North Gwinnett

Jessica Kaltman

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the riders and parents of the North Gwinnett Equestrian Team. Firstly, let me start by saying that it is a pleasure to be your pick for guiding you through the 2009-2010 school year, and I am looking forward to much success beyond it. In an effort to earn your trust and respect, I’d like to give you an idea of my philosophies and goals for all of my riders, and hopefully you’ll find that they fit quite nicely with yours.

Having been trained by many top riders in New Jersey and Georgia, starting at age nine, I discovered a sense of accomplishment and success in the horse world, and have continued to carry that with me. With a passion for pursuing excellence in Hunters and Equitation, I’ve set off on a path to make a name for myself by dedicating time and proper technique to horses and their riders. I’ve been fortunate enough to make my way from the local show circuit through the National Level of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, as well as opening a briefly successful facility, Brendita Farms LLC. All of these things have lead me to a place in my life where sharing my love for the sport is priority.

Having said this, I feel compelled to express that I have the most pride in my ability to teach. I believe that educating younger riders is the best way to continue the disciplines of Hunters and Equitation down a classical path, hence a strong emphasis on the “Whys” and “Hows” of riding horses during your lessons. If you ever leave a lesson having only been told what to do, you have learned nothing. It is the understanding and the reasoning behind the things we do that will create the best riders, and it is my personal goal to give this to each one of you….it WILL lead to your success both in the IEA and out! Additionally, I think you will find that my strongest sense of achievement comes from creating riders who possess the skills necessary to be successful trainers and riders themselves. With this in mind, I will be each rider’s biggest cheerleader, as well as their biggest critic… I view this as the Coach’s job!

On the topic of showing, I want to address the fact that this is a competitive sport. Yes, we want our Team to be successful, but I will continue to emphasize the importance of personal successes. I expect my riders to put in their finest rides. That’s enough for me and your teammates. As long as you are proud of your ride, your team will be proud of you, and I expect nothing less of them. This year, I’d like North to have a sense of sisterhood and friendship on the Equestrian Team, and this attitude will foster it! I ask each rider to keep this in mind for themselves and their teammates, so that we can truly become a TEAM.

In coaching North Gwinnett High School’s Equestrian Team, I see an opportunity to create riders who understand the horse, why they ride the way they do, and a chance to place increasingly better horsemen into our Equestrian Community. With a new attitude towards Team Membership and Spirit, I think we will also create lasting friendships along the way. Most importantly, I am proud to take part in shaping each rider’s “horsey destiny!” Looking forward to a successful year!

                                                                               - Jessica Kaltman

                               Highlights of Your Coach’s Career 

• 14+ Years Riding Hunters and Equitation
• 7+ Years Showing Local Through National Levels
• 2x Reserve Champion (Varsity Open Equitation) for Zone 4 of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association
• Qualifier and Competitor for Zones and Nationals with the IEA
• Owner of Operations/Trainer/Instructor for Brendita Farms LLC in Winder, GA
• Head Instructor of Multiple Successful Lesson Programs in Northeast Georgia
• Currently a Learner Judge under Hank Bloom ‘r’
• Currently Coaching Private Clientele in Hunters and Equitation

Linda McClure 

Linda McClure, a Georgia native, has spent most all of her life around horses and in the horse business.  Linda has been showing horses since she was 10 years old.   Starting her show career in Western events.  As her passion for horses grew Linda became interested in Dressage, Combined Training and Hunter/Jumper.  Linda spent many years competing in all English events including 20 years of Foxhunting.  Linda’s first love has always been Western riding and still competed in Western events while she was learning other disciplines.  It was her dream to become an All-Around rider, trainer and instructor.  Linda’s favorite discipline is NRHA reining and has competed in many NRHA events.  Linda has trained under some of the finest in the Reining Horse business.  Bob Anthony- one of the original founders of the National Reining Horse Association, Doug Lily- World Champion rider/trainer in Western Pleasure/Reining, Carlton Crowe- 2 time Dixie Futurity Champion and Keith Tidmore - top 20 money earner NRHA 2009.  Linda still continues to stay up to date herself in training/coaching methods.

Linda has been Head instructor/trainer of her family farm, Verse Noia Farm for 30 years.  Linda is still an active member of the AQHA, APHA and NRHA and continues to coach students at Verse Noia Farm and attend local AQHA and Open shows.