McKenna's has been riding horses since she was 5 years old and showing horses since she was 12!

Her passion for riding and training horses has developed through both being in the saddle and on the ground for more than a decade.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.  During college she has been an active member of the University Equestrian Team competing and serving as a dedicated officer to the members.  

McKenna provides lessons and training for riders starting at the very beginning of their experience with horses - up to advanced levels for children and adults alike.  Her approach is to become a coach for her students and to encourage them to grow in the relationship with horses at their own safe and comfortable pace.  McKenna uses complex techniques to develop open communication and strength of relationship between horse and rider.  She has experience and expertise in the hunter/jumper ring.  Her show experience includes HITS Tahoe AA hunter/jumper show, IHSA intercollegiate shows, Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo, Region 3 Arabian show, and numerous regional and local shows.

Growing up in Northern Nevada (Incline Village), has offered her the ability to experience the freedom and beauty of the west and the exposure to excellent riding opportunities.  Her experience with horse breeds spans Arabians to Saddlebreds to Friesians to Mustangs fresh off the Nevada rangelands.  She is dedicated to the preservation of the wild mustangs, volunteers to transport, train, and gentle these adoptable horses.  With each new breed of horse and unique student, she focuses on developing a specific and focused training program.  

McKenna is committed to ensuring that her students have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience riding while achieving their individual training goals.

Jessica grew up with horses and has had a passion for learning about the different breeds and disciplines ever since she stepped foot in the arena.

From that moment she was captivated by the grace of these animals.  She began her pursuit of equine knowledge around age eight when she began taking riding lessons from a local trainer to learn how to ride her first horse, which was a two-year old green broke Appaloosa.  Not the ideal first horse for a novice rider, but Jessica was determined to better her skills to be able to ride this marvelous animal.  This was the beginning of her journey to becoming a better horsewoman.  That same trainer owned a beautiful Quarter Horse stallion at the time and agreed to let her clean stalls to pay for the breeding fee for her to raise her own foal.  Jessica raised the money and broke this colt and later went on to successfully compete with this horse in gymkhanas and barrel racing. She still owns him and he is now retired and primarily a trail horse.

Her equine background also includes experience in many disciplines such as western, hunter, hunter over fences, reining, roping, and barrel racing.  She currently barrel races at local events as well as PRCA rodeos.  She served as Miss Reno Rodeo in 2002 and was actively involved in numerous community service projects such as the Black Stallion Literacy Program and the Special Kids Rodeo.

It has always been her dream to pursue her passion with horses by teaching others to improve their riding skills through communication along with encouraging positive experiences for both horse and rider.  In addition to her love of horses, Jessica places a high-level of importance on academics.  She is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Speech Communications.

It is her goal to have her students excel in all arenas of life, and that is why she encourages academics and sportsmanship along with the development of riding skills.