Jennifer Peters began her equestrian career when she was eight years old.
“She began competitive trail and endurance riding initially,” siad her mother, Erika Peters of Keremeos.
“She eventually joined the Penticton Pony Club and completed a 12 year program that gave her the knowledge necessary to raise a horse and train it to compete.”
Peters said the program tested Jennifer’s abilities annually, each year graduating a step higher in the program. She was the first equestrian rider to finish the program in Penticton.
Jennifer then went on to university, eventually becoming a teacher in Europe.
While there, she was asked to ride for Canada, taking part in a student riding competition that tested a competitor’s skills more fully by ruling that participants use a borrowed horse - one whose behaviour was totally unfamiliar to them.
Jennifer subsequently went on to become the National Equestrian Representative for Canada in Europe, and has spent the last five years in Belgium teaching in an international school while continuing to ride.
This year Jennifer won events in Holland and Germany, most recently competing in the Grand National Complet in Haras de Jardy, France.
Jennifer and Taylor’s Legend, her 13-year-old thoroughbred contested at the Grand National Complet 2013 Harass du Jardy CCI1* held September 26-29.
The pair placed fifth overall, finishing on their dressage score of 55.3 penalties after double clear performances in their show jumping round and the challenging 23 obstacle cross-country course.
This year’s events are stepping stones in Jennifer’s pursuit of a spot on the Canadian Olympic equestrian team as preparations continue for the 2016 summer games, which will take place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.