ABOUT JEWEL COURT STUD USA
Jewel Court Stud USA is the American branch of Marijke Cordia-van der Laan’s Belgian stud farm. With facilities in Connecticut and Florida, JCS is a year-round competitive training facility, dedicated to the highest level of dressage performance. Under the leadership of Eliane Cordia van Reesema, JCS is focused on continually improving training practices and techniques, through information sharing and technology. JCS hosts clinics with well-known guest trainers and is also supporting efforts to bring new technology to the sport.
OUR TEAM
ELIANE CORDIA VAN REESMEA
Head Trainer/Owner
JESSICA FOREND-O'REILLY
Manager/Rider/Assistant Trainer
Born and raised on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Jessica’s passion for horses began at the early age of 5 years old. She was taught by her mother, Lisa BenDavid-Scannell, the utmost importance of riding basics, which Jess still holds close to the core of her training concepts today. During her younger years of living on the island, Jess attended many clinics with eventer trainer Tom Davis, whom she also credits with many of the fundamentals that continue to stick with Jess today.
Jess earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree with cum laude honors from Johnson & Wales University where she studied Equine Business Management/Riding. During her time at JWU, Jess made history at the University, winning an individual national title for three consecutive years in a row at the International Dressage Association Championships. Her second year competing at nationals, Jess met dressage trainer Betsy Steiner who invited her to do an internship program in Flemington, NJ. This was Jess’s first taste of the professional dressage world.
In October 2013, Jess spent her first winter in Wellington, Florida where she groomed for Canadian Chris von Martels and met many of the top professionals showing on the circuit. That winter, Jess also met her now husband (and farrier for JCS USA), Irish Master Farrier, Paul O’Reilly. The following summer, Jess teamed up with Eliane and hasn’t looked back since! Since joining Eliane and Team Jewel Court Stud USA, Jess has cherished the many opportunities to ride, train and compete with world-class horses under the supervision of Eliane. Jess holds her relationship with mentor, Eliane very close to heart and enjoys growing with the business day in and day out.
ALEXANDRA REID
Assistant Manager/Rider
Alexandra Reid is a 24-year-old equestrian born and raised in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Since horses have been her passion from the day she was born, Alex has been involved in many aspects of the sport. This includes pony-club, hunter/jumpers and eventing. At the age of 14 and with her pony “Johnny B Good”, Alex was introduced to the discipline of dressage. It was apparent this was her true love and from then on she has set out to work, learn and succeed in the industry.
After completing a year of Sport Management at Brock University, Alex began a working-student position with David Marcus in 2011. Having the opportunity to groom and ride at a high-level competition barn was an extremely beneficial experience for Alex as she gained immense knowledge in regards to all aspects of barn/horse management and international competition.
During this time, Alex was a groom for team Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, had all first place finishes at the Saugerties and Devon CDI’s and an individual bronze medal at the 2012 NAJYRC in Kentucky on the Dutch gelding, VIP.
Having successfully competed at the YR level, Alex then continued her career as a professional groom for Canadian Grand Prix rider Jill Irving.
Currently, Alexandra has a young 5 year old gelding of her own that she is hoping to bring up the levels and is also a Registered Dental Hygienist having completed her education back home in Toronto in 2016.
ANDREW PENNELL
Jumper/Rider
Andrew first started riding at age 14, and immersed himself in the equine industry full time after completing school. He has groomed and ridden at both local and large show barns, and solidified an interest in jumpers after working with Peter Leone at Lionshare Farm in 2015.
Andrew continued to work as a groom and rider for multiple amateurs and professionals before coming to work at JCS to solidify the fundamentals of riding via dressage training.
Ultimately, Andrew is working on building a solid understanding of flatwork in the training of both young and experienced horses.