“Even though I’ve competed up through the 5-star level and on the Canadian team, my professional goal has always been to develop versatile horses across disciplines,”said Jacks.
Uxbridge, Ontario, August 25, 2025 – Canadian three-day event rider Holly Jacks captured top honors on August 16 in the $20,000 Grand Prix at the Ten Sixty Stables Gold Competition. Riding Josephine, her 2022 Royal Winter Fair Indoor Eventing Challenge champion, Jacks has successfully embraced the show jumping world this summer with a string of multi-talented horses.
Embracing an Alternative Path
During the 2024 eventing season, Jacks’ World Equestrian Games partner, Candy King, sustained a serious stable injury. With upper-level eventing ambitions temporarily on hold and several promising young horses in her barn, she set her sights on Ontario’s Grand Prix show jumping circuit. Recognizing that success is not always linear, Jacks quickly adapted, channeling her competitive drive into new opportunities.
Josephine: From Eventing to Grand Prix
Josephine, owned by Donna and Mike Van Beek, has been with Jacks since she was backed as a three-year-old in 2016. The third-generation homebred Arab/Appaloosa/Thoroughbred/Canadian Warmblood mare has excelled across multiple disciplines, eventing up to the 3-star level and winning the Indoor Eventing Showcase at The Royal. Under Jacks’ guidance since 2019, Josephine has now achieved her first Grand Prix victory. “This accomplishment shows the potential of North American-bred horses to succeed at the highest levels,” said Jacks. “And it was also fabulous to have a Grand Prix to attend at Ten Sixty with excellent prize money and course design, where she could shine with her incredible ride-ability and heart.”
Magnolia AS: A Rising Star in the Jumper Ring
Another standout in Jacks’ program is Magnolia AS, an agile grey Anglo-European mare owned in partnership with Julia Worden. Originally purchased as a six-year-old eventing prospect, Magnolia transitioned seamlessly into show jumping. In just two years, she progressed from 0.9m to the 1.40m Grand Prix level. “She was a little tricky when we got her and I started her at a lot of schooling venues, many of which were focused on show jumping,” Jacks explained. “With the support of her dedicated owner and guidance from my coach and mentor, Margie Gayford, I never imagined producing a horse for the 1.40m Grand Prix. But with this team, I’m here—and I love it!” Magnolia recently placed 4th at the Ten Sixty Grand Prix and has been a consistent competitor in 1.40m classes at Angelstone and Caledon Equestrian this summer.
Passion for Eventing Remains Strong
Despite her foray into show jumping, Jacks’ passion for eventing remains strong. “Even though I’ve competed up through the 5-star level and on the Canadian team, my professional goal has always been to develop versatile horses across disciplines,” she shared. “I’m fortunate to work with owners who allow their horses to shine where they excel most.” Reflecting on her past: “I had some show jumping experience from my time spent working with Frankie and Alan Chesler as well at King Ridge farms for Hugh Graeme, and it’s exciting to have an opportunity to work on my show jumping and refine my skills again.”
Looking forward, Jacks emphasized balance: “I haven’t changed my career path, but I’m enjoying both eventing and show jumping. My goal is to build and maintain a string of top-level eventers and jumpers. I want to thank the Holly Jacks’ Equestrian team at home, along with my assistant trainer, Cassandre Leblanc, and Margie Gayford, for their tireless support this season.”
Balancing her eventing roots with exciting new show jumping opportunities, Jacks continues to demonstrate the adaptability and determination that define her career. With strong support from her team and owners, she looks ahead to future success in both national and international arenas.
Source: BrandFarm LLC