June Rider of the Month: Jess Bernston

Celebrating Dedication, Growth, and the Journey — Meet Jess!

This June, The Stables at Magnolia Ridge is proud to recognize Jess Bernston as our Rider of the Month. Her dedication to horsemanship, unwavering work ethic, and passion for developing her young off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) make her a standout member of our community.

A Lifelong Love for Horses

Jess began riding at just six years old. Her early years were spent trail riding and learning the ins and outs of horse care, laying a strong foundation for the equestrian journey ahead. She then spent several years in 4-H before transitioning to an eventing barn around age ten. Over the last 14 years, she’s gained a wealth of experience, with the past nine years focused specifically on English riding and jumping.

Meet Daisy — A Remarkable OTTB

At the heart of her story is Daisy, a 6-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred Jess purchased from a California-based racing and adoption farm. Though Daisy was deemed too slow for the track, she’s proven herself to be nothing short of exceptional in her second career.

“When I got her as a 4-year-old, she hadn’t been ridden since racing at 3,” Jess shares. “In just a year and a half, she’s gone from being track-trained to successfully competing at Training Level in three-day eventing — and doing really well!”

Described as the sweetest mare I’ve ever met, Daisy is known for her affectionate personality, especially with people. While she can show her “marish” side around other horses, her willingness to try and connect with her rider truly sets her apart.

The Move That Changed Everything

Four years ago, Jess began working with Sophie while still living in Port Orchard. In January 2024, she made the life-changing decision to move to Carnation and become a full-time working student.

“I wanted to take the year after graduating high school to fully focus on horses and competing,” she says. “It was the best decision I could have made for my horses and my riding.”

As a working student, she’s had the opportunity to deepen her horsemanship, receive consistent coaching, and bring Daisy along with the support of a program dedicated to excellence.

“Sophie has gone above and beyond to support me. Her knowledge and encouragement have been instrumental in Daisy’s progress and in my own growth as a rider. I’ll be forever grateful for everything she’s done.”

Looking Ahead

With open-ended goals, Jess is excited to continue developing Daisy through the levels and see where the journey takes them. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of patience, passion, and the right support system — all of which she’s found at The Stables at Magnolia Ridge.

Please join us in congratulating Jess on being our June Rider of the Month! Her story inspires us all to keep learning, stay humble, and always believe in the potential of a kind-hearted horse with a big try.