Natural talent, hard work, and an obsession with horses combined in just the right mix to make Jennifer Schrader-Williams the up and coming dressage “name” she is today. Well known in the Northwest dressage world, Jennifer is drawing attention nationally as she’s expanded her training and competition schedule to include California. Recently she was awarded The Dressage Foundation’s Anne L. Barlow Ramsey Grant, which will allow her to study in Europe, under the tutelage of long-time International competitor and dressage star Catherine Haddad, furthering this year’s goals of competing in the Festival of Champions and at Gladstone.

From an early introduction to horses by her trail-riding mom, Jennifer was encouraged through her 4H years, where her sometimes naughty, sometimes lame pony earned her the infamous white ribbon more often than not.

Terrie Hook was her first formal instructor, giving her a taste of eventing. At age 16, Jennifer moved away from jumping, toward dressage. As fate would have it, her family lived a mere two miles from Charlene Summers’ Summervale Farm. The Roy, Washington farm was (and still is) dedicated to breeding and developing dressage horses—a perfect fit for Jennifer’s passion. “I was always obsessed,” she said, “I knew I’d do something with horses.”

At age 17, Jennifer went to work for Summervale, as Michael Etherly’s groom. The barn was in transition, however, and Michael left to compete in California before Jennifer had time to ride with him.

Lisa Dussome took over as head trainer and Jennifer acted as assistant, riding the young horses, naughty stallions, and helping with sales and breeding. She began training with Gwen Blake, silver medalist in the Pan American Games, who was instrumental in her progress. With Gwen’s horse, Ainsley’s Goodfellow, Jennifer competed at the North American Young Rider Championships in Parker, Colorado. The pair ranked number one with an average of 70% entering into the competition and finished eighth individually.

Two years later, Jennifer took over the role of Summervale’s trainer when Lisa Dussome left to pursue other options. Although she was young, owner Charlene Summers “saw something in me that no one else did,” Jennifer says. Charlene gave Jennifer the chance to work with her well-bred horses, including her stallion H.S. Wistar and mare Phirst Solo.

Thirteen years later, Jennifer and Charlene have forged a partnership that includes both business and friendship. “We’ve been through some rough times together,” Jennifer says. “And Charlene’s been in my corner to help.” In an industry where change is the norm, such a lasting relationship is rare.

Indeed, positive relationships are a focus at Summervale. “The whole barn is very positive,” Jennifer says. “It’s a supportive atmosphere. We encourage that character.” Jennifer feels very fortunate to have such a supportive group behind her. In addition to her horse’s owner and her trainers, a strong group of mentors such as Paula Helm and Gail VanDemoere guide her as she navigates through uncharted territory.

Jennifer’s education has included training with Dutch Young Rider coach Barbara Koot, Walter Zettle, and German Federation Coach Christian Garweg through 2004. She began competing on the California circuit in 2003, to hone her competitive skills and enjoyed coaching from Debbie McDonald and Conrad Schumacher.

She worked regularly with the late German instructor Dietrich von Hopffgarten through 2005 and began working with Jurgen Hoffman of German Dressage in San Diego, California that same year. In 2005 she achieved her goal of qualifying for the Festival of Champions, U.S. finals and competing at Gladstone, New Jersey with Wistar and Phirst Solo. Phirst Solo finished ninth in Grand Prix; Wistar finished fifth in Intermediare-1 after three days of tough competition.

Phirst Solo was retired after Gladstone but Jennifer continues to compete with H.S. Wistar. “Wistar loves his job and is very loving toward me,” Jennifer says. “He’s the kindest stallion.” She’s currently working on his fitness, with lots of walking and trail riding in addition to dressage. “In big venues he puffs up. He’s not volatile except in jog-outs,” she laughs.

In 2006 Jennifer and Wistar qualified for the Brentina Cup, a program for the top eight horse/rider combinations that were age 26 and under, competing at the I-2 level. They trained with Jurgen Hoffman and received instruction from Klaus Balkenhaul at the USET training sessions. The pair successfully finished fourth.

In 2008, Jennifer began working with FEI “I” Janet Foy, who introduced her to Olympic team Bronze Medalist Steffen Peters. With coaching from both Janet and Steffen, Jennifer began competing Wistar at Grand Prix.

Highlights of Jennifer’s 2009 season include the Region 6 Great American Championships Grand Prix Champion with Wistar and Grand Prix Freestyle Reserve Champion. She earned the Great American Third Level Open Champion with H.S. Warado, a young son of Wistar’s. Jessica also had wins with H.S. Regalo and H.S. Wrevolution, a coming five year-old Jessica hopes will be her future in the dressage ring. In California, Jessica and Wistar took second in two Grand Prix classes at The Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, California; second at the Festival of the Horse in Los Angeles; and fifth in CDI Grand Prix at Golden State Dressage in Sacramento.

In addition to training and competing, Jennifer has an active role in Summervale’s sale and breeding program. Her schedule also includes teaching. “We have a small group of boarders at Summervale,” Jennifer says. “I mainly teach haul-in students and do clinics on weekends.” She tries to limit clinics to two per month, to have time with her husband, Alex Williams. The pair met on New Years in 2005, and celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary last month.

“Alex is an animal person, but knew very little about dressage when we met,” Jennifer says. “He’s very supportive and gets all-excited for me and the shows.” Finding time for a balanced relationship is tough with Jennifer’s schedule but clearly a priority.

“I spend one to two hours per day doing internet work,” she says, “Coordinating sales, answering e-mails, updating contracts.” From mid-morning to mid-afternoon she rides the horses (typically from six to 10 per day). “The riding is my passion,” she emphasizes. In addition, she teaches several lessons per day. “I get emotionally involved with my students and their goals,” she says. “It’s not all about me. I put 100% into my students, working students, and barn help.”

At night, Jennifer’s taking online business classes. At age 29, she knows she’ll want to start a family in a few years—so it’s important to fit a lot into every day. Just as impressive as Jennifer’s ability to manage her schedule is her emphasis on strong relationships—with family, friends, and her animals.

This month, Jennifer will return to California, to begin her third year of working with Steffen Peters. To follow her progress, check out her blog on www.summervalefarm.com. You will also see a complete listing of her show results, clinic schedule, and more.

Click here to learn how to help support Jennifer and Wistar with donations and/or sponsorships.