Janet Hennessy is the proud owner and manager of Softwinds Farm. Janet's passion for riding, training, teaching and showing has all come together at the beautifully secluded facility in Hopkins, South Carolina. Janet grew up as a natural athlete, but when she began riding at the age of 18, she found it to be like nothing she had ever experienced. The challenge of riding was the perfect match for Janet's competitive drive. In the late 1970s, Janet moved to South Carolina, where she began her career as an instructor. Janet began with one student and a borrowed school horse, but her lesson program grew quickly.. She soon had a barn full of horses and riders, and Janet says her favorite aspect of teaching is "seeing the lightbulb turn on." In 1985, the University of South Carolina was looking for a facility to house their school horses, thus beginning Janet's tenure with the Equestrian Club. In 1996, USC needed to bring another women's sport to the Varsity ranks to fulfill its Title IX requirement. On June 25, 1996, Janet became the first coach for the university's new Varsity Equestrian Team. She held that position for two years, with the team qualifying for the National Championships each year. Janet remains affiliated with the University through the Equestrian PE class, which she has taught since 1990. Each semester, students gain course credit while learning to ride at Softwinds Farm. Janet teaches group and private lessons to boarders and students. Janet's students love her honest approach and her enthusiasm keeps them coming back. Janet constantly pushes for the next level of achievement in her horses and students alike, and can bring out the very best in any rider. These days, Janet is actively promoting the Central Carolina Dressage Association, a show series in the Midlands for Dressage and Combined Training riders of all levels to compete. For more information, please visit www.centralcarolinadressage.com . a |
The very essence of our horse program is built upon the generosity of horse lovers.. Contact us on how you can influence the education of our youth through horses.
Some of Janet's instrumental involvement in this program include:
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