Jessica Jo (JJ) Tate is a talented dressage rider, trainer, coach and USDF Gold Medalist with a passion for horses that makes her love life. “I live to ride. I have been obsessed with horses my whole life,” JJ said. “When I was seven, I started riding lessons. Since then, this passion has given me experiences I never thought I would have, sorrows I thought I could never bear and joys of which I never dreamed.”

JJ’s passion also includes being in love with her Trilogy saddle. “I have never had a saddle that has helped me stay so connected to my horse, really making me feel a part of him. I ride in the Verago Saddle from Trilogy and it provides a deep comfortable seat, helping my leg hang out of my hip and around my horse,” JJ said. “With Charles de Kunffy as my mentor, a superior riding position is very important, as form follows function. I feel my Verago Trilogy saddle provides me the best vehicle to attain a beautiful position.”

JJ believes that many times riders can be so busy fighting their position that they cannot train their horse. “I feel in the Verago that I don't have to think about correcting my position, it is just there. I have so many different types of horses in my barn, who all move a little differently, but I feel I'm in harmony with all of them because of my Trilogy,” JJ said.

JJ added that at Team Tate they call her Trilogy Saddle the "magic" saddle! “Trilogy President Debbie Witty has been very attentive to our needs, visiting us often to make sure the saddles are fitting just right. She, and her excellent staff of saddle fitters, always take enough time to watch the horses go and never settle for almost right, they make sure it is as close to perfection as possible. I have been very impressed with working with Debbie, and I have found my soulmate of saddles!"

Debbie said she is always on the watch for talented riders who stand out from the rest, riders who meet her criteria for becoming a handpicked sponsored rider – such as JJ. “Over the past several years I have become aware of JJ's riding and training ability along with her terrific competitive success as well as large number of people who seek her out as an instructor and clinician,” Debbie said. “I love her compassion for the rider she is teaching and the horse that she is riding. She pushes them all through their comfort zone and comes out with happy and well-developed horses and riders. The other dimension of JJ that fits so well with Trilogy is that she is a terrific person, she is well grounded and does not sacrifice her values to be successful. I know that I have done things right when a rider like JJ loves our saddle!”