Jessica McTaggart riding Belotti (Bugatti Hilltop x Rivergirl)
Jessica McTaggart is a U.S. Dressage Federation “L” Graduate with distinction and the former Associate Editor of Dressage Today magazine.
In Ontario, Canada, Jessica was a reserve rider on the Young Riders dressage team. She has trained with world class coaches including Canadian World Cup rider Nancy McLachlan, “I” judge Lorraine McDonald, Olympic rider Lisa Wilcox and former head of The Spanish Riding School of Equestrian Art Manolo Mendez. Currently, Jessica and her Oldenburg gelding Belotti train with Dressage at Devon Grand Prix winner, Mary Flood in the Washington, D.C. area.
Jessica moved to the D.C. metropolitan area to pursue her career as a journalist. During her five year term at Dressage Today, she developed lifelong relationships with numerous world class dressage riders and trainers. She is currently obtaining her Masters in Journalism from Georgetown University and freelancing for equine magazines while pursuing her professional riding and teaching goals.
Jessica and Billy on her wedding day
Previously, Jessica successfully showed and taught hunter and jumper, specializing in pony hunter. Though she is now 5’8” a part of her will always be a pony rider.
Jessica McTaggart riding Chestnut Hill Krysta
Jessica was also thoroughly involved in the Morgan scene. She showed in driving, English pleasure and even western classes. She was later offered the ride on a Golden American Saddlebred named Sonny. Jessica and Sonny were World Champions in English Pleasure in 2001 and World Champions in Parade in 2002.
Jessica McTaggart and Sonny
2009 Results with Belotti
September
VADA/Nova Licensed Show
74.4%, First place, Training 4
80%, Third place, Materiale
August
Dressage at Foxcroft
65.6%, Second place, Training 4
July
Dressage at Lexington
71.2%, Third place, Training 4
72%, Second place, Materiale