Discipline: Dressage
Social Media: @crownview_dressage
Meet Free Ride Sponsored Rider Jessica Howington
I currently train at my farm, CrownView Dressage, in Ocala, Florida, where I am fortunate to work with two exceptional horses.
Finesse, a rising nine-year-old mare, is a particularly sensitive and talented partner. We are thoughtfully schooling the Intermediaire I with the long-term goal of developing her toward the Grand Prix in the coming years. Taking the time she needs is deeply important to both her well-being and our shared success.
My other remarkable partner is MW Marcario, also coming nine. He is schooling much of the Grand Prix and brings an incredible amount of power and personality to every ride—a true firecracker and an absolute joy to work with.
I am currently training under the guidance of David Hunt and Andrea Woodard, whose insight, experience, and mentorship have been invaluable to my growth as a rider. I remain profoundly grateful for their continued influence on my journey. Although I began my career as an eventer, over time I discovered that my true passion lies in the art and precision of dressage. Embracing that passion has guided me to where I am today, and I could not be more grateful for the horses and people who have shaped this path.
What’s an important lesson you've learned from horses?
The most important lesson's horses have taught me are many: humility, patience, kindness, hard work, responsibility, determination, and love. These values have become the foundation of who I am, both in and out of the saddle. While my parents instilled these principles in me from a very young age, the privilege of riding, training, and caring for horses over the years has deeply reinforced them and shaped my character in lasting ways. I believe wholeheartedly that hard work, determination, focus, and patience can take you wherever you aspire to go—whether that is the Olympic arena or simply enjoying a quiet ride through a pasture. Horses teach us to strive, to listen, and to grow, and I am profoundly grateful for all they have given me.
Do you have a routine or item for good luck before a competition?
Before a competition, my routine centers on visualization. I seek out a quiet space where I can sit, relax, and mentally ride through the entire test. I focus on feeling each movement and each transition as clearly as possible, using visualization to connect with the ride before I ever enter the arena. This practice not only helps me perform at my best but also eases any tension, allowing me to step into the ring with clarity and confidence.
Who inspires you to push further, show up more, and to keep striving to the next level?
There are many people who inspire me, but my parents stand at the very top of that list. Their lives have been defined by perseverance, grit, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities through sheer determination. They have worked tirelessly, often overcoming challenges that would have discouraged many, and yet they faced every obstacle with grace and resilience. Watching them build their lives from the ground up taught me, from a very young age, that hard work is not just a virtue—it is a way of honoring the dreams we hold.Their influence has shaped every part of who I am today. The discipline I bring to my riding, the dedication I pour into my goals, and the humility with which I approach each new challenge all trace back to the values they instilled in me. I carry their lessons with me into every arena, every training session, and every step forward. If my riding brings them even a moment of pride or a spark of joy, it becomes one of the greatest rewards of my journey. That feeling fuels my desire to keep pushing forward—to show up with intention, to grow with purpose, and to continually strive toward the best version of myself, both as a person and as an equestrian. Their unwavering strength, their quiet sacrifices, and their steadfast belief in me remain constant sources of motivation. Every success I achieve is, in many ways, an extension of their love and the foundation they built beneath me.
If you weren't a professional rider, what would you do?
In addition to my work as a professional rider, I recently opened my own medical practice, where I offer functional medicine, primary care, aesthetics, and weight-loss services. I am deeply committed to helping patients uncover the root causes of their health concerns, as I believe true, lasting wellness comes from understanding the whole person rather than treating symptoms alone.
I am also honored to serve the veteran community through disability examinations. This work is especially meaningful to me, as there is a tremendous need for compassionate, thorough care in this area. Being able to support veterans in such an important part of their health journey is something I hold very close to my heart.
What are your Favorite Free Ride Pieces?
My favorite must-haves from the Free Ride Equestrian line are the Full Seat Lux Hybrid Riding Pants and the Sparkle Shirts. Their fit is exceptional, offering the perfect blend of comfort and support, which makes them ideal for long days riding multiple horses. Beyond their performance, they are truly beautiful pieces, and I feel both confident and comfortable every time I wear them.