Posted April 27, 2006

Jessica DiGenova Wins Debut CCI** at Florida Horse Park

Confidence Counts

DiGenova has had Upolu for three years, following an eventing hobby that got started aboard a 22-year-old Training Level horse that had been in retirement for nine years. Formerly a pleasure rider, DiGenova can't place her finger on what inspired her to switch to eventing four years ago. "I used to think it was so dangerous and I was such a chicken," she laughed. But, now her aggressive style is what is rocketing her to the top of the charts. "Upolu takes a very aggressive rider, just because she is a very careful jumper," explained DiGenova. "She is not an easy horse…If your confidence falters, her confidence goes way down, too. Or, she'll take advantage of me. That is why I always have to be on the ball with her, all the time."

Lately, Chiacchia has been helping her with that, as well. DiGenova started training with Chiacchia on Feb. 1 and will be at his farm in Ocala until May 1, when she will head back to Norval, Ontario to continue her training with Leahona Rowland.

"My parents and I heard about him and heard very good things about how he was good with young riders," said DiGenova, who has since formed her own opinion: "I really like his teaching style. He really gets to the point and doesn't let you stop until you get it right. He goes through a lot of yelling and screaming, but it gets through my head and I love it."

She said his words even resonate through her head when she is competing. "Activity, more activity, impulsion, energy, more energy," are in the back of her mind when she is riding her dressage tests. However, the most important one is "show off." He knows I have the potential to get higher marks if I show off, said DiGenova.

During cross-country and stadium, the words are more along the lines of, "Growl at her, be aggressive, do whatever you have to!" DiGenova said he also reminds her to keep her head up.

"I can't express how to thank him. He really got me to this point. He brought me so far in three months. I wouldn't have done it without him," said DiGenova in a hastily thought-up speech she was requested to give following the presentation of her ribbon, prizes and $800 check. She also thanked her parents, Mario and Katherine, for supporting her.

But, upon returning to Canada, DiGenova may be putting head down, back into her school books. A home schooled 10th-grader, DiGenova has a lot of studying still to do if she is going to pursue one of her other goals: medicine.

The next time you'll probably see the talented Jessica DiGenova competing in the States will be the North American Young Rider Championships, Aug. 1-6. "I am hoping to work my way to the Young Riders in Virginia for the two-star," she said.

Photo Credit: After winning first place in the inaugural Florida International CCI** at the Florida Horse Park, Jessica DiGenova was handed the microphone to give an acceptance speech, much to her surprise. It was Darren Chiacchia who came to mind first, as the person she thanked for helping her and her mount, Upolu, achieve the victory. Photo by Palmer Photo, www.palmerphoto.photoreflect.com