Jacob Pope has built an impressive career in both the hunter and jumper rings, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of equestrian sport. Growing up in Maryland, he started in the hunters, where he developed a solid foundation that continues to shape his approach in the jumper ring. His transition to jumpers was influenced by key mentors like Streett Moore and Judy Richter, who introduced him to the excitement of jumping and pushed him toward new opportunities.
Jacob’s dedication to the sport led him to compete at top venues around the world, including earning his first WEF Grand Prix win earlier this season. Along the way, he’s been shaped by prestigious programs like the USEF Talent Search and the Horsemastership Clinic, where he honed his skills and grew as a rider. Today, with a focus on jumpers, Jacob continues to set long-term goals, including competing at higher-level team events and championships, all while inspiring the next generation of riders through his passion for teaching.
You’ve had success in both the hunter and jumper rings—how do you balance competing in both disciplines, and do you have a favorite?
I grew up in Maryland, which was, only hunters. I didn't even sit on a jumper until I was probably 16 or 17, so my background is in the hunters. The basics in the American riding system through the hunters and equitation helps with the jumpers. I'm a firm believer in that. I don't feel like I necessarily switch hats when I go from one ring to another. It's the same connection, same, track, rhythm and pace. Obviously, the jumps are bigger in the jumper ring and the speed is different, but at the end of the day, it's still correct riding that is going to win the class, whether you're doing hunters or jumpers.
What inspired you to focus on the jumpers?
When I was a kid, I was riding at Heritage Farm with Andre Dignelli. Doing the equitation started to make me think a little in the jumper direction. I lived at Coker Farm, which was Judy Richter's farm, and she trained Andre when he was a junior. Judy gave me a horse named Blink who was a jumper that had done grand prix in the past. I would go after work as a working student at Heritage and take lessons from Judy. She was the first one to push me and send me on my jumper journey. I did my first 1.20M and my first Grand Prix on Blink. From there—between Andre's and Judy's advice—I got to do a few really cool opportunities. Going to Europe, I worked for Lauren Hough before going to college. I did the jumpers throughout my college career, and after graduating, I took a job that was 50/50 hunters and jumpers and have been doing that for the past ten years. I would say between Andre and Judy, they were the first ones to push me toward the jumpers, and I fell in love with it.
Which professionals do you feel most shaped your career as a young rider? What’s the best piece of advice they’ve given you?
I have to give a lot of credit to Streett Moore. I rode with him from the time I was eight until eighteen. He's still a prominent judge and course designer, and he taught me to be the rider I am today. I came to him with very little knowledge; I was eight years old. I will say he really shaped me into the rider I am today. He spent so much time with me—not just riding—but also in the barn teaching me about horsemanship and horse care. He was a huge influence on me wanting to go on and do as much as I could in the sport. I still look up to him this day to this day.
You’ve been part of some programs, like the USEF Talent Search and the Horsemastership Clinic—how did those experiences shape you as a rider?
Streett pushed me to do the Emerging Athletes Program, which landed me the first spot that I had in the Horsemastership Clinic In 2011, which is where Andre Dignelli saw me for the first time. That clinic, we had to take care of our own horse and learned everything from, horse care and management, to veterinary work, and farrier care. Andre thought I could be a working student which was an amazing opportunity, and later led me to win the Talent Search and Maclay Finals.
Is there a particular horse in your career that has been especially meaningful to you?
I would say Highway [owned by Sherri Crawford], for sure. He's perfect. I've had him for the past three years, he’s my main horse, and he's really special to me. I've learned so much from him. He has a really big heart and tries his best every time.
As someone who grew up in the equitation realm, how does it feel to now teach? What advice would you give to young riders hoping to follow in your footsteps?
I really love teaching, and I think some of that comes from Streett. Even when I was a kid, he said, ‘the way you're going to make it in this is if you can teach.' He would have me teach lessons under him and learn from him. I have a barn of 22 horses and teach everything from ponies to high juniors to amateur jumpers.
The biggest piece of advice is to take every opportunity you get to learn. Go to the ring as much as you can, watch the schooling area, come watch other people in lessons. At the end of the day, you'll have to do what's right for the horse, so listen to what your horse is saying, what your coach is saying, and learn as much as you can.
What makes Wellington International special to you?
This season has been fantastic. I won my first WEF Grand Prix, Which is really exciting. The best I've done prior is second, so it's cool to notch that in my belt this year. Wellington is obviously the mecca of horse sport, and we take advantage of as much as we can down here. We're here for seven and a half to eight months. It has everything to offer, and it's just wonderful to be able to work, live, teach, ride, all in one place and with the best horses and riders at your fingertips. You can go watch a five star and an international derby at one venue.
