Jen moves for representation
“Definitely the connection with the horse.”
Jen Spencer loves the quiet connection of horseback riding, the personality of every horse, and the possibility of making equestrian sport more accessible for Black youth.
Jen Spencer loves being outdoors.
“I love being outdoors so, for me, physical activity is the best way to enjoy that,” she says. “Whether it’s horseback riding or hiking, I love being out in nature where it’s quiet and I can just enjoy being alone with my horse or dog.”
Jen first started riding at a summer camp when she was 10. She had loved horses even before then and asked her mother if she could learn. Over two weeks, she learned basic horse care, how to tack up a horse, and how to ride.
What she loves most is the connection.
“Definitely the connection with the horse,” Jen says. “They’re like big dogs you can ride! They have so much personality and charm.”
Her own horse, Piper, has been central to that connection.
“Piper is such a sweet animal — everyone likes that horse,” Jen says.
Under saddle, he mirrors the attitude of the rider. If someone is tired, he becomes slow and pokey. If the rider is ready to go, he is right there with them. For Jen, that sensitivity is part of what makes horses so fascinating.
“Piper is such a sweet animal — everyone likes that horse,” Jen says.
Under saddle, he mirrors the attitude of the rider. If someone is tired, he becomes slow and pokey. If the rider is ready to go, he is right there with them. For Jen, that sensitivity is part of what makes horses so fascinating.
Riding also asks for constant learning.
“People tend to think of riding as a skill you learn and that’s it, but it’s not like that at all,” she says. “You have to constantly be learning.”
Because Jen often rides alone, she takes videos of herself so she can assess her posture and equitation. Good riding is precise, and she wants to make sure her cues stay clear and subtle.
Access has not always been easy. Riding is expensive. Stables are often far from the city. When Jen decided to pursue law school, she made the difficult decision to lease Piper to another home.
“I love that horse so much,” she says, “but it’s just not feasible to have a horse and be in school at the same time.”
Still, the dream of riding and showing stayed with her. One summer, when a coach hosted her at a stable that held rated shows on the property, Jen was finally able to enter.
“Showing Piper is one of my favourite memories with him,” she says. “We came first in that round!”
Jen also runs @BlackEquestrians, an Instagram account working to increase the diversity of Black people in equestrian sport. One day, she hopes to provide riding grants to Black youth so they can try riding too.
“So, in summary, wanting to help people inspires me,” Jen says.
Jen moves for representation.