The Team

Owner and Head Trainer, Jessica Goldstein Holmes, brings 25+ years of riding experience and over 15 years of professional experience to Heartland Equestrian. Throughout her career Jessica has had the privilege to work and ride for top equestrian coaches in New York, California, Colorado, and Canada including many top international show jumpers such as Olympian Colin McIntosh (NZ), Beda & Lynne Wachter (CAN), and Jennifer Kallam (CO). 

 

With competition experience in the hunter and jumper rings up to the 1.30m level, Jessica brings a comprehensive knowledge of both horse and rider development. Jessica has a passion for young horse training, helping take promising prospects from their first crossrails up the levels in their competitive careers. She also sports two decades of experience retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds for highly successful second careers in the show ring. Jessica believes in providing a correct foundation for horses, using groundwork, classical dressage principles and a patient, kind introduction over fences to help youngsters build confidence and knowledge. Jessica is also proficient through 4th level dressage and is currently working on obtaining her scores towards her Bronze Medal

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In addition to her equine experience, Jessica is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and spent 10 years as a top-rated high school science and mathematics teacher in California and Colorado. She holds both a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a Master's degree in Public Policy from Cornell University and will graduate in 2023 from the University of Arkansas with a Doctorate in Education Policy. These accreditations, combined with her work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence help provide a solid foundation for the Heartland Equestrian program. 

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With this unique background, Jessica possesses both a deep knowledge of horse management alongside an equal mastery of instruction and human development. This makes her particularly adept at helping riders improve and grow by helping customers improve their body awareness and biomechanics. You'll often hear her student's exclaim: "No one has ever told me that before!" or joke that they don't need a gym membership when they are riding with her! 

 

Jessica's coaching philosophy centers around building relationships between horse, rider, and trainer and focuses on providing all her students with excellent foundational skills that can be transferred to any discipline. Her boutique program caters to riders seeking competitive coaching that will help them achieve their goals in a positive and supportive atmosphere.