association.
In 2008 Jonathan and his family moved to Richardson,
Texas where he began training with Kai Handt at the North
Texas Equestrian Center. With a barn full of high performance
dressage horses, show jumpers and young riders, Jonathan’s
competitive nature thrived. In six months Jonathan competed at
his frst CPEDI3* and USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National
Championship. That same year he earned High Point Individual
Rider at the Region 9 Junior Team Championship and qualifed
for the 2009 Region 9 USDF Championships.
At the 2010 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National
Championships Jonathan and Kai Handt’s NTEC Richter Scale
qualifed for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This
international competition was the frst World Equestrian Games
that included Para-Dressage. For Jonathan this was his frst look
at international para-dressage competition leading to new goals
for the 2012 Paralympics. It was also a great opportunity for the
U.S. Team, including Jonathan, to educate the nation on the
desires of the United States Para-Equestrian community.
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in
Lexington, Kentucky was a main spectator event for equestrian
enthusiasts. For many spectators this was their frst look at the
high performance equestrian sport dedicated to riders with
physical disabilities. For young riders like Sydney Collier this was
the frst time she realized there was a sport for athletes like her
that take into consideration physical disabilities. Sydney recalled
a moment where she ran up to Jonathan who was wearing
red, white and blue and she introduced herself. Jonathan was
friendly and introduced her to Kai, United States Para-Equestrian
Dressage Association president Hope Hand and Jonathan talked
to her about how she may become a para-dressage rider. Thanks
to Jonathan, Sydney is now a very competitive dressage rider
and has her sights set on the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Her
story is one of many about how Jonathan impacted future para-
equestrian athletes.
After the 2010 World Equestrian Games Jonathan continually
received requests for interviews to discuss the up and coming
sport of para-dressage. Jonathan was always happy to give
an interview and he enjoyed the fact that he could educate one
person at a time. He felt great joy in explaining what makes him
a para-equestrian; he was kind and he was always commenting
about his teammates, his coaches, his family, and of course his
horses that helped him succeed internationally.
Not soon after the World Equestrian Games Jonathan and
Kai began planning the 2011-2012 year. Jonathan continued to
dominate in 2011 and became the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian
Dressage National Champion. The 2011-2012 competition year
earned Jonathan the 10th spot on the FEI World Ranking Para-
Dressage list in addition to multiple champions at CPEDI3* events.
His dream would come true in June of 2012 when Jonathan was
named to the 2012 United States Paralympic Equestrian Team.
“This is a dream come true,” remarked Jonathan after his
freestyle test on the fnal day of the Paralympics. Jonathan
fnished the 2012 Paralympics as the top performing United
States equestrian. His legacy will forever be remembered among
the equestrian community. Jonathan had an attitude that nothing
could derail him and he worked hard to accomplish his goals.
President of the United States Para-Equestrian Association and
past Paralympian Hope Hand noted, “Jonathan exemplifed what
it meant to be an equestrian and he went above and beyond for
his country.” Jonathan’s passion, determination and commitment
sent this young rider to the top of his sport in only a few years.
His death struck the hearts of athletes around the world, the
equestrian community and the disabled community.
Jonathan passed away at the end of September 2012 leaving
his mother Christina Wentz, his father James Wentz and his
sister. The cause of his death is still unknown. Memorials may be
made to the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association, Jonathan Wentz
Scholarship Fund, 3940 Verde Vista Drive, Thousand Oaks, Calif.
91360.
About the writer: Lindsay McCall is a lifelong hunter/jumper
rider originally from Ohio. She is a talented photographer and
makes it her career to advocate for the equestrian sport through
photojournalism. Lindsay and her family own many horses in
multiple disciplines and she enjoys spending her free time with
her husband, horses and Labrador Retrievers.
Jonathan displays his
humorous side as he
cleans the aisle way
at the 2012 CPEDI3*
in Wellington, Florida.
Jonathan waves his American fag as his U.S. teammate fnishes
their frst test at the 2012 London Paralympics.
“His death struck the hearts of athletes
around the world, the equestrian community
and the disabled community.”