I left home at age 13 to pursue my equestrian dreams and train to my potential. With college on the horizon, I recognize the skills and blessings from a sport that developed my independence, resilience, maturity, teamwork, patience, and work ethic. I am excited to take these experiences to The Horned Frogs equestrian team and share in a winning collegiate experience.
My story starts in the dry high prairie of the southwest. I was lucky enough to enjoy the best carefree childhood growing up on a horse ranch with a menagerie of horse and pony rescues and projects. My earliest memories are of barn chores, nighttime nickers, trail rides with picnics and riding double with my mom on her event horse, You Betcha. From the start, I was taught that “the horse comes first,” and it is my responsibility to provide the best care and proper riding to ensure to allow the horse to shine, whatever their talent or limitation.
We sold our ranch and moved to Colorado Springs when I was in elementary school It was a tremendous life change, even for a little girl. First, our horses went to a self-care facility with trainers who offered weekend lessons. But eventually we moved to Forest Edge Farm with Karen Catov-Goodell, a training and boarding barn where our competition careers began. We earned local show, circuit and year end accolades and placed in year-end local and regional finals. My brother and I were introduced to Katie Monahan-Prudent for show jumping training, and Katie introduced us to Stacia Klein-Madden and Beacon Hill Show Stables for equitation. Now we train with Leslie Burr Howard and Burr Associates for show jumping and continue with Beacon Hill for equitation. Both Burr and Beacon Hill feel like home – helping me flourish in all three rings. My brother – now a young professional – recently opened his own barn and training business while also juggling college in Florida. My mom handles logistics, and I am barn manager, rider, and right hand. Both Beacon Hill and Burr Associates continue to guide us into an industry where I want to eventually represent the USA at the highest levels.
Alongside my equestrian life, I am a passionate student and straight A student, earning Honor Roll designation every semester. I’m now a senior at Score Academy in Wellington, Florida – attending in person during the Winter Equestrian Festival and virtual during the rest of the year. I skipped 8th grade to pursue higher level academics at a young age and I look forward to studying business in college while competing as a D1 Equestrian Athlete. I am a former band musician (flute) and former state champion gymnast. I have a lifelong commitment to committed to athletics, strength, and fitness. When I am not focused on school or equestrian training and competing, I volunteer to ride sale horses, friends’ horses, or any horse! I also make time to volunteer with Dr. Laura Stokes-Greene from Steele & Associates as a veterinary shadow, and I collect and distribute warm socks for homeless and those in need through a charity I founded, “Sock Out Cold Feet.” Having grown up in Colorado, I love skiing with my family, and the mountain sports that brings my family together.
Riding at the D1 collegiate level with the Horned Frogs and joining the TCU campus and community affirms all the years, hours, sacrifice, and hard choices invested in my junior equestrian career. I am deeply excited about my future, and all the incredible people I’m soon to meet!
~ Jordan Gibbs