This week’s Rider Spotlight is International Grand Prix rider, Jennifer Williams! Jennifer is seasonally based here in Wellington, Florida, with her husband and two children. She has achieved numerous amazing accomplishments and discussed with us her plans and goals for the future. Jennifer also talks to us about why she loves coming to AGDF as well as her preparation for this season! 

You’ve competed at the International Grand Prix Level; what has been your career highlight so far? 

One of my career highlights thus far was winning the 2020 Festival Of Champions in the Grand Prix with Millione at Lamplight!

In 2010 you received the Dressage Foundation’s $25,000 Anne Barlow Ramsay Grant allowing you to take an American bred horse (HS Wistar) to train in Germany, but you also compete throughout the United States. Where has been your favorite place to show so far? 

[Equestrian Village] is an incredible venue to compete at and is definitely one of my favorites. The footing, stabling, and management are fantastic and it’s such an electric, excited crowd for Friday Night Lights! I’m looking forward to getting back to that post-COVID. There is so much fan support now with the extra live streaming of all classes. I know the spectators appreciate that. 

Millione is one of your current mounts. What are your plans for him this season?

I would love to earn a place on a Nation’s Cup team and go to Europe this spring or summer! I have also debuted my other Grand Prix horse, Sueño Hit. I hope to qualify him for the Festival of Champions later in the year. 

How have you prepared for this season? Have you changed any traditions?

My husband and I have done several Tony Robbins seminars and personal coaching through his team. That has really helped develop my confidence in and out of the ring. I can define exactly what I hope to achieve each year, broken down quarterly and monthly, and how I hope to further grow on a daily basis. I also am working with three amazing coaches – Christophe Theallet, Oded Shimoni, and Debbie McDonald – with the seven horses we have down here. I am so grateful for their guidance and support.  

I try not to show on Sundays so that we can maintain a fun family day, like tennis or beach days with our two kids, LJ (5) and Lexi (9). It doesn’t always happen, but it is our goal. Having my daughter at the shows with me is definitely my good luck charm!

AGDF was cut short last year due to COVID-19, so how does it feel to be back for the 2021 season?

It feels so great to be back! We are grateful to be based here in Wellington throughout the winter months. We have enjoyed our stay here this year immensely.

Thank you Jennifer for your time and we wish you good luck in the rest of your season at AGDF!