Jessica is one of the most dedicated horsewomen I know,
and she is just 11. Twice each week, she travels to Spokane from Odessa in
rain, sleet, snow or blazing heat to take lessons with Kevin Christiansen of
Talisman Training Center. When she's not riding, she is cleaning stalls,
feeding or doing anything she can to be around her horses. This year, Jessica
qualified for the Zone Challenge of Champions on not only one horse, but four.
Her own mare, a young Appaloosa, Koki Kid; her mother's 5 year old Pinto
gelding; A-Patch-E-Gold; her sister's horse, Quincy Diamond Jim a Quarter Horse
gelding; and one of our horses, a 5 year old Morgan gelding, Okan Sunday Sam.
It takes an extremely talented rider to not only manage this many young horses,
but all with very different ways of going. She has also been at the top of her
class with the Blazing Saddles Gymkhana group on her mare Lacey.
Jessica knows that this is a sport that you work hard at all year
round, not just show season, to be at the top of your game. Faithfully she
comes, family in tow, bundled from head to toe, stripping off layers one by one
as she rides. No complaints, just with this undeniable attitude of 'let's get
to work."
I think the thing I admire most about Jessica is the fact that even when she
doesn't come at the top of the class, with her 11 years of wisdom, she explains
to us and her family why she didn't win, what she needs to do better, and
usually congratulates the winner on the way by. One of the most valuable
lessons is how to be a gracious winner, an example that Jessica sets for her
fellow competitors.
Behind every successful child is a dedicated family, and that is something the
Jasman family is. Both Jessica's mother, Gaemmi and father Lee are at all of
the horse shows and gaming events, pitching right in with stalls, clipping,
bathing, braiding, whatever. They faithfully bring her to lessons, and
patiently wait, either too hot or too cold, for their daughter to do what she
loves. Even sister Deni has caught the horse bug and is beginning to take
lessons, but so far she has only one speed, fast!
We are so proud to have such a talented rider, and a dedicated family. The
Jasmans epitomize the reason we work our tails off in this business. Every
accomplishment that Jessica makes we feel in our hearts, and revel in them.
Sincerely,
Crista Lambert & Kevin Christiansen
Talisman Training Center
-- This page is a service of Horse Previews Magazine to enrich the youth equestrian community. If you are interested in appearing here, please contact: Horse Previews Magazine, "Youth of the Month," P. O. Box 427, Spokane, WA 99210. 509-922-3456 or 1-800-326-2223.
