Jenna grew up in Barrington Hills, Illinois and began riding at the age of three. As a junior she rode with Rush and Carl Weeden, and Alex Jayne in her later junior years. Jenna began competing nationally on the A circuit in the ponies and continued competing nationally in the junior hunters, equitation, and jumpers through the national grand prix level. She competed at Devon and the national finals in her junior career.
After college, Jenna began working professionally for Katie and Henry Prudent for the next seven years. She started working for the Prudent’s as a working student and FEI groom, working her way up through the business to become a trainer and sales horse rider, helping the students at North American Young Riders and Prix Des States.
After learning from the Prudent’s, Jenna went on to start her own business outside of Dallas Texas. As an owner and head trainer at Talisman Stables, Jenna coached students from the short stirrup level through the national Grand Prix level. Talisman stables and its students competed at the A level national shows, including Devon, Derby Finals, and the National indoor Finals. Some of Jenna’s top awards coaching Talisman students include: 3’3 Junior Horse of the Year, Leading International Derby rider and horse at the Pin Oak Horse Show series, 8th place finals at the Dover Medal Final, and 2nd place finish at the Gladstone Equitation Cup.
After her time in Dallas, Jenna moved on to train at Sweet Oak Farm for the Sweetnam family, where she coached students in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation for the last four years. Sweet Oak farm competed at the top national A shows and international shows. Some of Jenna’s top placings while coaching at Sweet Oak Farm include: Gold medals at the North American Young Riders Championship and Prix Des States, several wins at NAL and WHIS Children’s and Adult jumper finals, winner of the THIS Children’s Medal final, winner of the Ariat Adult Medal final, 4th place at the Gladstone Equitation Cup, 4th place in the Dover Medal finals.
A graduate of St. Andrew’s University, Sydney Eller competed on the university’s equestrian team all four years as the team’s open division rider, honing skills that laid the foundation for a successful career in the industry. While earning a master’s degree in business, Sydney served as the assistant coach for the IHSA team, further refining her coaching abilities and understanding of competitive equestrianism.
With extensive experience working alongside top professionals such as Daniel Geitner, Andre Dignelli, and Pat Dodson, Sydney has developed a well-rounded approach to training and horsemanship. Her lifelong dedication to the sport has led her to Deer Creek Farm, where they are excited to continue sharing her expertise, fostering a love for riding, and helping others build their own connection with horses.