Jennifer Johnson with JC Plumona and JC Espirital Win USEF Driving Intermediate Pair Horses National Championship 2023
Monday, September 25, 2023 | Mary Phelps
2023 Tryon Fall CDE – USEF Combined Driving National Championships – Intermediate
Jennifer Johnson (Barboursville, Va.) finished her National Championship week on a score of 153.37 with her own JC Plumona, a 2012 Andalusian mare, and JC Espirital, a 2013 Andalusian mare. Despite an injury to her foot just before the horse inspection, Johnson went on to earn a personal best dressage score with her pair, setting the stage for a successful weekend. She gives credit to Cheryl Painter, her groom and navigator, for stepping up to keep things going while Johnson was stymied with crutches and a boot for her injured tendon.
Photo: Jennifer Johnson with JC Plumona and JC Espirital. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian
“We had a really great, fun run on marathon,” said Johnson. “It was a personal best on marathon. It was the first time I’ve broken under 100 on marathon. And in the cones, I couldn’t be any more pleased. It was almost a double clear. I had just a hair over on seconds with no balls down and I couldn’t be happier.
“I’ve been really thrilled to be invited back into the Developing Athlete Program, and I’ve done a clinic recently up in Massachusetts with [Taz Lester] and it was incredibly helpful. I was able to get back together with him last weekend for a private clinic and it has really made a huge difference both in how my horses are going and my own psychology about how to drive. It’s a really awesome program and I’m grateful to be in it.”
Johnson’s matched pair of Andalusians, who are full sisters, are a striking sight out on the course and in the arena. She’s a lifelong fan of the breed for their brains and athleticism.
“Their mother was my heart horse who I lost just a couple of months ago, so this is extra special,” said Johnson. “I grew up with the breed, and they absolutely have my heart. Their temperament is superb. I think they’re quite athletic—their sire is a Grand Prix dressage horse. I just love their movement and the gentleness of their demeanor is really wonderful.”
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