A Look Into Carter Jackson’s Eventing Career
Photo Credits: @ellaembrymedia on Instagram
By: Abby Kornele
When most people are little their parents put them in sports like soccer, dance, football, or cheer. But not everyone actually continues with these sports as they grow up, they usually try out new things until they find what sticks. Carter Jackson, senior at Jenks High School, used to cheer when she was younger and her dad wanted to guarantee she did not stick with it. So he sent her to horse camp.
Jackson participates in English riding with a discipline in Eventing, specifically 3-day Eventing. As a senior she is gearing up to join the professional division next year. So I sat and talked with her about how she got to where she is now and where she is planning on heading in her future.
The summer before 5th grade she attended Southern Hills Riding Academy. Jackson had always had an interest in horses and actually has a family history of riding on her mom’s side. She started with 3 lessons a week as she learned the basics behind riding. A year into practicing she began to learn how to jump over small things like cross rails and small logs.
“Over the years I slowly learned little details of how horses work, such as their headset, I also slowly learned what the judges are looking for and how to achieve what they want,” said Jackson.
As you grow and your skills develop in the Eventing world you will climb up to different divisions, it’s like a level system. You start with Intro, then move up to Starter, then Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, Modified, Pre-lim, and even more beyond that. Carter is currently at the Modified level.
Jackson’s horse is a Dutch Warmblood Thoroughbred cross named Jaxx. She bought him 4 years ago when he had very limited knowledge and has since brought him up the different levels making him the experienced horse he is today.
Photo of Jaxx at outside their barn.
Photo Credits: @ellaembrymedia on Instagram
“Jaxx is a quick learner and always tries his best to do what I’m asking of him,” said Jackson.
Jackson has been competing for three years now with most of her shows in Texas or Kansas. She competes in the junior division against anywhere from 12-24 people. Her and Jaxx go to about 1-2 shows per month with their season lasting March through November.
Jackson and Jaxx jumping at a competition in Texas.
Photo Credits: @cartereventing on Instagram
There are three phases in an Eventing competition. The first phase is called Dressage, this is where you show off your horse’s movements by walking through different patterns and showing how cooperative they are with you.
The second phase is Show Jumping. This consists of jumping over poles that are collapsible. The third and final phase is called Cross Country. This is a 5-6 minute timed event where you jump over solid fences, such as tables.
“I tend to do pretty good at my shows because Jaxx is very flashy and the judges tend to like him, overall he is very good at his job,” said Jackson.
At these shows 1st-6th place earn ribbons and at the bigger ones there tends to be little prizes or money. After each phase of these shows there is live scoring, this means it’s possible to know you're in first going in then come out being ranked much lower. This can become a real fear factor.
Jackson's displayed ribbons she has in her room.
”I only really get nervous when competing if I am at a new level, but other than that I’m fine,” said Jackson.
Before her and Jaxx compete they get to walk through the course but she says it can be difficult when he starts to get scared of what he sees.
If you place first at all of your competitions, with at most two second place finishes, you can qualify for the American Eventing Championship. Jackson is lucky enough to have qualified the past two years.
For two years now Jackson has spent her summers in Ocala, Florida, the horse capital of the world. She gets to learn from experienced professionals while they gear her for the professional division.
“My Florida trainer actually went to the Olympics over the summer so I got to learn about the training and packing process for something like that,” said Jackson.
Jackson is planning on continuing to ride as she goes off to college next year. Her horse Jaxx is going to go with her to school and stay at a nearby barn so they can ride together and compete in the summer months.
After school Jackson has hopes of becoming a trainer and having her own barn where she can buy and train horses.
Jackson and Jaxx's first competition on the modified level this year.
Photo Credits: @cartereventing on Instagram
Growing up in a sport like Eventing isn’t like the activities everyone else is in, especially doing something at the same level as Jackson. She has her own riding account on social media where she posts about her different competitions, from this she has been able to acquire sponsorships.
Jackson is sponsored by two different companies, Balius Equestrian and Divine Equestrian. She has a discount code and receives commission from anyone who uses it. Her and Jaxx also get to receive free apparel from the brands.
There are tons of students here at Jenks that have their own hobbies just as cool as Carter Jacksons. Our staff would love to hear about anything you are involved in, message us on Instagram @jenkstrojantorch! For similar stories like this one check out our website jenkstrojantorch.com
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