Professional dressage rider Jennifer Roth and her husband Jimmy Gerhart, both passionate about rescuing and rehabilitating horses with medical or training challenges, recently competed successfully at the GAIG/USDF Region 2 Championships in Michigan. Roth, a seasoned competitor and coach, rode multiple horses across various levels despite battling illness, while Gerhart, a former athlete turned amateur rider, earned reserve champion honors with his horse Gaijin. Their shared journey began in college and evolved from Roth teaching Gerhart to ride in a single day to both qualifying for the prestigious U.S. dressage Finals at the World Equestrian Center—Ohio, with several horses and clients in tow.
Their approach emphasizes horse welfare over competition pressure, allowing each horse to progress at its own pace, especially those with health issues like Roth’s Vincent, who overcame juvenile arthritis and injury to win at first level. Gerhart’s horse Jin, purchased inexpensively due to injury and behavioral quirks, also exemplifies their commitment to patient training. Looking ahead to the U.S. dressage Finals, Roth aims for a safe, positive experience for all, while Gerhart embraces the challenge with confidence rooted in his athletic background. Together, they embody a philosophy of resilience, care, and passion for dressage beyond just winning ribbons.
