“Had Big Dreams of a Five-Star One Day”: Equestrian World Pays Tribute to Californian Jockey Worth $5,000,000 on His Final Day

The equestrian community laments the passing of yet another treasure to the competitive sport. The western races grow more intense as the eventing season wears on. As the scoreboard displays a dynamic tally, up-and-coming riders struggle to keep their track record in the sport. This year, along with all the strain, the tragic incidents of equine-rider loss have raised worries in the community.

One such Utah-born eventer solidified her reputation over time by amassing a 5 million dollar net worth. Her journey which spanned decades, came to a devastating end with her loving tribe missing her participation in the recent race. In her remembrance, the group came together and paid a kind tribute.

Equestrian friends come together to celebrate a beloved eventer’s life

Jordan Taylor, a top eventer, died in a terrible incident during a triathlon. The well-known “Jordie” among her close ones and friends was an active eventer and horse caretaker. Several riders and members of the community mourned the loss of their beloved rider reported the Eventing Nation. To honor Taylor’s life and infectious personality her dear ones gathered together wearing orange ribbons and sunflowers at The Event at Rebecca Farm this week.

After relocating, Jordie made a close-knit group with FEI competitors Emilee Libby and Katy Robinson. Their tribe also included fellow Area VI riders, Ashlyn Dorsey and Bill Olson. The group originally came together in 2011 while working and riding for Canadian Equestrian Team athlete Hawley Awad at Kingsway Farm. Jordie’s 6-year-old thoroughbred, Dartmouth, is now shared by the group since she “had big dreams of a five-star one day on her young horse.” The five friends continue to look for a home of a professional for Dartmouth.

In an incredible win at the 2021 International Challenge Events, Taylor had mounted her beloved Dartmouth. While at the prime of her career, she rode her mare, Cambridge, until finally retiring him a few years back. The duo made their names to many tallies soon after she graduated from college. She participated in several horse racing competitions hosted across California at Copper Meadows, Twin Rivers Ranch, and Galway Downs. Recently at the Rebecca Farm, among her girls stood Jordie’s first coach, recalling her time as a kid mounting the horse.

Equestrian ride completes a full circle

Bill Olson, a Utah native from Park City, attended the tribute held at The Event. After leaving Utah in 2001, he reconnected with Jordie on Facebook after ten years. He remembered that her parents had brought her to one of his summer camp programs when she was a little child, perhaps about seven years old. They even traveled to Tucson to participate in the A-rated events on the winter circuit after performing in summer events in Utah.

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Upon learning about her advancement from hunter-jumpers to eventing Olsen traveled to Galway to see her compete. He also flew up solely to witness her perform in the one-star with Theron and was also there for her if she needed guidance. Jordie was a great influence on her pony coach Olson as she encouraged him to ride again. Before losing her grip on the equestrian world forever, she reunited her coach with the sport making up for her absence. Jordie’s contagious aura continues to be missed by her friends and well-wishers.

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