A transition from a “reckless pony kid” to a pony hunter rider led to a succession of high-profile wins throughout Duff’s junior career, with victories in the 2003 CET Medal Finals, a team silver medal at the 2007 NAJYRC and being named the 2012 Jump Canada National Talent Squad champion. Having just returned from Europe, where she spent two-and-a-half months riding under the watchful eye of Emile Hendrix, the 29-year-old, Jaclyn Duff, has newfound drive and determination to make it to the upper levels of the sport.
Duff has only recently made the decision to ride as a professional, but talent was never the question; from the pony ring through to the amateur divisions she was a consistent winner. Instead, she took the long way to a degree in economics at the University of Alberta, taking most winter semesters off to ride and then taking a year off to contemplate pursuing her Masters degree. “In the end, my passion has always been the horses,” she explains of the decision. “When I was in Europe, I ultimately decided that I wanted to ride professionally and work towards having my own small training business while pursuing my goals as an international rider.”
Notable Mentors for Jaclyn Duff
Europe is the springboard for many young professionals, offering the chance to learn from the world’s best, but Duff is quick to acknowledge her many mentors up to this point. “I have been so fortunate to work with some incredible trainers,” she says. “Gail Greenough was an important mentor for me when I first started doing the grand prix; Jill and Bob Henselwood have gotten me to this level and taught me so much about the sport; Richard Spooner has also been a mentor to me over the years. Without the support of these trainers and the support of my parents, I would never be where I am today in the sport. It takes a whole team to do this and I am really grateful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. My groom, Solange Deketele, works harder than anyone I know.”