jessie's story

Since joining Maria just over a year ago Jessie Keatley-Palmer has made a meteoric rise with her riding success.

Jessie's formative years were spent in a local riding school where she dreamt of owning her own horse. In September 2014, with a loan, she scoured the pages of horse magazines looking, not for her perfect horse, but one that would fall into her budget. Enter Billy, a failed racehorse, who Jess spent 6 months developing flatwork and jumping skills.

Fast forward to 2015 and Jess fell in love with Rosie a 14.2 Connemara that Maria had imported from Ireland. Within weeks Jess had won her first competition with Rosie and during the summer of 2015 she has won Winner of Area 10 Individual Junior Novice Competition. 45 riders entered. And 1st in her 4th/5th and 6th outings competing at 90cm.

Because of Rosie’s diminutive size and Jessie's height she decided to sell her, and now she has her “dream horse” Cody.

Maria says of Jess “It is so refreshing to meet a young person that not only has tenacity and determination, but is developing an amazing ability to build relationships and tap into a horse’s unproven ability. She has the magic ingredient which gives great riders the focus to succeed - even in the face of adversity.


Jessie's mum Jane said::

“Maria has overseen Jessie's transition from a riding school jockey to a very competent show jumper.

Under Marias guidance Jessie has bought on 2 horses from very green to competing in 90cm and metre classes.

Given the fact that Jess only got her first horse just over a year ago this is some achievement and a testament to Marias skill and patience. Jess wouldn't be the rider she is today with Marias brilliant efforts. THANK-YOU!!!!”