When people think about the horse industry, they often think about the riders in the ring, the horses crossing the finish line, or the trainers standing ringside. What they don’t always see are the people working behind the scenes, whose dedication keeps the industry moving forward. My sister, Jen, is one of those people.
Horses have been at the center of Jen’s life for as long as I can remember. She spent her childhood and young adult years competing through 4-H and other equestrian organizations, dedicating countless hours to improving as a rider and horsewoman. Her hard work culminated in many accomplishments, including winning the Ohio State Fair dressage competition in 2014. But what has always stood out most about Jen is not the ribbons she earned, it’s her commitment to giving back to the horse community that shaped her.
Today, Jen serves as director of marketing and communications for Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), the organization behind the Kentucky Three-Day Event. While thousands of spectators, riders, owners, sponsors, volunteers and fans enjoy one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions each year, few realize the enormous amount of work required behind the scenes to make that experience possible.
Jen dedicates countless evenings, weekends and long hours leading up to the Kentucky Three-Day Event to ensure every detail is ready. One of her many responsibilities is producing the official Kentucky Three-Day Event program book, a massive undertaking that serves as an essential resource for competitors, sponsors, volunteers and spectators alike. She also plays a key role in marketing the event, promoting the sport to new audiences, supporting ticket sales, coordinating communications and helping ensure that competitors, riders, grooms, owners and fans have the information and support they need throughout the event week. Whether she is answering questions, solving last-minute challenges, highlighting sponsors or helping tell the stories of the athletes and horses competing, her work helps create the world-class experience for which Kentucky is known.
Beyond her role with Equestrian Events, Inc., Jen continues to support the industry through her work with Winding Creek Stable and other equestrian organizations. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her talents to elevate others rather than seek recognition for herself. Whether she is promoting an event, supporting a training program, highlighting the achievements of riders, or helping equestrian organizations grow, her focus is always on strengthening the horse community.
As someone who has attended the Kentucky Three-Day Event for many years, I’ve had the opportunity to see Jen’s dedication firsthand. While most spectators are enjoying the competition, shopping and social events, Jen is usually running from one responsibility to the next. Throughout the event week, she spends long days, and often works late into the night, making sure everything is running smoothly. There are years where she barely has time to watch the competition itself because she is so focused on supporting the event, the riders, the sponsors and the thousands of people who come together to make Kentucky such a special experience.
What makes Jen especially deserving of this recognition is that she represents the very definition of an unsung hero. The success of major events, organizations and programs frequently depends on efforts that most people never see. Yet she approaches that work with professionalism, enthusiasm and a genuine love for horses and the people who love them.
As her sister, I’ve watched Jen dedicate her life to this industry, not because she wanted recognition, but because she truly believes in the power of horses and the community that surrounds them. The equestrian world is stronger because of people like Jen. Her impact reaches far beyond any single event, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of being recognized as one of Sidelines’ Horsepeople of the Year.
-Becky Woolever
Jen is the epitome of a horse woman, in all aspects of her life, especially in what she brings to the EEI. She is not only passionate about the sport but also truly passionate about the people that make the sport. Her ability to turn her dreams into a reality is inspiring!
-Katie Mendes
Jen came to EEI with a longtime love for the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and I think that really shows in her vision for its future. Having experienced the event as a fan, she understands what makes Kentucky so special and why it means so much to so many people. She has a real appreciation for its history and traditions but also brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm for what’s ahead.
-Cavan Allen
Jen is a fierce supporter of all things equestrian sport and equine wellness, and truly embodies the “grown-up horse girl” era.
-Annie Martin
Jen is key to the Equestrian Events Inc. team and has completely dived into her role as Marketing Director! Her organization, creativity, and dedication help make the event a place people are proud to call “The Best Weekend All Year.”
-Lillian Dobat
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