Pat Melton, USAWE Region 7 Director
USAWE Region 7 Rider Spotlight
Jody Fontanetta, Milton, TN
Jody Fontanetta at 2024 Eastern Zone Championship during the Speed phase
Jody Fontanetta is a fourth-generation equestrian born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN. Her riding experience spans many disciplines, with dressage being the core of her training. She was a member of the United States Pony Club for many years. Jody trained and competed on the national circuit in dressage through the FEI levels and participated in the North American Junior Young Rider Program. She earned her Bronze and Silver medals with the United States Dressage Federation. Jody runs a riding program for all ages focusing on Classical Horsemanship and Working Equitation at her farm in Milton, Tennessee.
Jody was introduced to Working Equitation in 2017 and hasn’t looked back. She loves that working equitation gives classical training a purpose lost in some modern disciplines. At the 2024 BreyerFest in Lexington, KY, Jody, along with her mom, Jane Renner, plus fellow Region 7 riders Laurie Wilson (GA) and Landyn Riddle (NC), mesmerized the BF crowds each morning riding in a marvelously choreographed WE demonstration.
Jody Fontanetta at 2024 Eastern Zone Championship during Ease of Handling Phase
Jody has earned numerous high-point awards in Region 7 on self-trained horses. She is the 2024 USAWE Eastern Zone Champion at the Master’s level (L7) with her self-made gelding, Misty Morning Stash. An ‘L’ candidate in the USA Working Equitation judge’s program, and a USAWE Professional Instructor, she is a much sought-after clinician in the region, helping riders of all ages maximize their abilities and strengthen their relationship with their equine partner.
Jody has been accepted into the USA Working Equitation International Riders’ Program and was the first US rider to receive a qualifying score for the 2026 World Championships. On January 1st, WAWE published their first-ever World Ranking, and Jody was the highest-ranked US rider on the list. Congratulations to this wonderful pair, and best wishes for a successful 2025 competition season. We’re all cheering for you!!
Jody Fontanetta and Jane at the 2024 USAWE Eastern Zone Champion
