Canadian FEI dressage rider, trainer, coach and breeder Jayne Essig runs her own equestrian business, Equinox Acres Dressage based at Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island. The highly experienced and successful Jayne is a recipient of the Equestrian Canada Gold Rider Award, and is a US Dressage Federation Silver Medalist. Additionally, Jayne is an EC Medium Level Judge and an EC High Performance Coach 1 and has competed at the FEI level for several years with many different horses throughout Canada and the US including California and Florida!
Tell us about you and your horses
Jayne and Hachiko
I am a Canadian FEI Dressage Rider, Dressage ‘M’ Judge and High Performance coach. I currently have three main horses, the youngest is Duran Duran EQ, he is a 4 yo Stallion that I bred and presented for licensing through the GOV this past summer. He’s a very cool young horse and one I’m excited to develop!
My next youngest is the 11 yo KWPN Gelding, Hachiko. His barn name is Donny and he’s the biggest goofiest guy in the barn! Donny competed in his first PSG in October and is on track for small tour next year. Lastly is Denver S who is a 15 yo Dutch (KWPN) Gelding by Jazz. He is currently competing at the small tour level, and I have shown him form BC to California and in Florida last season. I also operate a small breeding farm and coaching business here on Vancouver Island BC, Canada.
How did your horses come into your life?
Jayne and Denver S competing at the PSG Int 1 level last year. His high score was a 69%
Duran Duran, barn name Randy, is from our breeding program. We do a small amount of breeding and have quite a few youngsters coming up the line. Hachiko, aka Donny was purchased during the pandemic and was somewhat of an impulse buy. He was originally purchased with the intention to re-sell however has become a part of our family and is now co-owned with a good friend who rides him also part time when we are not competing.
As for Denver, he was purchased in 2018 from a barn in Washington State, USA, which is just south from us, here in Canada. He had been imported by the previous owner two years prior and I have really enjoyed learning so much from and with this amazing horse.
When and where do you ride?
I typically ride most mornings, we have spent the past 20 years developing our farm and completed the indoor arena in 2020, so I mostly ride at home. Unless I am away at a clinic or showing. I have been fortunate to travel with the horses and I have competed in California quite a few times as well as in Florida.
How did you start riding?
Jayne and Hachiko AKA Donny at Thunderbird Langley BC This is our 4th level championship class. Donny’s high score was a 74% in 4-3.
I actually started in Western. I rode at a Western barn where we took out trail rides and did gymkhanas.
What are you and your horses currently working on?
Randy is gaining strength and balance required for the 5 yo FEI test, Donny is coming along with his changes and gaining the strength for the small tour next year and Denver is progressing towards the Int II. I stay fit by using my peloton bike, practicing the Dave Thind method of Feldenkrais and working out once a week with a personal trainer.
What do you love about riding?
The ability to communicate with the horses in the most subtle ways. I love to ride with light aids and a lot of feel. For me that is success, when they are willing partners on this journey with you, together as one.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Duran Duran EQ, aka Randy working at home during training and presentation for GOV Licensing
I would love to qualify Randy for Ermelo YH championships. I also believe Donny could be a team horse for Canada and I would love to progress him to the GP in the future.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Yes. I had a complete hip replacement many years ago and a more recent spinal operation. I have worked hard to overcome my fears in riding and currently work with Sports performance coach Lorna Hogarth of Mind EQ.
How do you deal with them?
Hard work. There are no shortcuts. Find a mental coach, someone that can help you stay accountable and take action towards your goals.
Do you have any rituals for before competing?
Visualize my test, ride every moment in real time and ‘fast frame’. I do also have a good luck bracelet I like to wear that reminds me of where I’ve been and where I’m going.
Your Top Tip
Be your own advocate and an advocate for your horse. Horse first, sport second, always. This is what true horsemanship is about.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Find your WHY. You must find the joy in the journey, or it is only a job, a chore. You are not going to win every competition, have every day go as planned, so learning to enjoy the process will help keep you motivated and progressing in the sport!.