By Jean Llewellyn (press release)’
Graphics: FEI/Dirk Caremans

Internationally accomplished rider Jessica Lynn Thomas will be joining the SWB Equestrian Weeks with Breeders Trophy at Flyinge this autumn as the test rider for the four-year-old dressage horses, presented by AJ Produkter. She brings a wealth of experience, feel, and expertise in young horse development.

Jessica is a Swedish rider with deep roots in international equestrian sport. She first traveled to Germany age 17 and, after living between countries for several years, has now been based there for over a decade. Together with French husband, Raphaël Thomas, she runs a training and competition yard with a team of four staff members from various countries. This international environment creates a dynamic daily life where different methods and experiences meet.
The couple specializes in training young horses aged three to seven, with a focus on preparing them for championships in Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Jessica has also competed in Sweden, most recently winning the five-year-old dressage class at the Breeders Trophy in 2020 with the SWB horse Mr. Grey VH. She is now looking forward to returning to her home country after many years abroad.
“I’m really looking forward to being the test rider during SWB Equestrian Weeks and the Breeders Trophy. It’s inspiring to see how the Swedish system is structured today and what has changed. After following young horse classes and championships in Germany, Holland, and Denmark, I’m curious to see what similarities and differences exist and what Sweden can learn from others, as well as what we can contribute ourselves”, says Jessica Lynn Thomas.
Jessica’s training philosophy is both thoughtful and compassionate. She likens working with horses to working with children, though she is careful to note that horses are not literally children, she believes the responsibility and care are quite similar. “To me, the most important thing is that the horse wants to come to its rider, especially when it feels unsure or afraid. Rules and structure are important, but trust is even more crucial. The horse needs to feel that it can turn to the rider for safety, just like a child turns to a parent. It must trust the rider more than its surroundings, and that kind of relationship is built through kind of relationship is built through respect, clarity, and mutual attentiveness”, she explains...

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