For Reddick, Florida based trainer Jenny Baker the best part about being a horse trainer is being able to wake up, walk out her door, and do what she loves every day. One of the most important things to her is to just be fair.

“I try to be realistic and honest about their horse and/or their ability. I also try to make the whole experience fun and enjoyable for the client,” Baker says. “I realize that there are a lot of options out there as far as horse trainers, and a big percentage of clients do horse things as a hobby.”

Growing up in Franksville, Wisconsin, Baker began showing at an early age and has been hooked ever since. Both of her parents, Judy and Hulmut Lekschas, were active in showing before she was even born. Throughout high school and college Baker worked for Patty Campbell, the full time trainer for Tim and Lou Petty, during summers and school breaks. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls with a degree in Broad Area Agriculture, Baker continued to work for Campbell and was offered the chance to move to Ocala, Florida when the Pettys purchased a farm there. Over the next couple years she was fortunate enough to get to ride and train for great trainers like Kim and Bill Horn and Greg Wheat.

“I feel extremely lucky and blessed to have ridden with Patty, Bill and Greg. These three individuals are not only amazingly talented horsemen, but are also great people in general,” Baker says. “Not only did these three teach and mentor me how to become a better horse trainer, but they also taught me life lessons I will never forget.”

Currently Baker works out of her parent’s farm on 23 acres. There are three horse barns with roughly 36 stalls, three large pastures in the front and four smaller turn outs in the back. The riding arena sits at the back of the property with several large oak trees throughout. The shade provided by these trees is especially important in the hot summer months. Should you come to visit the farm, don’t be surprised to see a great variety of animals. Along with the Zebu cattle, which occupy the front pasture, Baker’s father also raises a large variety of birds including a pair of emu and different breeds of pheasants, chickens, doves, pigeons and quail. There are also several peacocks roaming the property. Mr. Piggles, the family’s pet pig, who has free reign over the farm, will likely greet you at your car.

Baker is a member of the AQHA, NSBA and APHA and enjoys traveling to shows with her clients. While her background has been in Western Pleasure, Baker has been steadily adding more events to her resume.

“Last year I started preparing and showing some horses in Trail events and that has become one of my favorite classes,” Baker explains. “This year I have started preparing and showing a few horses in Western Riding classes, they are still very new to me, but I love the challenge.”

Baker has been blessed to ride many great horses throughout her career. The past couple years she has had the opportunity to ride Only A Natural, who was sixth in the nation in the Senior All-Around in 2013 and I Candy who was fifth in the nation in the Junior All-Around.

Only A Natural, owned by Katherine Morris, excelled in the all-around events with points in Halter, Hunter Under Saddle, Trail and Western Pleasure. He earned multiple Open All-Arounds throughout the year.

I Candy, a 2009 gelding by Just Me Only and out of Radical Kisses, has been close to Baker’s heart because he was bred and raised by Baker’s parents. At the Novice Championship in 2013 he was named the World Champion in Performance Halter Geldings with his owner Elizabeth Williams. As a coach she has been just as successful with many of her clients winning Championship and Reserve Championship at prestigious shows across the country including the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the Novice Championships.

With I Candy’s success in the show ring, Baker is excited to have the privilege to show his full brother, HL Radical, who was also bred and raised by her parents. This young horse has already started following the footsteps of his older brother with success in Halter, Western Pleasure and Trail events. At the NSBA World Show this year he was crowned the World Champion in 3-Year-Old Trail. Baker has also had many clients earn top 10 and top five placings at the AQHYA World Show and NSBA World Show.

“I have been blessed with a steady flow of wonderful clients and horses, I work with both youth and amateurs and I even have a group of select ladies that come for lessons weekly,” Baker says.

Baker loves her job and her customers, but to her family is the most important part of her life, particularly her two daughters, Taylor, 9 and Delaney, 7. Baker says they are beautiful, smart and talented and she is still in disbelief that she could give birth to two such amazing kids. Recently Baker became engaged to Patrick Harris. The couple met when he tried to sell her some hay. Harris also has a son, Westyn. The blended family enjoys doing things together whenever Baker is home from a show. The whole family has passes to Busch Gardens and Sea World and love to go to see all the animals. Baker also finds time to volunteer at her local church where she ministers and watches over children 12 to 24 months while their parents attend services.

To Baker “Perfect happiness is being able to do what you love, surrounded by people you love.”