Owner Spotlight: From a phone call to dreams come true, Jenny Kaeppler and Fifi
One of the most rewarding parts of matching horses with riders is seeing those partnerships blossom. In this month’s Owner Spotlight, we’re thrilled to share the journey of Jenny Kaeppler and her mare, Excel Star Serafina, “Fifi” — a pair whose trust in the process has grown into something truly special. From the very first phone call to Training level eventing and beyond, Jenny’s story is a testament to connection, commitment, and the kind of support that extends well past the sale.
What led you to choose Courtney when it came time to find your next horse?
When I started looking for my next horse, I contacted multiple sellers with young horses for sale. Courtney was the first to CALL me to discuss my interests and promptly sent me information on what she had available at that time. I was immediately smitten with the sole mare she sent me info about, and our communications continued from there, with Courtney putting me in touch with her partner in Ireland who provided details about his day-to-day experience with training the horse and also his opinion of the horse’s capabilities.
How did Courtney help you find a horse that was truly the right match for you?
I bought the mare off of video, sight unseen. Courtney communicated that she would be willing to swap the horse for a different one, if upon meeting in person I did not feel the chosen horse was a match for me. This gave me a huge level of comfort in making the purchase. After the sale, when I came to Aiken to pick her up, Courtney helped me with my first couple rides. Courtney followed up with me many times following the sale to see how the training was going. I felt that she genuinely cared about having made a good match.
Tell us about your horse—what made you choose them, and what do you love most?
My horse! I will say I bought her because of her athleticism and breeding, but what I fell in love with was her eye—sensitive, beautiful, smart, kind, willing.
What have you and your horse accomplished together so far?
Fifi is making my dreams come true every day! We are working our way up the levels of eventing, currently competing at Training level.
What are your future goals as a team?
I’d like to one day compete at Preliminary level. I started eventing later in life, so if Fifi wants to continue past Prelim, I may loan the reins to someone younger and braver. We are almost ready for a move up to Modified, so I’m starting to feel like our goal is in sight. It’s just SO much fun.
What has being part of Courtney’s program or community meant to you?
Courtney has been consistently supportive of us and genuinely cares about our success. It has been really meaningful to have that support!
Any advice you’d give to someone considering working with Courtney to find their next partner?
Courtney can help you find the horse of your dreams!
Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your story with us. Watching your partnership with Fifi grow has been a joy, and we can’t wait to cheer you both on as you chase down your goals—one confident, joyful step at a time.
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