SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, February 10 2020 / Published in Weekly Feature

Jaime Krupnick Geffen: Better Rider, Better Mom, Better Businesswoman

Jaime Krupnick Geffen

By Britney Grover

Portraits by Kristin Lee

When Jaime Krupnick Geffen does something, she’s all in — whether it’s riding, raising a family, growing her business or reclaiming her health. Though she grew up showing and competing, she put horses on hold, knowing she couldn’t give them her all while she developed her career and started her family. With her own successful event business and a thriving home life, she returned to the saddle after 18 years, found her “everything horse” and began competing nationally.

Still, Jaime knew she could be more. In 2017, she made a total lifestyle transformation that resulted in losing 50 pounds and, more importantly, having more energy to take care of her family, run her business and ride her horse of a lifetime. As she continues to build on — and sometimes combine — each facet of her life, Jaime hopes not only to find continued success but to help others find it as well.

Finding Focus

Jaime’s more than a third generation horsewoman, she’s third generation riding at the same farm in Westlake Village, California. “My grandmother, Nedra Diskant, started riding at Onondarka Riding Club many years ago, and when JoAnn Postel and Nancy Turrill left to start Foxfield 50 years ago, my grandmother went with them,” Jaime shared. “My grandmother rode, and my mother rode, and I grew up riding at Foxfield. Nancy gave me my first lesson when I was 3 years old and the picture still hangs in the clubhouse.”

Jaime rode with Foxfield through ponies and children’s hunters, her junior years showing back east including in Medal Finals and earning a USEF Show Jumping Talent Search gold medal, and a year competing as an amateur. But when she moved a few hours from home to attend the University of San Diego, her mother, Claudia Krupnick, took over the rides on her horses — and Jaime wouldn’t return to riding for 18 years.

“I decided it was a time in my life that I needed to focus on school and starting a career, so I did,” Jaime said. “I was a broadcast journalism and communications major, and I dreamed of becoming a news anchor.”

Jaime and Conux look forward to competing in international derbies in 2020.

It didn’t take long for Jaime to realize that broadcast journalists didn’t start out their careers in San Diego or Los Angeles — they moved to a small town far away, and Jaime didn’t want to be so far from family. By chance, Washington University began offering an event management school in conjunction with her undergraduate studies, and Jaime’s decision to participate launched her career in event production.

A year after graduation, Jaime was hired on at Sony Pictures Television at Sony Studios in Culver City, working with events for TV shows including Seinfeld, Wheel Of Fortune, Jeopardy and more. She spent nine years with Sony — where she also met her husband, Jason Geffen, who was working on the movie side of the publicity department. With so much success and experience, Jaime decided to start her own event company while she and Jason started their family.

Jaime’s son, Cole, was 6 years old in 2016 when they moved back to Jaime’s roots, Westlake Village, where Cole could attend the same elementary school Jaime did — and where Jaime could finally get back to horses.

“I had gone back to visit Nancy and JoAnn a lot during my time living in the city,” Jaime said, “but it never really made sense to try to ride because I knew if I was ever able to get a horse again, I wanted to be able to commit my time to it and ride like I used to ride: every day. I wanted a relationship with my horse.”

Return to Riding

It started with taking Cole to a lead line class at a Foxfield horse show, when Nancy and JoAnn convinced Jaime they had a horse for her to take a lesson on. “I came out and took a lesson on Rembrandt,” she said. “He was the perfect horse to come back on: He was a saint, and packed me around, an old professor. That turned into going to a couple of horse shows and then I got the bug again and couldn’t stay away.”

Jaime took an 18-year break from riding, but is happy to be back in the saddle now.

Jaime rode Rembrandt for a year, regaining her success in the ring. An old Foxfield friend, Georgy Maskrey-Segesman, has a large horse import business, and generously invited Jaime to help ride the new horses as they came from Europe, giving Jaime the opportunity to ride and show more. That’s how she met Conux.

“I could talk about Conux for days,” Jaime said, very much in love. “Conux and I are very similar in personality. He’s not an easy horse to ride; he’s a big, strong German horse and he didn’t work for others. But from the moment I rode him for the very first time, he and I just connected. Of course I fell in love with him, but he was for sale and was leased out a couple of times, potentially going to be purchased. I rode Georgy’s horses for two years, until I was finally able to start riding Conux full time.”

They trailer to Brookway Stables to train with Archie Cox and meet Archie at shows, but Conux lives at Foxfield, practically in Jaime’s backyard. “I take care of him every day,” she said. “I know everything he eats, I know everything he does. We have such a strong relationship, and I think that really is a reason why we’re so successful together. He really loves to do his job, and if you trust him to do his job, he will do his job. We have an understanding, and it works.”

With their unique bond and mutual trust, it didn’t take Jaime and Conux long to start excelling in the ring. They started out in the 3’ equitation and moved to higher levels, winning several finals along the way. Jaime completed the purchase of Conux from Georgy in early 2019, so the duo has been competing in the amateur owner hunters as well — all the way up to the National Horse Show in Kentucky for the THIS Adult Medal Final and the 3’6” Amateur Owners. “Conux is my everything horse,” Jaime concluded, “and he’s allowing me to do everything I’ve ever dreamed I could do.”

Jaime is more than a third generation horsewoman, she’s third generation riding at the same farm in Westlake Village, California. Jaime and Conux found great success in the show ring in 2019, including riding away as the USEF National Adult Equitation Champion, for the third consecutive year.

Thriving Inside and Out

As Jaime’s journey with Conux continues to unfold, including taking on international derbies starting in 2020, INK Events & Design continues to thrive. Her business covers both corporate and personal events, each of which Jaime loves for different reasons. Occasionally, her horse and business worlds intersect, such as the Foundation Polo Challenge Jaime produced in Santa Barbara for the Santa Barbara Polo Club’s centennial celebration, complete with special guests Prince William and Duchess Kate.

“It’s fun to see those worlds collide, and I have dreams of doing more equestrian-related events,” Jaime said, but she’s passionate about each and every event her company produces. “I would say my favorite is whatever I’m working on. I really take pride in what I do, and I’m careful about the projects I take on because I want to be sure that they fit with my brand and I can produce what they’re looking for. I want to set us all up for success.”

Another equestrian Jaime has done events for is Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, who in 2017 also inspired a shift in Jaime’s mindset that she hopes to share through her events. “I made a huge transformation with health and wellness: I lost 50 pounds and basically changed my whole lifestyle and got healthy,” Jaime said. “Through that, I learned a lot. I have such a strong desire to teach people that health and wellness is not as hard as it’s made out to be: You can really incorporate it into your life on a day-to-day basis.”

Jaime’s influence starts with her family, and 9 ½-year-old Cole embraces the lifestyle changes. They try to stay active as a family, going for walks or bike rides, and while Cole enjoys the barn and loves Conux, his interests are in other sports. “Cole’s a really great golfer, so I like going out to drive the cart and follow him at his tournaments,” Jaime said. “That’s been really fun to be able to watch his progress, because he’s just as competitive as I am.”

As she celebrates returning to high-level competition after an 18-year break, raising a strong, healthy family and owning a successful business with a team of designers and producers on both coasts, Jaime’s most meaningful accomplishment is the one that will only enable her to do more.

“I’m proud of myself for getting my health on track because it makes me a better rider, it makes me a better mom, it makes me a better business owner, all of those things combined,” she said. “I have lots of goals — I never sleep, really; I’m always dreaming of new things.”

Photos by Kristin Lee Photography, www.kristinleephotography.com

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: britney grover, INK Events & design, Jaime Krupnick Geffen, kristen lee

What you can read next

A Tale of Two Kiwis: The Wordley Martin Story
Gene Freeze & County Saddlery: It Takes a Team
Kate at the In Gate: Busy With Photography, Riding and a New Direction

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Yay for June! We have another great edition for yo Yay for June! We have another great edition for you all that we can't wait for you to read. Up first are Evan and Ashley Donadt a dynamic duo that has won the hearts of many! Stay tuned for many great stories like this by following us on Instagram and Facebook or subscribing to get your very own copy of Sidelines Magazine!

What happens when a horse-crazy equestrian girl meets a never-touched-a-horse-before guy? If you’re Ashley and Evan Donadt, it might just be the beginning of a happily-ever-after that includes a solid dressage program and extremely popular social media channels featuring good-natured humor and horses.

Ashley, a lifelong equestrian, began her horse experiences with the local 4-H club, progressed to lessons with the local dressage trainer when she was 10, then her own pony when she was 11. Conversely, Evan grew up in Massachusetts, without any horse experience to speak of. The odds of them meeting were fairly low, until fate landed them both in Southern California.

Evan knew from the start that spending time with Ashley meant spending time at the barn. In fact, Ashley told him straightaway, “The horses come first always; you’re going to be second!” Evan wasn’t deterred, and instead found the loophole: spending all his own free time with her at the barn.

Read Ashley and Evan's full article in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! You can also click the link in our bio. Don't forget to subscribe to get your very own copy delivered right to your door! Thank you Evan and Ashley for allowing us to share your story!
📸Portraits by Jeni Jo Brunner

#sidelinesmagazine #sidelines2023 #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
As we head into June we wrap up our May women entr As we head into June we wrap up our May women entrepreneur, edition. We were so lucky to be able to feature so many amazing women within the Horse industry. We have one more to share with you, and if you missed any of the women entrepreneur stories head to our website for all of our past issues! Enjoy! 

Hurry Up and Wait” is a familiar saying at hunter-jumper competitions. Unlike other disciplines, where 
riders are assigned specific ride times, hunter-jumper riders typically must check in with the starter at 
the in-gate throughout the day to determine when they will show. In 2019, Emma Fass decided to put 
her computer science background to use in the show industry and created RingSide Pro to allow riders 
to be “ringside” wherever they are.
Throughout high school, Emma competed at horses shows on her horse Son Of A Sailor, aka Ernie, 
oftentimes trailering Ernie into the show for the day with her mom. “That was stressful because we 
didn’t know how the show was running until we got there. Even once we were on the show grounds, we 
struggled to find information. It’s a hike to the rings and the speakers in the barns tend to be 
unreliable,” Emma said. “I would think to myself, There’s got to be a better way.”

For more information, visit www.ringsidepro.com

Read Emma’s full story at sidelinesmagazine.com, and never miss an edition of Sidelines magazine by subscribing. 

@ringsideproinsta @emmafass 
📸Photos by Kirsten Konopnicki, kkonophoto #Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
The June issue of Sidelines Magazine is here!!! G The June issue of Sidelines Magazine is here!!! 
Get ready to meet the cutest, funniest and very talented equestrian couple from California - Evan Donadt and Ashley Donadt. Thanks Jeni Brunner for the great cover photo! 

Evan is a Tik Tok and social media star, along with several of their horses and ponies. So get ready to laugh, and also be inspired by their relationship and Ashley's dressage goals - she's headed to the top! You will love them and their story will make you want to follow them on social media! 

We also feature hunter-jumper rider Will Baker who has a new farm near Ocala, Florida, complete with a cute donkey (and lots of amazing horses of course), equestrian artist Jan Lukens of Jan Lukens Fine Art (if you were a fan of Gem Twist you will love his paintings!), talented Texas dressage rider John Mason who has a great story, hunter-jumper rider Addison Reed who is now showing in the Grand Prix, and we catch up with the amazing Kate Egan and her larger-than-life horse and her story about how she won a car!

Former eventing groom Courtney Carson tells us about her new career, eventer Nicole Zardus shares her story of retraining racehorses for the eventing and foxhunting world, and we catch up with the very talented rider Luke Jensen who is now a professional rider for North Run's Missy Clark and John Brennan. Don't miss Luke's touching story about the horse Jamaica! 

We feature Robert Crandall in our Unbridled column, along with our great columnists who share their wisdom: eventing with Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing, dressage with George Williams, hunter-jumper with Rob Jacobs R.L. Jacobs and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. Also enjoy the Show Time pages from The FEI World Cup Finals and the American Equestrians Got Talent competition. It's another great issue!!

Don't forget to visit our website and order a subscription - one year for $14.95 - you can't beat that! In the meantime, enjoy the June issue. Link in bio! 
#Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
🌞 🐴 The HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series in 🌞 🐴 The HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series in Saugerties, New York, is officially underway! Don’t miss your chance to experience the new Wordley Martin renovations, including the redesigned Grand Prix Ring, featuring Wordley Martin’s premium footing blend. Make it a summer to remember on a riding surface you can compete on with confidence. For more information about building your own Wordley Martin arena, visit WordleyMartin.com.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • BILL SCHAUB - OVER THE HILL FARM
    Wellington, FL Lexington, KY 407-474-2348 Wothfarm@gmail.com www.othfarm.com

    [Read more]

  • Welsh Pony Cross Stallion - Boca’s Entourage
    Boca’s Entourage (EMC Entourage x Lands End Poseidon) 2016 Black 12.1 Pony Stallion Premier Pony Hunter Stallion Correct Confirmation, Balanced Canter & Floating Trot Stud Fee $1,000. Collection and Shipping $250. www.PoniesandPalms.com 561-756-4442

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • June 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Kayden Muller-Janssen: Equestrian Royalty to Disney Star

    By Kimberly Gatto   For every little girl ...
  • Kelly Prather: An Eventing Journey Around the World

    By Tafra Donberger   Sisters are often at ...
  • Lauren Pileggi Friga & Show The Bows: From Puppy Woes to Smiles and Bows

    By Jan Westmark Bauer   Lauren Pileggi Fri...
  • Kate at the In Gate: Busy With Photography, Riding and a New Direction

    By Jan Westmark Bauer   Kate Kosnoff, bett...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!