a Week with an olympian
It's a rare opportunity to follow an Olympian around for a week. I had the opportunity to do just that at the The Acres in Moorpark, California where Amy and Jan Ebeling work together to maintain and expand their business training high performance horses in the art of dressage. They took time out of their busy schedule to share a glimpse of their life with me, allowing me to interview and film them.
Having grown up in Germany, Jan moved to the United States to begin working with Robert Dover in 1995. In 2012 Jan traveled to London to compete in the Olympics on Rafalca, a horse co-owned by Jan and Anne Romney. In his interview, Jan explained to me the importance of patience and coordination required to teach a horse to dance.
Jan Ebeling riding a horse in training at The Acres.
"Success is not something that comes easily. Success is not something that comes quickly. It takes a lot of work."
- Jan ebeling
Jan talks about people who have inspired him, including Reiner Klimke, Jonny Hilberath, and his mentor Herbert Rehbein.
THE ACRES
Amy and Jan live and train at The Acres in Moorpark, California on a property that Amy originally purchased with her grandfather. Amy has put a lot of effort into the landscaping, turning what was once empty land into a beautiful home and training facility.
Beautiful symmetry in the welcoming courtyard, accented by climbing roses.
Photos courtesy of the The Acres.
Jan and Amy Ebeling at The Acres
Lush foliage lines the driveway.
Amy’s conversation about the development of The Acres.