United States Eventing Association

A Look at the Future with Breeder, Owner, Rider and Veterinarian, Dr. Jean Fowler

The Young and Future Event Horse article series is being provided through a partnership between Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLC., and the USEA.

Dr. Jean Fowler has experienced life with horses in a variety of forms - from growing up on a working farm in Arkansas, watching her dad breed both cattle and horses, to playing polo in the Philippines. After graduating from the California Polytechnic State University with an Animal Science degree, Jean went on to earn her DVM from Gregorio Araneta Institute of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked all over the world through Agricultural Extension, and now Jean is a recognized breeder of sport horses out of Gone Away Farm in Covington, Georgia.

Jean was first introduced to the Future and Young Event Horse program when Cedar Ridge Farm, a USEA-recognized competition, held the division for the first time about an hour away from her farm. She had recently imported two stunning New Zealand-bred horses and wanted to test her luck in the division. At the time, 4-year-old NZL Bay of Islands (“Monte”), and 3-year-old NZ Jewel (“Jewel”), stepped up to the plate to show they could be competitive in these new divisions. Jewel came home with the Champion ribbon, and Monte finished his division in 2nd place. Since then, Jean has become a proud supporter of the program not only as a breeder, but as an owner and rider.

Jean recently attended the USEA's "Evaluation of the Young Event Horse Prospect" educational seminar in Ocala, Florida.

“I do wish more breeders, competitors and judges could have attended because it was one of the best seminars I have ever attended!" she said. "I learned so much about evaluating the gallop as well the horse’s jumping style, and technique in general. I think it’s important that while this program is still in its growing stages that all of the competitors, breeders and judges in the program keep continuing their education.”

One of Jean’s favorite aspects of the program is that it highlights not only the big, well-known breeding operations, but also the smaller ones, like Gone Away Farm that are just as successful. Jean comments, “I believe the purpose of this program is to produce Olympic level horses that can be successful overseas and compete with the best in the world. It’s important to me as a breeder that I pair the right bloodlines together to produce an upper-level prospect.”

Jean’s current yearling FEH Champion, San Marcos de Colon (Don de Marco - Miss Florence/Freedomhall) is out of her proven broodmare, Miss Florence. His conformation and bloodlines make him a top competitor in the show ring and Jean hopes to replicate his championship performance this year in the 2-year-old division. De Firenze, a colt that was born just last year with the same breeding, will hopefully make his debut as in the yearling division as well.

As is the case with most competitors, Jean hopes to qualify her horses in the FEH divisions for the East Coast Championships this year, which will be held at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland this fall.

Overall, Jean appreciates everything about the program and how integral it is to have these divisions added to our sport.

“The judges and organizers have listened and responded to our feedback and have made the necessary changes. There is always room for improvement, but it’s just getting better and better! I’m so excited for the addition for the free jump to be introduced in 3-year-old division and believe that will make a real difference in defining the Future Event Horse."

To learn more about Jean and her program at Gone Away Farm, please visit her website at www.goneawayfarm.net