Testimonials
Kind Words
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Kind Words -
“When I first met Jennifer, I had just moved to California and knew no one in the horse community here. Jennifer allowed me to come into her barn and work as an instructor and rider in her program, helped me with my horses, and taught me about the industry in this area.
I have seen her program through a variety of roles over the last several years, and now have many of her former students in my barn after Jennifer's move to Oregon. Jennifer's program does an excellent job of producing successful riders of all ages and skill levels. Her attention to detail keeps each horse and rider progressing, whether that's a 7 year old taking their first lessons in Pony Club, a young adult aiming at upper-level competition, or an older adult looking to enjoy a safe and fun environment with their horse.
Jen pushes everyone in her program to elevate their standards and achieve their potential. All of Jennifer's students are well educated, not only in the saddle, but also in horse management. Jennifer's program teaches more than just how to ride - students also learn how to provide top-notch care for their equine partners.”
- Allyson Hartenburg, Hartenburg Equestrian
“Jen and Trinity Eventing have met and exceeded the “mile-high” expectations that I have for a boarding facility and trainer. Jen’s expertise and experience have been invaluable to me in developing my horse. I have also appreciated her horse first attitude and her support — as an adult amateur with a full time job it’s critical to have a trainer (you can rely on) who understands your riding goals and your working adult responsibilities!”
~Gabby H.
“Jennifer has created something unique at Trinity - a barn that is both welcoming to new adult riders but also a program for serious-minded adult amateurs. I started riding at Trinity as a thirty something with very little riding experience and I’ve found not just an amazing place to continue learning and riding but also an amazing community of other horsewoman that model the best aspects of the sport! Jennifer is the consummate leader in this - her teaching style is thoughtful, methodical and focused on teaching the fundamentals of good riding and building confidence in the saddle.
Jennifer has helped me continue to grow as a rider and build my confidence. I came to Trinity with only six months of riding experience and have been able to improve in my riding since then - her program has helped improve my rider position and also has taught me to be a more effective rider - to have clearer aids and cleaner transitions. I feel very lucky to have found her and Trinity at this point in my life!”
“Two things come to mind when I think of a good horse trainer. The first is trust. I trusted Jen to coach my daughter and felt confident as well as comfortable. I knew she would do what was best for her and the horse. With all her years at upper levels and her background in coaching, I always knew she would make the most educated decisions for them. She did what made sense and I never doubted her decisions to progress with both of them.
The second is her ability to read and figure out different horses. The same style does not work on every horse. Jens ability to teach a group lesson but individualize to each the rider and horse is key. She takes the time to be specific and work on what that team needs that day. She always says “ride the horse you have today”. Jen tailors to each student and they're horses on a daily basis.
Jens knowledge and connections are so valuable. My daughter has gone from her first Novice to her first Preliminary in 3 short years. She made my daughter the rider she is today. She always puts the horses first and her level of caring for horses is exceptional. I have a huge amount of respect for Jen and her training program. As a parent, I appreciate the character, respect, self confidence and work ethic she instilled in my daughter along with great lessons. We are grateful for Jens professionalism and training.”
- Coleen Fitzgerald
“Jennifer has succeeded in developing my barely started filly into a successful show horse and teaching me how to continue her education. My horse and I have thrived at Trinity because of Jennifer‘s emphasis on excellent basics, top-tier horse care, and building genuine confidence in horse and rider. I truly cannot believe how much my riding and overall horsemanship has improved since I started working with Jennifer.”
~Dani R.
“There is nowhere better to board and ride than with Trinity Eventing!! Jennifer Wooten is a true professional. She always puts the well-being of the horse first, from meticulous horse care to individualized training. Jen also offers a flexible schedule to accommodate different clients’ various needs (such as around a busy career or family life), and has fostered a supportive, laid back and fun barn culture unlike anywhere else. The people at Trinity Eventing (clients and staff) are extremely welcoming. Everyone is positive, team- minded and encouraging of others regardless of how big or small anyone’s riding goals may be. It is a wonderful place to learn!! Furthermore, the facility at Trinity Eventing is beautiful, serene, and has all the amenities - turnout, indoor and outdoor arenas, incredible trail access without trailering, tack lockers, heated crossties, washracks, and a nice bathroom; it truly feels like a home away from home.”
“I moved to the Santa Barbara area a few years ago and came to Trinity Eventing. I was searching for a barn that was organized, friendly and the horses would be well cared for. I hit the jack pot. Jennifer and her team were professional and care for the horses came first. My lessons were comprehensive and included both dressage, jumping and XC. Besides an organized lesson program, the horses had time off and trail rides when needed. Shows were fun and I felt my horse was well prepared for the different levels of riding.
During my time with Trinity, I was in search of a new horse. Jen found me a gem. She knew that he would be a quick sale and jumped on the opportunity and we moved quickly to purchase him. Her clinical advise for that purchase and maintenance of my horses was appropriate and well thought out. Important for me was that my horses were well care for when I was on holiday and I am happy to say that was true. I was disappointed when she made the move to Oregon and I would say my loss is your gain.”
- Joan
“I was thrilled to join Jen’s program, and especially happy at the top-tier care that comes with it. I expected my horse would be well-taken care of at Trinity, but what we’ve experienced is what is and should be known about the program; Jennifer provides world class training and horse care.
Through no fault of his own, Ace had become a pasture ornament and was out of shape. When we moved in, a nutritional plan was created, and he went back into training. I found it wonderful to know that things like having the farrier, veterinarian, and FEI level folks doing body work, nutrition, and dental work were the types of services that Jen’s team plans for and facilitates.
There are also the shows, clinics, trail rides and barn camaraderie that are part of being with Jen. Seeing Ace brought back into work and becoming so physically fit has been great. Ace had done Show Jumping and Eventing, and he is now back at that with lots of success. With a busy schedule, it’s a relief for me to know how well Ace is being taken care of. Most importantly, Ace is very healthy and happy, and back to doing his favorite thing, showing.”
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“I can’t say enough about Jen! I have been a horsewoman for 46 years, and appreciate her keen eye and no nonsense approach to teaching. She passes along her excellent knowledge of the eventing world to her students. I have witnessed her help so many equestrians (including myself and my daughter) improve their skills and grow into responsible stewards of their mounts. Jennifer designs each of her students own goals, into individual programs, to help them achieve their highest potential, safely and with the right skill set. Don’t miss out on learning with her.”
- Tammy Weber
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“My daughter had the opportunity to ride in Jennifer’s barn for 5 years. From her first pony to her most recent horse, Jen has guided us with her immense knowledge and skill. She has an amazing, comprehensive program for students and horses. She has high standards and produces riders who are smart, safe, respectful, hard working and genuinely love the sport. My daughter has grown so much in confidence and skill over the years under her program. I trust Jen completely and am so grateful for everything she has given my daughter and our horses.”
- Jodie Pitts
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“Jennifer and Trinity Eventing has helped so many of my riding goals come true. I grew up riding Dressage, but had dreams of galloping and jumping on cross country courses. Jen's program took me from no Eventing experience to successfully competing through Training Level. In the eight years I've been taking lessons with Jen I have increasingly become the rider and horseman I aim to be: effective, quiet, conscientious, and compassionate towards my equine partners. I am grateful to Jen for that, as well as for finding me two horses that are not only good partners for me in particular, but are wonderful athletes in their own right. I look forward to being a part of her program as she establishes her business in the Pacific Northwest!”
- Mandy
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"I have been lucky enough to train with Jennifer for over five years. She has always been one of my favorite people to ride with because of her great knowledge of proper training but also how she takes into account the personality of each horse and rider. She also helped me get to NAYC on an OTTB that I trained in about two years. She also helped me find my amazing, talented horse in the first place. Beyond being a wonderful trainer with a great eye for horses, her willingness to help me achieve my dreams made her feel like family. Because of that, the idea of her moving to the PNW was one of the reasons that I chose to go to the college that I did. She helped me become the rider and the person I am today, something I am very grateful for, and something I will never forget."
- Malia
“I joined Trinity over a year ago when I moved up to the Portland area. I have three mares with very unique needs: a greenie, a rehab project, and a medically fragile retiree. Jennifer and her team have not only met but exceeded my expectations. They are communicative, detail-oriented, positive, and supportive. I have never had to wonder a second if my mares are in good hands, because I know they are in the best hands.
Under Jen’s careful management, my mares have flourished. My 5 yr old has gone from green broke to placing in recognized horse trials. My 17 year old has progressed each day with gentle rehab and vet care. And my retiree is the fittest and happiest she’s ever been, thanks to careful nutrition and plentiful turnout. Jen and her team see each horse as an individual with their own personality and needs. I really appreciate that the training and education is personalized and never cookie cutter.
When I came to Trinity, I found more than just excellent horse care—my horses and I found a family. The women of Trinity are remarkable and have created a business that feels like home. My mares and I would follow Jen and her team anywhere! I am so looking forward to our future as a proud members of Team Trinity.”
“The stress and fear that goes along with being a parent of an eventer is certainly real. I feel so lucky to have had the expertise and guidance of Jennifer Wooten-Macouzet.
Her vast experiences from countless competitions at the highest levels have given her knowledge that has been paramount to my daughter’s success as a rider. Jen’s teaching strategies are varied and effective. She is patient and always willing to go the extra mile when needed. With horses, there are often setbacks and Jen was always willing to give us the time and attention necessary to work through issues.
As a parent, it was vital to have trust between not only me and my daughter’s trainer, but also my daughter and her trainer. Jen’s knowledge paired with her open communication allowed us to build the trust we needed to feel comfortable moving up the levels. We are forever grateful for the time we had training with Jennifer. She will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
- Kim Merz
“We have trained with Jennifer for the past nine years. Eventing is a family affair with a daughter, son and myself all riding. Jennifer guided our son from Intro at 9 years old to Intermediate as a young teen, found him good horses, helped him let some special ones go to the next kid, trained him in bringing along green horses, taught him horse skills and life skills and has been his mentor in all the ups and downs of life with horses. She coached our daughter from Intro to Preliminary, helped her train her heart horse up to Preliminary, found her the best equine partners to match her needs and personality, and cheered her on as she graduated and went on to play polo in college. When I decided to join with a horse of my own after a 20 year hiatus Jennifer found me a saint of a horse and happily coached an amateur back into the game.
Jennifer is a highly accomplished rider, a gifted clinician and a truly brilliant trainer of both horse and rider. She is honest, intuitive and committed. We chose to trust the process on good days and hard days, and as a result have learned volumes of horse skills, gained life skills, reached goals, enjoyed success, and tucked away forever memories as a family. I have always known my children are leaving the start box as prepared and ready as possible, nothing is left to chance or lofty dreams. Jennifer is a voice of reason, knowledge and courage in our heads as we ride. She always has the best interest of the horse and the student in mind and a clear idea of where we are at and what we need. My children are who they are today in large part because of the role Jennifer has played in their lives. Our son has faced challenges related to a cleft palate and lip but on the back of a horse most of those are put aside. Jennifer has, from the first lesson, been his champion, encouraging him when he struggles to find ways to overcome, challenging him to work hard and be his best, letting him know she is always on his team, taking the time to work through hard days, caring about him and his horses as if they were her own and cheering his successes. Jenifer has done similar things for our daughter, myself and a barn full of riders. It is one of our greatest joys to train and compete with Jennifer.”
- Allison Hill
“I brought Speedy home in January 2022, and was so glad that Jen welcomed us into her program right away. I was excited to get back to showing after four years without my own horse.
There’s a lot to love about Trinity Eventing, but one thing that sticks out to me is that I very honestly don’t remember showing being this fun before. Jen had us so well prepared. I was confident going in to each event that everything the course designers could have asked of us was well within our abilities. I had a clear idea of why I was showing at the level, and what Jen wanted us to accomplish at each show. Every time we went out, Jen asked me to stretch my riding and awareness, and pushed us for a little bit more – a little more accuracy, better balance, more suppleness. And we were prepared for every one of those asks because Jen had me practicing those skills every week at home. So every time we got out there it felt like we were showing off how good we were, rather than hoping we were good enough.
Only in my wildest dreams did Speedy and I qualify for the AECs this year. But we did it in our first three shows. And we had the most amazing time at the AECs, too. Everything felt easy and fun, and I literally spent the whole show smiling. So I qualified for the AECs, had an amazing time there, finished on my dressage score, and smiled the whole time doing it. I don’t know if I could have pulled that off at any other time in my life.”
-Nicole S.
“I would give Jen and her program, two thumbs up, 5 gold stars, the gold medal ... take your pic. Jen’s approach to training is tailored to where each horse and rider pair are and what their goals are. But there are no short cuts in Jen’s approach to training horse or rider.
I have worked with Jen and the Trinity program with 3 of my horses and while the core of her program is the same, how it’s applied, the pace at which it’s applied varied, just like the horses I have. Jen has helped me take my very experienced jumper to the realm of Eventing, taken the reins of my young horse who was barely walk, trot, canter, to her first jumper shows and events and even my tried and true who had been out of work for an extended period and brought her back to her first one day event (including her first dressage test and cross country course).
I think one of the places Jen shines is her steadiness and not moving horses up the training ladder too quickly which is admirable in a sport where quick results are often rewarded. When you trust the process and want to learn there is no better place to be, than with the Trinity Eventing Team and Jennifer Wooten-Macouzet.”