150 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Continued on page 152
2 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Jordan jokes that still today he isn’t financially made for the sport
– but it’s what he is destined to do. “Because it wasn’t handed
to me, it gave me a greater appreciation for the sport. It is a very
humbling journey because I so often think I’m not financially
made for this, but it’s working itself out. It has taught me humility,
respect and a deeper appreciation for horses.”
He has also learned a lot about horsemanship from his first
formal instructor, Carrie Maynard. “She helped me understand
horses for what they were,” he explained. “Not just the machine
aspect of them or what they can do for us, but how they function
and how they think. She taught me a lot about the horsemanship
and horse management and care and horse psychology.”
Jordan has carried this knowledge with him every step of the
way. He even devoted himself to a yearlong apprenticeship at
the Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania, a
program designed to teach character and leadership skills. “The
experience broadened my teaching experience and gave me
more appreciation for the people behind the horses rather than
just the horses themselves,” he said.
While there, he also continued to devoted himself to learning
everything he could about horses and developing a partnership
with them – regardless of discipline. “I immersed myself into all
different disciplines … I wanted to educate myself in everything
Jordan competing at the Mystic Valley Hunt Club Prix St. George
with Ghambade.
Photo by Brenda Cataldo
Jordan - always working on developing partnerships.
Photo by Salty Dog Productions
I could so I could understand people and horses. I’ve done
everything from hunters and jumpers to eventing, dressage and
reining. I drive and even did saddle seat for a bit to see what it
was about.”
Shortly after, he started his current business, Maverick Hill
Dressage, where he could utilize his skills in connecting with
people and horses in his unique way.
He decided to focus on dressage after seeing the results of
how people’s confidence and overall riding improved once
they became more confident on the flat. Something about the
harmony and the connection between horse and rider has
always appealed to him.
“It’s the whole partnership. It’s getting horses so in tune to you
that you become one. It’s when the movements are no longer
tricks and they become a ballet or a dance. That’s kind of
where and why I focus in what I do. I just thrive off it. People
get adrenaline rushes going cross-country and I get it going in
circles. I don’t understand why,” he laughed.
Jordan also attributes his philosophy to the work he has done
with Thoroughbreds. “My philosophy as a trainer has really
been molded by the experience Thoroughbreds have given me
because I’ve got this wicked talented animal with a wicked fragile
