CLINICS
Jessica Bortner-Harris has a B.S. in Equestrian Studies from Wilson College. She focuses on a balanced seat while keeping a light atmosphere. The theory and biomechanics behind riding are explained during the lessons to make it easier for students to understand the “why” behind the correct way to ride. Dressage and jumping lessons are available. Jessica’s farm, Rocky Start Stables, is located in Thurmond, NC, but she teaches regularly in Advance, NC and Newton, NC. Jessica is also available to teach one or two day clinics in other areas/states. Feel free to contact her to set something up.
To learn more about Jess click here.
TEACHING
JBH Eventing is based out of Rocky Start Stables, a facility in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jessica teaches some at her farm, but she mostly teaches at Sunnybrook Farm in Advance, NC and Allen’s Place Farm in Newton, NC. Lessons range from beginner riders up through the levels. Jessica has her B.S. in Equestrian Studies and has been teaching and training for most of her life. Team JBH Eventing is a great way for kids to learn to ride and make new friends, as well as adults to get out and start riding. JBH Eventing consists of all of her students and their families. It is more than just a place to ride. Jessica does not believe in “cookie cutter” teaching, as each student and horse have their own ways of learning and going.
TRAINING
Jessica has years of experience training many different types of horses. She has done everything from starting babies from the ground up, to retraining OTTB’s, to fixing problem horses, to just fine tuning the basics. She does not believe in “cookie cutter” training, as every horse is different and those that are outside of the box should be trained in a way that works with those quirks, not trying to squeeze the horse into the box it’s supposed to fit in. Jessica tends to gravitate to horses that are athletic but quirky and full of personality for herself, thus she has plenty of experience dealing with the many quirks that may present themselves in the training of a horse.
Jessica is constantly working to increase her own education and improve her riding. She has trained under/learned from: Kim Severson, Bonnie Mosser, Clayton Fredericks, Will Faudree, Danica Meyerhoff, Linda Zang, Andrew Dibowski, Jimmy Wofford, Jane Bartle, Christopher Bartle, David O’Connor, Susan Weidman, and more.