If diamonds are a woman’s best friend, horses are a little
girl’s. Just ask Jan Larsen.
By Greg Chapman Staff Writer
Gilroy – If diamonds are a woman’s best friend, horses are a little girl’s. Just ask Jan Larsen.
Something made Larsen, world-renowned horse trainer, gravitate to horses when she was seven-years-old, and the love kept her constantly coming back. Now, with 34 years of horse training experience, Larsen doesn’t figure to go back to being a real estate agent or dental assistant.
“Every time I did something else, I always came back,” Larsen said. “I’ve done a lot of things, but I keep coming back to horses.”
If every one is particularly good at one thing, then Larsen undoubtedly has the talent of handling one of the most intriguing animals along with their riders.
The Gilroy Equestrian Team recently completed a cross-country adventure, trotting off with top honors at the Pinto World Championship Horse Show and the World Championship Paint Horse Show, and Larsen led them.
It all started years ago when Larsen urged her parents to let her take horse riding lessons.
“Little girls just have a love for horses,” Larsen said.
Larsen credits her fortune to the champion Tennessee Walking Horses she was able to ride while taking lessons. Because of how well trained the horses were, making it easy for her to learn, Larsen said, “I was hooked ever since.”
Nowadays, Larsen is making it easier for others attached to horses like her. But like a true champion, even though Larsen trained her team of riders and horses, she’s not taking all the credit. She lets the spotlight shine on the whole team.
“I am so proud of my team and how hard they have worked over the past years,” Larsen said. “These awards are the result of hundreds of hours and thousands of miles of travel and are well-earned by both riders and horses.”
Still, those who look to Larsen for her services wouldn’t have it any other way.
“She’s really the one that deserves the credit, but often times she doesn’t get the credit,” said Bonnie Lynam, owner of award-winning horse “CC Loot Skywalker.” “I admire her for everything, and I love her for everything she has done for me.”
Showing horses is a hobby for Lynam. It is also a big outlet for her enjoyment in her life and she credits Larsen for helping make it all possible.
“She’s an excellent trainer,” Lynam said. “She has a way with horses. She knows exactly what she’s doing.”
In the future, Larsen hopes her wealth of knowledge does justice in her new adventure of judging horse shows.
In many horse shows, Larsen saw that the judges weren’t out in the trenches. They couldn’t fully understand what it took to make a really good show horse. Figuring she could judge from a slightly different manner, Larsen set out to make a difference and has been judging for the last four years.
For now, though, Larsen will stick with training before fully committing to being a judge in a few years.
Sharon Bittle, owner of award-winning “Dressed For The Big Time,” is in a wonderful situation being in Morgan Hill. Being close to Larsen means she can get the best out of her horses. Bittle and the other owners seemed joyous talking about the family-orientated atmosphere that Larsen has created.
“I think if you were to ask everyone from the barn, they all just love Jan and we’re one big family,” Bittle said.
