I grew up riding hunter/jumpers in CT as a teenager, but had to sell my horse when I went off to college.  Nine years ago, and four children later, I finally bought myself a new horse for my 40th birthday.

I stumbled into learning about dressage and showed my horse, Java (French Roast), last year for the first time.  Show nerves really get the best of me, but we made it to Championships for Training Level, which was quite exciting.

This year, I was able to show my schoolmaster, Ravenelli's Wizard, and we had a banner summer.  I got my first two scores over 70, in First Level and had so much fun!

Jana & Ravenelli's Wizard

Although this is my second year as a member of Boulder Valley Dressage, it was my first year volunteering.  What a great experience!  It's helped me to get to know more people who work so hard behind the scenes, to create a good show experience for us all. 

I like how BVD members have made newcomers like myself feel so comfortable and that I belong.  This feeling persuaded my daughter,

Micheline, to want to give dressage a try.

Micheline has shown Western in 4-H for many years, on her Quarter Horse, Ironman, aka Tony.  After just three months into making the switch, she and Tony qualified for Championships and placed 3rd in the Young Rider Training Level Division!

Micheline & Ironman

Micheline joined me in volunteering at a BVD horse show, and she loved her experience.  Her job was the scorer, which proved to be at first challenging, but with a little training and support from the show managers she mastered it quickly!  

Again, as a brand newcomer, Micheline was made to feel at ease and had fun volunteering.  

I am so happy to share my new passion for dressage and volunteering with my own daughter!