| I met JJ at a clinic in Ohio conducted by Gyula Dallos. This was in 2000. JJ brought 3 horses (Donavan, Wjedro and Machtig) from Wisconsin to the clinic. This was also the weekend that she was awarded her USDF Gold Medal at the USDF convention! I had heard of JJ through Charles de Kunffy and Richard Williams, who we both had trained with. After watching her ride over the four day clinic, I knew I needed her to work with me and my 5yr. old Hanoverian mare, Batuque (by Banter). I invited JJ to come to South Carolina for a clinic. That was the beginning of our relationship. JJ has been coming to my farm an average of 4 times a year for the past 7 years. With her instruction and encouragement I have earned both my USDF Bronze and Silver Medal. In the Fall of 2004 JJ's horses, Wjedro and Ehrenpreis, came to live with me. The following Spring I began riding Wjedro! This was a dream come true. That August I showed my horse, Jordan, at 4th level and Wjedro at PSG!! Knowing that JJ believed in me, gave me the confidence that I needed to take two horses to a show (Wjedro for my first time) and compete both at levels I had never competed before! JJ's talent from a riding standpoint is obvious with all of the successes that she has had, but what makes her very special is her ability to teach what she knows. She is able to not only work with talented, experienced riders and horses but also to encourage and teach green riders and train green horses. This was what first impressed me the most about the young 23 yr. old that I met 6 years ago. She was an FEI rider and trainer. She had competed and trained in Europe and yet she was as committed to teaching all of us at the clinic with an endless amount of patience. She never made any of us feel that we weren't worth her time or that our horses weren't 'good enough'. JJ hasn't changed! Today I am riding the 7 year old Oldenburg, Tyberius. JJ has encouraged me to reach for goals with him that I had never considered! I know that with her support and her ability to articulate the knowledge that she has that I WILL reach those goals. Photo credit: WNC Photo |
 Toi Trent & Batuque   Toi Trent & Wjedro (left) and Jordan (right)  Toi Trent & Tyberius |
I first met JJ in Wisconsin when she was a young trainer. Even at this young age JJ exhibited the talent and poise of a trainer well beyond her years. Now, as an established trainer and an international competitor in dressage, JJ brings a wealth of information and resources to bear on the training needs of any horse and/or rider. As an amateur rider trying to train my Fourth level horse to the much anticipated FEI levels, JJ has been able to do the impossible - communicate the feeling of tempi changes, pirouettes and collection - to a horse and rider who have not yet experienced these movements. JJ is a rare trainer who can effectively translate her knowledge of dressage into the art of dressage with integrity, sincerity and dedication to both horse and rider. In short, JJ has helped me realize a life-long dream Photo credit: Tom Nelson |
 Lisa Nelson & Aux |
I met JJ Tate at a clinic several years ago when I began riding dressage with my then 3 year old horse, Cameo. After several frustrating years of clinic hopping I decided to train exclusively with JJ, a geographical challenge as I live in Northwestern Ontario. Cameo and I enjoyed a sunny winter in Wellington Florida and a visit to GoodNess Ridge Farm in Maryland this summer. The miles traveled are well worth it, as JJ is not only a talented and successful rider, but a thoughtful and inspiring teacher. She persevered during the challenge of teaching me to get my horse “on the bit” and truly comprehend the elusive concept of “throughness.” Her incredible work ethic, professional demeanor and inspiring enthusiasm for horses and dressage are why I respect and admire her so greatly as a rider, trainer, teacher and friend.
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 Debbie Dalseg & Cameo |
Since riding with JJ, I have a whole new sense of body awareness and how much that really effects my horse's way of going. JJ teaches in a very precise, yet always positive manner. She has wonderful visualizations that really help me understand what I need to do. And my horse has never been happier. JJ truly believes in keeping the horse a happy athlete – in mind, body & spirit. The progress that we’ve made with JJ in such a short amount of time is incredible. I look forward to every lesson that we have -- there’s always so much to learn!
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 Shari Packard & Pikture |
Although I have been at GoodNess Ridge training with JJ for only a few months, I have learned so much about myself and my horse. JJ is perceptive and so in-tune with the horses. Always thinking what is best for them, what makes them tick, and concerned about their well being, ensuring they are happy and comfortable, and able to do their best. As for GoodNess Ridge, top quality with the best owner, staff and facilities. |
 Marsha Mason-Thies & Rudy |