Jessica Spilman is an assistant trainer for Chase Barnes and Jennifer Stein, recognized for her focus in the trail pen and her calm, consistent approach at home. She splits her year between Warren, Pennsylvania and Ocala, Florida, where her days revolve around developing trail horses and helping riders build confidence and skill in the class.
We sat down with Spilman to learn more about her background, mentors, and goals for the season.
GoHorseShow: Hi Jessica! Thanks for sitting down with us. Can you start by telling us a little more about your background? Where are you from? How did you get involved with horses, etc?
Jessica: I grew up in New Brunswick, Canada. I fell in love with horses when I was two years old, and I begged my parents to let me start riding. My mom signed me up at a local barn, where I spent the next seven years learning basic dressage. After that, I rode at a jumping barn for a few years, and later started riding Quarter Horses when I was 11 years old. My family wasn’t involved in the horse world at all, so I feel very fortunate they were so supportive and open to letting me pursue riding from such a young age.
GoHorseShow: When did you start showing?
Jessica: I went to my first fun show when I was in kindergarten, where I showed a mini named “Cornflake” in the in-hand classes and an Arabian named “Spicy” in walk-trot. I competed at plenty of local shows over the years, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I went to my first AQHA show. My horse, Kohl and I ended up reserve in the all-around, and I was absolutely hooked. I continued showing him in the all-around events and over fences throughout the remainder of my youth career.
GoHorseShow: What is it you like about horses and showing?
Jessica: My favorite thing about horses has always been discovering their different personalities. I love getting to know what makes each one unique. Going to horse shows is definitely a highlight of the job. It’s so fulfilling to take a horse you’ve been working hard on at home into the pen and succeed, and to see that same success with their owners, too. I always find myself learning new things at horse shows, whether it’s helpful tips from other trainers or just developing a better understanding of a particular horse. I usually come home feeling motivated and ready to work harder.
GoHorseShow: What are some of your favorite accomplishments in the show arena?
Jessica: The one that stands out the most was at the Congress in 2023. It was my last time showing equitation and my final show as a youth. I ended up fifth with my horse, A Sleepy Sensation. I bought him as a two-year-old back in 2015 and really learned a lot from riding him through trial and error. Accomplishing that on a horse I made was surreal, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.
GoHorseShow: What are some well-known horses you have helped train?
Jessica: Jennifer and Chase have allowed me to teach some of their talented pleasure horses to do trail. One is Hot Southern Night (“Maddie”). I won the Level Two Senior Trail with her at this past Congress, and we were reserve in the Three-Year-Old and Over Novice Horse Trail the year before. Another is A Tini Bit Tipsy (“Rigby”). I won the Three-Year-Old Trail at the Premiere last year, as well as the Open Limited Three-Year-Old Trail and the BCF Color Three-Year-Old Trail at the NSBA World Show. He also won the Non-Pro Three-Year-Old Trail at NSBA. Jenn and Chase put such a great foundation on these horses, which made developing them in trail so enjoyable and straightforward.
GoHorseShow: Who are some of your biggest mentors?
Jessica: My biggest mentors growing up were my parents. Their go-to piece of advice was always, “Make it work.” No matter the situation, if there was something I wanted, or a difficult task that needed to be done, we would simply make it work. That mindset has guided me throughout my career. Jennifer and Chase have also been outstanding mentors over the past few years. Not only have they made me a better rider, but they’ve also taught me a lot about the business side of the industry. I aspire to achieve the same level of work ethic, talent, and professionalism that they demonstrate every day.
GoHorseShow: What advice do you have for other young trainers?
Jessica: A piece of advice I would give to young trainers is to ask questions and not let the fear of trying something new or challenging hold you back. You can learn so much by stepping out of your comfort zone, connecting with new people, and staying open-minded.
GoHorseShow: How about some of your favorite memories in the industry?
Jessica: My most cherished memories are of the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made through the industry. Many of my closest friends are people I met through riding, and I’m so grateful for that.
GoHorseShow: How did you come about working for Chase and Jenn?
Jessica: A mutual friend of ours knew I was looking to further my career and learn more about the industry. Opportunities to grow as a horse trainer in Canada are very limited, and I was feeling like I’d reached a standstill. She put Jennifer and me in contact and, although it was nerve-wracking to move to a different country, I knew it was a very special opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
GoHorseShow: What is one thing people probably do not know about you?
Jessica: I used to be a competitive figure skater. I stepped away from skating about six years ago to focus on riding, but I hope to get back into it someday.
GoHorseShow: What would you like to see improved in the industry?
Jessica: The industry has certainly been changing and developing a lot, and I’m really impressed with the positive changes we’ve seen lately. While this isn’t related to the industry as a whole, something I’d be excited to see is more slow work in trail patterns. It may not be as captivating to watch as fast-paced obstacles, but it still takes so much skill and control to make it look effortless. I hope we see more of it this year.
GoHorseShow: Okay, tell us about some of your future goals.
Jessica: This year, my goal is to show more in western riding. It’s not a class I have a ton of experience in, but I really enjoy it, and I’m looking forward to improving. I hope to learn as much as I can and continue to have fun while doing it.
GoHorseShow: Thanks, Jessica!
