Jessica Kent has worked with young horses from the very beginning. Her first horse, Rienzi, was only 2 years old when sheer luck introduced Jessica to Ray Hunt, who was teaching a colt starting clinic nearby. The next year Ray Hunt returned for another colt starting clinic and Jessica brought her second mount, this time a 3 year old Thoroughbred named Anandarka.
Years before anyone called it “natural horsemanship,” and long before “horse whispering” became big business, Ray Hunt staked his life and his livelihood on the notion that horse training didn’t have to be a battle for dominance. Through patience, keen observations and quiet humility Ray helped redefine how we relate to horses. This early experience with Ray awakened in Jessica a real love for the process of starting a young horse under saddle in an atmosphere of trust and understanding.
At 14 years old, Jessica met Mark Laskin, another of the most influential horsemen of her life. Mark remains one of the most graceful and talented riders Jessica has ever known. Watching Mark ride his horses on a daily basis taught by example the importance of consistency and persistence. The importance of riding each stride. Jessica worked at Piñon Farm with Mark, and a great team of people, for a number of years. A breeding program was started and Jessica found herself with a group of young horses.
At the age of 15 Jessica met JP Giacomini. JP is a true master of training Piaffe and Passage, the most difficult of the Dressage movements, and is noted for his ability to bring immediate and long-lasting solutions to previously unsolved behavior or soundness problems hindering performance. JP’s knowledge of horsemanship, history and bio-mechanics is astounding! As a working student Jessica received a solid foundation in Dressage and began to see the magic of horse training and its full potential. JP’s creative approach to solving problems was, and is masterful, and incredible to witness.
These three amazing horsemen set the foundation for Jessica’s lifelong pursuit of horsemanship. A cowboy, a jumper rider, and a classical dressage master showed her the beauty of a variety of disciplines at the top of their craft. Of course the most important teachers have always been the horses themselves. This is why she has gravitated to the young horse. Jessica brings her passion for the process and her solid foundation in varied disciplines to her training. Her program is based on using classical principles to create a solid foundation that prepares a horse to meet any challenge with a willing attitude.
Winter Rose Farm 