Jory and Shawnee: A Match Made in Heaven

Sometimes when there is a need in a person’s life, God sees fit to fulfill it. Such was the case with Jory Chittenden, whose horsemanship story is a clear reflection of the unique ways in which He provides.

Jory, 16, became interested in horses as a toddler when her family kept a horse that the kids rode in the pasture. After moving to Idaho as a young girl, Jory met a young rider named Jenni Sapp, whose friendship cultivated Jory’s desire to get more involved with horses.

Soon the girls became a fixture at Marcia Moore’s barn. While Jenni had her own horse, Spice, Marcia worked out a plan with Jory’s family so Jory could ride Jessi, Marcia’s schooling horse. Jory rode Jessi in the barn’s annual youth camps and in lessons awarded through Ann Beckner Foundation (ABF) scholarships.

Then, something miraculous happened. Jory was gifted a professionally trained AQHA mare “Shawnee” from Sue Elias, a friend of Marcia’s and supporter of MM Training and Consulting programs. Sue had suffered an accident and was no longer able to ride. She wanted to place Shawnee with a young girl who would learn to ride her mare and grow up with her.

Once again, God opened a door of opportunity when the Chittendens learned that Sue was looking for a good match for Shawnee. One need not guess that Shawnee was precisely the right fit for Jory. Still a beginner, Jory needed a laid back horse who would force her to become more assertive and confident, the next step in her horsemanship experience. As Jory progressed in her horsemanship, she developed important skills that transferred into her everyday life. Quiet and reserved by nature, Jory began to find her voice as she gave public horsemanship demonstrations through ABF, attended MM Training and Consulting clinics, and provided leadership to younger riders at the barn.

The work ethic that grew from having to provide for her horse gave Jory an early appreciation for setting goals and working to achieving them. In 2012, Jory set goals to win a high point award at one of the local shows and give other contestants a “run for their money” in the MM Training and Consulting’s Buckle Versatility Series. Jory and Shawnee proved their partnership was more than just coincidence. They won high point at two shows and claimed the prestigious Buckle Versatility Award against many other competitors.

Jory plans to continue showing Shawnee and perfect flying lead changes. She says her short-term goal for 2014 is to get a job at a ranch or training barn and take Shawnee. After high school, she wants to continue showing and attend the Montana Wilderness School of the Bible.

Congratulations, Jory and Shawnee!