Jan Pearce grew up in the Northern California equestrian community of Woodside. As an amateur junior, Jan won countless hunter and jumper championships on the California and Arizona circuits. In 1980, Jan was persuaded to go to work for Butch Thomas, traveling with, caring for, and working his string of Grand Prix horses as they competed in world class events in Canada and the Eastern U.S. She subsequently worked for Gary Ryman, another successful Grand Prix rider, and learned how to handle young thoroughbreds at Tom Bachman’s Pegasus Farms in Sebastopol California.

In 1985, Jan discovered teaching and in 1992 she started JP Training, building her own training business at Portola Farms in Woodside where she has since remained. Jan has designed her successful program to enable riders of all ages and abilities to receive the instruction they need to progress, whether they aspire to success at the Grand Prix or Rusty Stirrup level, or prefer not to compete.

Owing to her experience with young thoroughbreds and her exposure to the Grand Prix circuit Jan has had much success developing green horses with her clients. She also has a reputation for creating the best horse and rider combinations.

Not all JP Training clients go to shows but for the benefit of those who do compete, Jan has a wealth of experience to share. She is committed to making a horse show a successful, enjoyable and a learning experience for those who go – to the extent that Jan was named 2008 Woodside Horse Show Circuit Trainer of the Year and Chef d’ Equipe for the 2009 1.30M Norcal Team for the Spruce Meadows Prix de Nations.

“Jan is a great trainer and host. The training and the solid basics her clients receive made my job easier considering the number of students. Students that have good attitudes and an eagerness to learn make my job a pleasure!”–Bernie Traurig