Irish Dressage rider Jenny Cunningham originally from Mullingar in Ireland has been based in Florida for the last 10 years where she has her own real estate company renovating and selling homes. Jenny used to do show jumping and switched to dressage full time about 6 years ago. She currently has two horses in training, Bingo who she has trained fully herself from training level to the FEI PSG, and Charmie who Jenny has had for about two years. Jenny and Charnie are working towards competing PSG this year and doing some internationals.
How would you describe your journey?
Jenny during a photoshoot for Sandstorm Equestrian
I started riding in at a local riding school when I was ten and within a few months I got my first pony and never looked back. I competed at the highest level in Pony show jumping before switching to horses. I enjoyed many years competing around Ireland successfully. I also did some eventing and showing which was so much fun. I produced some super nice horses. At twenty-two I moved to Florida to ride horses and start my Real Estate company with my now husband Zach. At the start I was importing jumping horses to sell until we bought Bingo and the second, I sat on him I knew I could never sell him. It was an instant connection. We then went on to compete in show jumping around the Florida circuit until one day I took a dressage lesson as he needed some flat work help in the canter. I fell in love with it, the details that it takes to get to the highest level just made me so excited. I slowly started to transition to dressage full time, and I never looked back.
What do you love about dressage?
Jenny with Bingo. This image was created for Maximillion Equestrian
What I love about dressage is the focus on the details and the connection between me and my horses. It’s about getting everything as close to perfect as possible and making sure every movement is smooth, every step is precise, and the communication is clear! There’s something really special about seeing the horse respond to the smallest signals.
I enjoy how dressage helps the horse become stronger, more flexible, and balanced, while still allowing them to move freely and comfortably.
Watching the horse improve and become more confident, while you grow as a rider too, is incredibly rewarding.
For me, dressage is more than just a sport, it’s about showing your bond and love for the horse and what they want to do for you. You really have to have a partnership to do a good dressage test and to me that’s everything that horse sport should be about.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day normally starts in the morning with work emails and lining up trades for the day at the houses I am renovating. Then I head to the barn and have a lesson on Charmie, drive to Bingo’s barn and then I go to visit all the houses I am working on and make sure things are on schedule. Sometimes I go look at other potential houses to buy and work through the numbers. To be honest with my life every day is different, sometimes it’s more focused on real estate and some days are full horse days. Just depends! I love that I work for myself, and I am able to make my own schedule and do both things that I am passionate about.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
Jenny and Bingo competing in their first FEI PSG together. image courtesy of Q2 Photography
I have been extremely lucky to have always had support in my riding career. My parents have always supported my love for horses and given me every opportunity to be successful. My husband is also a huge support, he trailers my horses to shows and is always there to get videos and photos of every step of the way. He’s the man behind all my great photos and videos on my Instagram which has led me to work with some of the biggest equestrian brands in the world. Having the support from Laura my trainer has helped me so much with my confidence as a rider and she is always there for me when things don’t go so well as well all know with horses. Super lucky to be supported by LeMieux, Stressless Supplements, Dressage Sport Boots and Charles Owen Helmets. I couldn’t do what I do without everyone.
Who do you train with?
Jenny and Charmie training at home
I am based with Laura Graves, and she has truly changed everything for me. I actually won a charity auction to train with her for the weekend and I continued to train with her after that. Before I went to train with her, I was always told Bingo wouldn’t make it too far in the dressage world and with one lesson with Laura she told me he could definitely do PSG and it gave me so much confidence to continue on and reach my goal with my heart horse. We are very similar in that we love the details of the care of the horses. I am huge researcher and love to understand every aspect of every part of making these horses the best they can be, and Laura is the exact same. It just works!
What are your aspirations?
I have always had big goals of riding for Ireland someday. I feel with Charmie there is potential for that. But at the moment I am just focused on becoming a good team together and seeing where the journey takes us.
Your Top Tip
Jenny creating content for Equestrian Stockholm
Something I always fall back on when I don’t know what to work on is transitions, every time I work on that I always have a great ride!
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Don’t bring yesterday’s ride into today’s possibilities.
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Jenny you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here. You can keep up with Jenny’s progress and visit her instagram page here
