What was supposed to be a two-month internship for Jennifer Ward following graduation from Carleton University in Ottawa turned into five years as the Canadian Equestrian Federation’s (now Equestrian Canada) first Communications and Media Relations Coordinator. “That position led to introductions to editors worldwide and simultaneously launched my freelance writing career for newspapers, mainstream magazines like Flare and Zoomer, and equestrian-focused publications such as Horse Sport,” she explained.

“One of my professors had said that if you want your career to grow, you should only stay in a job for five years,” she continued. “When I reached the five-year mark with the CEF, I remembered that advice and accepted a communications contract with the United Nations. But people from the horse world kept calling.” Taking a Friday off work to promote a show led to writing press releases about riders for the newspapers and ultimately more freelance work for equestrian sport. The tough decision to trade in a regular paycheque for a business in uncharted territory promoting equestrian sport turned out to be the right one when Starting Gate Communications was launched in 2001. “Two weeks later, I found myself so overwhelmed with business that I needed to hire staff. I had obviously tapped into a niche market that was in need of public relations!”

Starting Gate Communications has been responsible for running the press centres at two major games and acting as media attaché for the Canadian Equestrian Team at several others. Long-time clients include Eric Lamaze, Equestrian Canada (The Warm-Up Ring newsletter, annual Canadian Show Jumping Team Media Guide, Nations’ Cup press releases). “It was an honour when Ian Millar asked me to handle the announcement of his retirement from international team competition in 2019, especially given that we have consulted on BMO’s equestrian sponsorships since 2002.”

In 2015, Jennifer founded Jump Media, based in Wellington, FL, to handle the growing needs of the US and international equestrian markets. Partnering with Jennifer Wood, the pair have built an impressive client roster and currently oversee a staff of five full-time employees and several contract workers, helping to raise the profile of equestrian sport through the media. Clients include riders such as Georgina Bloomberg and Hannah Selleck, organizations like the United States Equestrian Federation and Palm Beach Equine Clinic, and shows such as the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments, Vermont Summer Festival, Capital Challenge, Longines Masters New York, Washington International Horse Show and Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Foreseeable Future

“I want to continue to build both businesses. We have just entered into exciting new contracts with the United States Equestrian Team Foundation and the World Equestrian Center with locations in Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida. I also anticipate hiring more talented staff members to service our growing client roster.”

Mission Possible

And in 10 years? “Still loving my job, but with enough free time to write my first novel and start riding again!”