Jesse Hepburn along with her horse Seekers Pax had an awesome 2001 show season! Jesse brought home the high point Novice Youth Equitation award from the Area 3 banquet with her gelding "Pax". In addition, she won reserve Youth Mares 3 & over with her other horse General Analysis. The highlight of her award winning for 2001 was the Area 3 Youth Achievement Award, which goes out to a youth who exhibits all the best qualities of sportsmanship, horsemanship and a positive attitude! Winning this award was quite a surprise and honor for Jesse and her parents.

Although Jesse is now a familiar face at all the Area 3 shows, her riding experience is not just limited to showing Quarter Horses. Jesse's first horse was a small pony, on which she says she learned the basics of riding. She took her horse Pax to local club shows for several years, where her riding abilities continued to grow until she eventually joined the Quarter Horse circuit. Jesse's favourite show is the Spring Classic in Barrie and her favourite event is Hunt Seat Equitation. In 2002, Jesse plans to compete on her 6-year-old mare General Analysis in Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure and Halter classes. Her goals for riding now include simply being the best rider she can be.

Jesse is 14 years old and is in grade 9 at Bradford High School in Schomberg. Her favourite subject at school is drama and she enjoys singing in her spare time. She says she would love to be a singer in the future. Congratulations on a successful season Jesse, and best of luck in 2002!