Cover-All - Part of a Dream Come True

Jeanne Jamison’s dream of running a world-class equestrian facility became a reality when she was offered the opportunity to become the head trainer and manager of the Meadows at Lake Norman, a 22-acre facility in North Carolina that includes a seven-acre Grand Prix field. In her role at the Meadows, Jamison helped select an indoor arena that would provide the optimal riding environment for riding and training. The arena of choice was a 90' wide x 200' long Cover-All® TITAN® arena.

“I love Cover-All riding arenas. There is a wonderful natural environment when you ride in these buildings. I've been in a lot of different types of riding arenas and there are usually one or two areas that horses avoid. In this arena, every horse I work with has no hesitation going inside,” says Jamison.

Jamison has been carving a respectable horse training reputation since the age of seven. In her native New Jersey, Jamison started training with the world famous Olympic medalist and coach George Morris and Grand Prix rider Chris Kappler. After she graduated from college, Morris hired Jamison to work with his own horses, a great compliment in itself. “I have had the pleasure of working with Jeanne for many years,” says Morris. “Jeanne is a superb natural rider with an excellent understanding of the fundamentals needed in riding and teaching.”

Jamison’s knowledge and expertise are valuable when identifying key attributes for riding and training. “A lot of people don’t understand what’s important in selecting a riding arena. It’s more than just shelter and covering a good riding surface. Natural light and a quiet peaceful setting are so important for the horse and rider to get the most out of their experience,” says Jamison.

Jamison has a personal goal to compete and win at the National Grand Prix level. The benefits of the Cover-All® arena will help achieve her goals. “When I ride, I like everything to be soft, with no resistance; like making music. If the riding arena you’re training in makes it difficult to establish natural harmony with the horse, then it almost defeats the purpose of an indoor arena. I’ve trained in metal buildings and the atmosphere is so noisy, it annoys you. By the end of the day, both horse and rider are mentally exhausted. Even when it rains, the atmosphere in the Cover-All is peaceful and relaxed,” shares Jamison.

Jamison and her team have been so pleased with their Cover-All®, they have decided the second arena will also be a Cover-All®. High on the list of other enhancements to the Meadows are water and natural jumps like those found at the world famous Spruce Meadows, which has six Cover-All® buildings. In the years to come, the Meadows at Lake Norman will continue to strive for excellence with the goal of becoming one of the top show arenas in the country.