148 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
assion
e
Dressage
meets
By Dani Moritz
W
here passion meets partnership. These few simple
words guide dressage rider and trainer Jordan LaPlaca
in everything he does – whether in the saddle or on the
ground.
Based out of Highland Farm in Pomfret, Vermont, Jordan
operates a horse business unlike most others. Although fully
capable of coaching riders to the top, Jordan focuses on
something much simpler – developing confidence in horses and
riders. With a strong foundation, Jordan feels he can give his
riders and horses alike the building blocks they need to excel in
the sport.
“Whether it’s cross-country or dressage, my gift is bestowing
confidence in a rider, no matter what their discipline is,” he said.
“[I enjoy] the foundational work, the simplicity of the foundational
work, to develop confidence in the horse and rider so they
become a partnership rather than machines.”
Jordan’s philosophy is a product of his upbringing. He didn’t’ start
with FEI ponies or Olympic trainers. He started small, getting his
first ornery mare at 16 and having to make his own way.
“We [my family] didn’t have a lot of money,” he explained. “My
parents allowed me to do the horse stuff, but I had to make it
happen. They bought my first horse – she was a $600 horse –
and I took her as my mount and evented her and did open shows
and had a lot of fun. She was a rank animal, but I learned a lot of
confidence from her. She made me ride. I couldn’t just sit on her.”
artnership
Jordan enjoying a moment with
Double Domino.
Photo by Salty Dog Productions
Continued on page 150
