:::::: | Jo Moran Dressage History

Jo Moran is a Bronze, Silver and Gold USDF Medallist.

Jo and her husband, Nacho, became good friends with Steffen Peters, who was a key mentor in her early career. In 1988, she purchased Wilfried, a 9 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Thanks to Steffen’s patience and persistence, Jo and Wilfried progressed through the levels to Prix St. Georges and Intermediate 1.

Soon there after fate once again stepped in to add a new dimension to Jo’s equestrian talents. During a show at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Betsy Raine, Kathleen’s mother, asked Jo about Wilfried’s breeding. It was then that she learned that he was out of the same mare (Ramona) as Tudor, and became intensely interested in bloodlines, and their relationship to performance and traits. She began studying bloodlines and had many discussions with Steffen. Jo believes knowledge of bloodlines is important when evaluating and training a horse.

Her skills and philosophy didn't come overnight; they evolved over a period of 35 years. The horse bug bit Jo Moran at the ripe old age of 3, and many people are grateful that she didn't recover from that bite.

During the ensuing years, Jo worked for Steffen, beginning as his groom, eventually quitting her “day” job to work and ride full-time. After selling Wilfried to Jo she bought Rosato, a Westfalen gelding by Romiro.

When she decided to begin her own training business, Jo joined Jane Weatherwax and Laurie Doyle at Pinky Roberts’ Circle P in Escondido. Laurie helped Jo immensely with Rosato, and they all had a lot of fun.

Jo’s training business grew, forcing her to move to a stable that could provide more stalls. She also began teaching clinics. After moving, Jo began working with Guenter Seidel, an outstanding mentor who has been instrumental in fine-tuning her skills and furthering her career.

Currently Jo is being coached by Kathleen Raine, Kathleen has been helping
Jo for the last three years.

Her riding skills and knowledge of bloodlines have been put to good use in selecting talented prospects for herself and clients. Wayfarer, selected for clients, was reserve champion first level amateur horse USDF Region 7 in 1999. Nike, purchased as a two-year-old from DG Bar Ranch, won the young horse championship at Middle Ranch in 1999. Nabori, selected in Europe for Seana Curtin, debut at the same show in 1999. She also helped her husband, Nacho, select his talented gelding charisma.

Jo and her husband Nacho work at their own facility in the Northern San Diego area.

A year ago Jo selected a mare for a long time client, which is currently showing PSG, and I 1.

Jo has ridden and trained many horses to high placings in horse of the year competitions and enjoys working with horses and riders at all levels. In 1998, she was long-listed for the USET with Rosato. Her continuing education has included clinics with Johann Hinneman, Robert Dover, Michelle Gibson, Anky van Grunsven, Tineke Bartels, Steffen Peters and Linda Zang.