Brazilian equestrian John Paul Jimenez, a professional trainer and rider for over 20 years, has recently joined the Stony Hill Stables family as their new Director of the Hunter/Jumper Program. John Paul has earned numerous championships and year-end awards in both the hunter and jumper rings, and has coached Stony Hill students (including scholarship students) to championships at many levels.  This year’s benefit on Saturday, June 20th will not only feature Wick Hotchkiss performing Dressage on her horse, Royal Dancer, but John Paul Jimenez will perform a jumping exhibition, two Pony Drill Team, and a Western Barrel Racing finale. KDHamptons catches up with the world class equestrian in this NEW Lifestyle Diary, below:

KDHamptons: What do you think makes Stony Hill Stables so special?

John Paul Jimenez: I think Stony Hill is so special because it is a safe and nurturing environment that provides children with a healthy, life enhancing experience. The foundation has successfully put 21 students through its program with many continuing after school programs to earn their lessons.

KDHamptons: Tell us about your riding experience in the Hamptons?

John Paul Jimenez: I have been coming to The Hamptons on and off for years to compete in The Hampton Classic and to teach riding clinics at Stony Hill Stables. My wife, Joanne and our three children, Jonathan, Juliette and Jilliana have now made East Hampton our home since I joined Stony Hill as its head hunter jumper trainer.

KDHamptons: What do you love most about the east end?

John Paul Jimenez: The Hamptons are a great place to be involved with horses as well as raise a family. It’s very much an equestrian lifestyle for us and I feel that Stony Hill is a very unique place. It’s very much a family friendly atmosphere.

KDHamptons: How can riding enhance a child’s life?

John Paul Jimenez: I have a great deal of passion to see the progress of young riders coming up the ranks in their riding careers and gives me a great deal of satisfaction helping to develop that. It’s amazing for me to witness how horses change these riders for the better; physically, mentally and emotionally. To have horses in their lives is life changing for them. I like the approach they take in developing riding in the Hamptons. They offer easy access to riding through their lesson program where a rider can develop skills then advance into more competitive riding.

KDHamptons: How important is it to find the right match for horse and rider?

John Paul Jimenez: I enjoy putting horses and riders together and seeing how much they can achieve within the barn as well as being competitive in the horse show ring.  I get such satisfaction searching for these young, talented horses, building a solid foundation in the horse show ring, then eventually pairing them with the amateur rider. In addition to developing young riders at Stony Hill, I continue my passion of training, campaigning and selling young, talented European Warmbloods.

For almost 20 years, John Paul has experienced much success in both the hunter and jumpers rings, several of those being at the Grand Prix level.

* Ticket information for the Annual Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit: Tickets are priced at $125 for a single ticket, $200 for a couple. Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line. Contributions are gratefully welcome: Stony Hill Stables Foundation, P.O. Box 283, Amagansett, NY 11930 or www.stonyhillstablesfoundation.com. For more information about Stony Hill Stables and the Stony Hill Stables Foundation, please visit the website or call: 631.267.3203.