For those who were there, a definite highlight of the 2013 US Nationals has to have been when Amateur rider, Jessica Medved, went against the professionals and won in the Open Half Arabian Park with SA Sophisticated Lady (not to mention their win together in the AAOTR Park as well).
But her horseback riding journey began long before her partnership with Sophisticated Lady – throwing her leg over her first horse at the age of 6. “My sister, Ariel, is the one who really wanted to learn how to ride, and once she started taking lessons I soon began riding as well. What got me really excited to started showing was picking out my very first show outfit, which was a sparkly pink western outfit.”
Show Season: Describe your riding fashion style.
Jessica Medved: I like tone on tone materials for the actual suit, and a little pop of color for vest.
SS: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?
JM: My favorite outfit is my Show Season Blue paisley tux! The shirt, bow tie and vest are a cream rosette pattern with little pearl buttons on the shirt. I love this outfit because it looks very classy, but still has some subtle yet fun patterns!
SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?
JM: I use to have a lucky frog lapel pin but I recently lost it.
SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?
JM: When I am riding Sophisticated Lady I never forget my spurs! In general, I try to always remember to wear lipstick in the ring.
SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
JM: My non-horse style would be simple for the most part. I like classy and simple pieces.
SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?
JM: My biggest accomplishment as a rider would be this year winning the Open Half Arabian park as an Amateur rider!
SS: What are your riding goals for the future?
JM: For the future my goals would be to ride and show some of the horses that my family has bred. Being in school I have also not been able to go to as many shows, so another goal would be to make it to more horse shows this year!
SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?
JM: A few people have been influential. Shannon Beethe is the one who taught me how to ride when I was six years old. I have also learned a lot about riding English horses from Jim Stachowski.
