For many of us, childhood passions are fond memories we carry with us. For Jennifer Holcomb, her love for horses shaped her early life, defined her adolescence, and instilled values she still lives by today.
“I have loved horses my entire life,” Jennifer shares. “I started riding at summer camp when I was about nine. As my interest grew, my parents enrolled me in weekly lessons, and from there, my passion only deepened”.
Jennifer’s transition from a casual rider to a national competitor wasn’t immediate. “I wasn’t very good for a long time,” she laughs. “But I kept at it. I tried different barns and eventually found a facility that offered competitive showing.”
At age 15, a turning point came when her family relocated from Ottawa, Canada to Virginia, where her stepfather owned a horse farm with a competitive show circuit and breeding program. “That move changed everything,” she says. “By 17, I was riding professionally.”
Among her proudest achievements is the story of Mikey—one of the first young horses she trained. “I took him to his first show in Aiken, South Carolina. He was sold on the spot. He didn’t even come home with us!”
Another standout moment came during the Winter Circuit at the Lexington Horse Center in Virginia. Riding a show ring legend named Casey—also known as “Picasso”—Jennifer placed fifth overall in the professional division. “There were about 35 riders that year, and I was the youngest.”
Jennifer was later named Equestrian of the Year, a recognition she recalls with pride and gratitude.
Jennifer attributes much of her success to Casey. “He was everything—fancy, challenging, and full of personality. He came from the racetrack, where he didn’t succeed, but he became a superstar in the show ring. Not everyone could ride him, but he taught me so much—especially patience and persistence.”
Riding was only part of the life Jennifer led on the farm. “We had 96 acres, and I did everything from mucking stalls and feeding to stacking hay, mowing, and even helping with minor veterinary care.”
In one harrowing experience, she saved the life of a horse named Dennis after a traumatic trailer accident. “He’d sliced an artery in his leg. I had to race back to the barn, grab medical supplies, and literally stick my finger in the wound to stop the bleeding while we walked him back to meet the vet”. Dennis survived, thanks in part to her quick thinking and calm under pressure.
Eventually, life led Jennifer away from competitive riding. “College made it financially difficult to continue. I rode when I could at my parents’ farm, and even started again when I was 30, but once I became pregnant with my son, I gave it up for good.”
Still, her love for horses remains. “I do miss it. That passion will never die. Once a horse girl, always a horse girl.”
Jennifer looks back with gratitude. “I’m thankful for the chance to live my dream. Riding taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of doing what you love”.
Whether wrangling horses or tackling challenges at work, Jennifer brings the same dedication and spirit she once took into the show ring. Her story is a reminder that our past passions often shape the strength and character we carry into everything we do.
