Jamie Pestana is a student at University of California, Davis, studying exercise biology, with plans to become a physical therapist. At school, Jamie enjoys playing Intramural Ultimate Frisbee, running, participating in research projects, and, of course, riding her horse, Winny.
Jamie has been riding most of her life. She got her first pony, Apple Blossom, when she was only two years old, and started competing in dressage at the age of five. She imported her current horse, Winzalot (or “Winny” for short) from Germany when he was three and she was fourteen. In 2010, they competed in Kentucky at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships as a Junior combination and came home with a team silver medal and individual and freestyle gold medals. In 2012 and 2013, they returned to the championships, this time as young riders, and brought home a team gold and team, individual, and freestyle silver medals. Jamie trains with her mother, Nadine Pestana, and enjoys taking lessons from professional dressage riders Debbie McDonald, Adrienne Lyle, Jeremy Steinberg, and George Williams.
Jamie loves having Winny with her at school. In 2014, they are competing in the professionals’ division for the first time. They hope to move up to Grand Prix together next year. When they aren’t working hard toward their dressage goals, they love jumping, trail riding, and being silly around the barn. Jamie also teaches riding in her spare time and loves watching her young students develop into talented riders. Jamie is serving as mentor and camp counselor at BAE Vet Camp this summer.
Website: http://www.thatbarn.com