#2 Jenna Gere

Syracuse, New York

In second grade, I took my first riding lesson and very quickly realized the barn is exactly where I wanted to be. I grew up in Syracuse, NY riding hunters, equitation, and saddleseat at Denise Vespa Stables. There aren’t many thoroughbred farms where I’m from, so I didn’t think much about them, until my thirteenth birthday. For my birthday, my grandparents took me to Saratoga and that was the day I manifested the dream I’m living today. I fell in love with the athleticism and look of the breed. We placed one long shot bet on a big grey and won. It was during that race I knew I would get a big, grey thoroughbred, I just didn’t know what a beautiful journey it would be. Shortly after my first trip to the track, I teamed up with my first OTTB. “Sven” and I were unstoppable until EPM got the better of him. Heartbroken, it took me a while to find my next heart horse. I knew Lucas was going to be the horse I had been dreaming of since my thirteen birthday as soon as I saw him on Fingerlakes Finest Thoroughbreds. He’s the first OTTB I’ve gotten straight off the track, but he most definitely won’t be the last. I started working with thoroughbreds as soon as I moved to Kentucky and continue to fall more in love with them everyday. I now work for Rebecca Maker rehabbing quality thoroughbreds and event Lucas. I’m participating in the Real Rider Cup in hope to raise money for the incredible breed and inspire other equestrians to also team up with an OTTB.