Jessica Wolf Hart of Brick Township, New Jersey has ventured into new territory this show season. In the past, Hart mainly showed finished show horses in the all-around events, but now she has decided to concentrate on her favorite class–western pleasure–with a young futurity prospect. Her two year-old western pleasure mare, Skips Sudden Reward (Diva), who is by Don’t Skip Zip and out of RL Sudden Reward, is currently in training with Brian Ale.
GoHorseShow interviewed Hart to find out more about her plans for her new horse and more about her background and how she got involved with horses.
Q: Hi Jessica! So tell me us about your new mare–how did you find her?
A: Brian found her after the AQHA World Show last year. He called me and said I found your horse. She was at Clarice Coopers and he spent about a week at the farm and sent me a video of her. I watched her once and knew she was perfect . My debut will probably be at the Congress in the Two Year-Old Non Pro. Her barn name is Diva–she is super sweet though! She does not act like a diva, but definitely looks like one. She is such a pretty mare.
Q: What are you goals for 2013?
A: Make it to the show pen. I showed heavily the past two summers with my old western pleasure mare, Miss Potential To Do, so taking a few months off and working with a young one gives you a new appreciation for the show pen. Diva is my first futurity horse, so I am really looking forward to showing in those classes. It is a new adventure for me.
Q: What do you enjoy about horses and showing?
A: I love that everything else just goes away. When you are riding, you do not think about anything else! In the show pen, it’s having that great ride. When your horse is locked in you just know. Everything else falls into place. I have had the great privilege or working with several talented horse trainers. Each of them you learn something new from. As a youth kid, I rode with Doug Pratt and Susan Witts, both were excellent mentors in their own way. They taught me how to show. After that, I worked with Gary and Tami McAllister. They elevated my show career as I hauled to quite a few of the “big shows” and Tami got me a Congress Jacket, an accomplishment that I will never forget! I also loved being a youth show kid–barn water fights and having a great time. Plus, you never had to worry about the show bill!
Q: Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you got involved with horses?
A: Originally I am from New York, but moved to New Jersey two years ago. I grew up on Long Island and started taking English lessons at the age of six. I have been very lucky to have grown up with horses for almost my entire life. I started showing AQHA Shows when I was 14 and have been addicted ever since. I did the western all-around for most of my youth career and then focused on showing trail. I took time off from showing to finish college and start my career. When I came back, I wanted to show western pleasure again. It is my favorite class.
Q: What is your most memorable win so far?
A: Most memorable moment was my horse placing at the Congress in Jr Trail. Recent favorite win is 2011 Amateur Western Pleasure Regional Championship win with my old western pleasure horse “Candy” aka Miss Potential to Do.
Q: What do you like about working with Brian Ale?
A: I have known him for a long time. Him and I were in the same barn together as youth kids, so he knows me very well and usually can pick up a mistake before I am going to make it. His program works for me and my horses. Having the opportunity to work with different trainers, you get to a point in your show career where things need to be done a certain way, from how your horse is prepared to how you are mentally prepared. His program works really well for me.
Q: What is the biggest challenges you have faced showing horses?
A: Like most people, getting the time off from work. If I could have it my way, I would show first and work second, but I have a wonderful and extremely supportive husband, Erik, and two great dogs Lola, who is my horse show companion, and Sal.I work full time for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, as a Vet Territory Manager and cover central NJ and NYC, and I also own East Coast Show Apparel (ECSA), which specializes in new and used show clothing. I take consignment pieces as well as custom design show pads, vests and carry a full line of Cowboy Couture, RideStrong and Cowgirl Rocz Mens and Women’s Show Shirts. Starting East Coast Show Apparel has helped me merge two things I love–horses and fashion. I started ECSA in November of 2010, and it has been on a whirlwind of success ever since. Having a two year-old this year has given me a bit more time to focus and grow ECSA in 2013.
Q: Thanks Jessica and good luck with your new horse and clothing store!
A: You’re welcome!
Click here to view Jessica’s ad in the June 2013 issue of GoMag.
