AQHA and APHA judge, Jennifer Thompson of Nevada, has judged some of the most prestigious events the associations have to offer. From International shows to the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Thompson has seen and judged it all. However, in 2011, Jennifer experienced something no horsewoman, or parent should ever encounter. Her daughter, Whitney was killed by a drunk driver.
Jennifer comes from a philanthropic family. Her grandmother helped young women pursue careers in math and science and her mother is involved with the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, which connects local donors to several local charities. So, its no surprise Jennifer taught her daughter the same core values–to pay it forward and to offer, at a minimum, a kind word to those less fortunate.
Jennifer’s guidance paid off, but she didn’t know its total effect until after Whitney’s death. “When she passed away, at the service, I bet I had 50 kids come up to me and say ‘Whitney saved my life,’ or ‘Whitney got me out of drugs.’ They described so many ways that she spent time giving herself,” Thompson tells GoHorseShow. “She taught me that the little kind things you do don’t go unnoticed.”
With the loss of her daughter, her philanthropic family background and her love for horses, Jennifer wants to spread the message of charity to the horse community.
“We (the horse community) are a very fortunate bunch, but I believe we have the resources to offer more of our time and services,” she said. “I think we’ve gotten so into winning a blue ribbon that we’ve forgotten how to pay it forward as well.”
Jennifer’s main message is for parents to teach their children how to give to others who are less fortunate. “I’m not talking about just helping the homeless, but also helping those who are just breaking into the horse business.”
We’ve all started from the very beginning before, wide-eyed and not exactly sure what to expect when we walk into the show pen. There is a need for someone to give beginners a direction on how to succeed. Thompson urges veteran showmen and women to take that time and to be that someone. She urges parents to encourage their kids to lend a hand to others who are just starting.
“I also wish that more judges, after a horse show, would go up and say, ‘If you need some help I would be happy to’,” she says. “I had an exhibitor come up to me two years later at a horse show and say, ‘I remember you gave me some advice and I kept doing it and look where I am.’ Those suggestions should not only come from a judge, but really just from anybody.”
Jennifer continues, “Offering tips on how to improve your pattern, or offering an old show shirt you’ve brought along that you don’t need or even saying, ‘hey have a quick ride on my horse so you know how it’s supposed to feel,’ or ‘hey you had a really good go’ are just some suggestions that would go along way.”
Jennifer’s message is simple and she hopes to reach out to anyone who shows horses, not just solely to parents and their children. To youth, amateur or open riders, she encourages and asks to give out kindness.
“Sometimes it just takes one word to feel like somebody cares about you. Sometimes we get busy and we forget to say that one word that might make a difference,” she said. “I just think that it’s very important to talk to your children about giving, even if it’s just their time. I think it’s important to hear that from someone who has lost their child.”
Jennifer adds, “Kindness generates friendship and teamwork and it generates so many things. I think that just a nice word or a sentence can really make a difference in somebody’s life, and not just in the horse world, but also in life in general as well.” (Jennifer pictured above with her mother)
GoHorseShow would like to thank Jennifer Thompson for sharing her story.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Thompson
