ABOUT JEWEL COURT STUD USA

ABOUT US

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 Eliane’s leadership, 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

JESSICA FOREND-O'REILLY
JCS Assistant Trainer - Barn Manager - Dressage Rider

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.