By Jump Media
Equestrians, leaders, mothers: these titles all describe the following women as they have molded their careers and lives in the horse world. Not one of them has followed the same path, but each has had a significant impact, and each has led an impressive career in her respective space in the industry. As if their jobs weren’t keeping them busy enough, they are all mothers as well, selflessly imparting their wisdom and influencing the next generation of leaders. Read on to see how four unique women have forged their own paths in the equestrian world all while setting a strong example of dedication and hard work for their children.
Georgina Bloomberg, International Show Jumping Athlete and New York Empire Team Owner
Mother to Jasper, age 7, who just finished his first season competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in the Children’s Pony Hunters with his pony, Fairytales.
Many know Georgina for her accomplished equestrian career as an international show jumping athlete. She has represented the U.S. on numerous Nations Cup teams, has ridden her homebred horses to notable accolades, and is also the owner and captain of the Global Champions Tour team, New York Empire. Georgina’s drive in the competition ring is remarkable, but even more so are her philanthropic endeavors. In the animal welfare space, Georgina has been single-handedly responsible for facilitating the rescue of thousands of animals. She is also the founder of The Rider’s Closet, an organization that helps make riding apparel accessible to scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs, equine charities, and individual riders in need. Need we say more? Driven by passion and the desire to do good in the world, this woman is fierce both in and out of the saddle.
Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director, USET Foundation
Mother to Blake, age 25, who followed his entrepreneurial spirit and is now head of business development for an exciting new start-up; and Claire, age 24, who lives in Santa Monica and works in Beverly Hills as an assistant to Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Listing star, Josh Flagg, of Josh Flagg Enterprises.
Bonnie’s life has been horse-filled, from her early years riding her small pony, Farnley’s Blueberry Waffles, to Junior Hunter stardom with the inimitable Gozzi at some of the country’s most prominent horse shows including the National Horse Show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. After college, Bonnie found her way back to horses but her calling wasn’t riding; it was in governance. She first worked for the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) in New York City where she climbed the ranks, beginning as a prize list analyst and ultimately serving as the executive director. Later, she worked for the American Hunter Jumper Council (the precursor to the USHJA), and eventually the USET Foundation. Bonnie’s experiences as a top junior competitor combined with her work in governance under the mentorship of some of the most influential names in the sport, including Jane Forbes Clark, helped shape her outlook on the sport and its future. Now, at the USET Foundation, Bonnie is dedicated to helping provide the support for the competition, training, coaching, and travel of America’s top equestrian athletes, as well as funding the pathway for developing athletes and making the sport accessible for talented and committed athletes that may not otherwise have the means or backing necessary to pursue a career as a high-performance equestrian athlete.
Martha Jolicoeur, Martha’s Properties, #1 Wellington Realtor for Douglas Elliman
Mother to Isabel, age 29, who attended Miami Law School and is currently practicing as a personal injury defense attorney in Miami, FL.
As a competitive show jumping rider, Martha made a name for herself early on in the equestrian industry and she has since combined her passion for horses with her love of real estate, becoming one of Wellington’s top realtors catering specifically to equestrian clientele. She grew up training at the top levels with legends such as George Morris, Ian Millar, and Norman Dello Joio, and traveled extensively competing both nationally and internationally. She transferred her devotion to the sport to her current career in real estate, striving to help clients find the perfect place to call home and working endlessly to provide the very best to the residents of Wellington. She also recognizes top women in show jumping by sponsoring the Leading Lady Rider Award at shows such as the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, and Toronto’s iconic Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Erin Clemm Ochoa, CEO, Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Mother to Reagan, age 14, who is currently studying photography and cinematography at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in Hagerstown, MD, and enjoys volunteering at DEFHR in her free time.
Erin Clemm Ochoa is not your average CEO. At the helm of Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR), a 501(c)3 non-profit, she has helped the organization evolve into a national leader in equine rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption, and become a trailblazer in “humane education” — the concept that we can prevent equine abuse and neglect through community outreach and education programs that foster empathy, respect, and understanding for people, animals, and the environment. As a result, Erin has placed an emphasis on building out the organization’s educational offerings. In addition to hosting ongoing programs to give law enforcement and animal control professionals the skills they need to successfully work on equine cases, DEFHR has also established a host of creative programs under Erin’s leadership for the general public—both hands on and virtual—that aim to advance equine and environmental welfare. She is passionate about building new and collaborative alliances and partnerships with external organizations at the local, national, and international level while strengthening existing industry-related relationships to help further welfare minded initiatives. Erin lives with her family on a farmette in western Maryland where she enjoys raising her daughter and unwinds by tending to her gardens.
