Photo republished by permission of 
The Chronicle of the Horse. 
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Jenn Simmons has been an active member of the eventing community for more than 20 years.  After being a working student, then barn manager, for eventing legend Jimmy Wofford, Jenn struck out on her own. She quickly built a business based solely on reputation, results, and referrals. Today JCS Equestrian enjoys the level of quality and professionalism that Jenn is known for. Here, everyone seems to thrive, including the horses, the clients and the staff.

Based outside Middleburg, Virginia, JCS Equestrian is a full-service eventing operation.  From coaching local riders to shopping for talented prospects overseas, JCS Equestrian is a top-notch business. Through the support of family, friends and owners, Jenn has been able to focus solely on training, competing and teaching. In her efforts to reach the top of the sport, Jenn currently trains with Olympian Phillip Dutton.

Jenn was asked to become a member of PRO when they were first organizing. She saw this as an excellent opportunity to give back to her sport and be more proactive in its future and success; she therefore is a patron member of the PRO organization.

Jenn's Training Philosophy:

When asked about her training philosophy, Simmons says that each horse’s program is tailor made for his temperament and ability. Her goal is to make sure ‘the horse is very confident about what level his skills are.’ Confidence allows the horse to enjoy his job and, in turn, the owner can better enjoy and develop the partnership. Simmons and her assistants keep horses in top form so that busy owners can come and know their horses are ready to ride and that everything is taken care of. Simmons is happy to start at the beginning with 2-year olds and work up through Advanced.

Simmons believes that patience and listening to each horse is the best approach. ‘If you listen, you’ll find the best way to explain the training to the horse. Always give them the benefit of the doubt and never fast track. Always slow track.'