Trainers
Tracy Bowman
Tracy is the engine to the farm’s constant forward motion. She spent her childhood overseas as her father was an Air Force officer. This is where she began riding at an early age. Spending this time in Europe is evident in her strong management skills, systematic training practices, and deep level of knowledge in everything horses.
After her school years, she worked for the Sivewright family who owned and operate Talland, an international competition stable located in Cirencester, England. Here, she formed what would become her philosophy on producing horses and riders. Competing and working for Talland taught her to have a strong work ethic and to base her skills deeply in the basics of flat work and horse management. She earned the respect of her mentors and became a Certified Instructor with the British Horse Society.
Since returning to the United States to open her own competition business in 1984, Kismet Farms has grown steadily to become a highly respected producer of riders and horses. Tracy is known for her attention to detail, ability to get the most from her riders and horses, and an ability to give each horse what it needs to be successful. A common saying from Tracy is “riding doesn’t follow a recipe,” so having to make adjustments and improvise along the way is expected and always offers a chance to learn more.
Tracy has produced multiple riders to the CCI4* level and mentors many young professionals. Her riders consistently produce fantastic results and possess her view on the integrity and welfare of the horse. Her teaching manner is active, strong, and creative. She is constantly adapting to create a productive learning environment. She is a supportive goal setter and strives for excellence at all levels while not taking her riders beyond their ability to stay focused and comfortable.
Jolie Wentworth
Jolie grew up riding in lessons at local barns in her neighborhood starting at age seven. Soon she was riding and learning to compete at Tracy Bowman’s early version of Kismet Farms. She entered her first competition at age nine and was hooked.
Being in awe of top riders and having a strong love of horses and competition drove Jolie forward. It was evident early on she was one for the future. Her family was extremely supportive and shuttled her to any competitions that they could, but as Jolie got more competitive so did the finances, and soon she was unable to keep up. At this point, Tracy had recognized her strong will and talent and began to employ her as a “working student.”
Through the early years, Jolie had a series of talented but difficult horses that taught her patience and perseverance, and reinforced rather than abated her desire to be at the top of the sport. She loved the challenge. Slowly her work started to pay off when, in 1999, her Young Rider career took off. Having finally reached Advanced standard at age 19, she produced several horses through the levels with most of them selling on to help finance the next step in her pursuit of the top.
Jolie’s style on and off the horse is rooted in character, strength, and an ability to be encouraging and giving students the confidence to try anything.
Jolie is now a partner with Tracy in the farm, with a small stable of future and current stars (see the “Kismet Horses” section), and has been listed on the USEF High Performance Squad, and has competed in multiple four stars, including overseas.
Grooming
Artemio
Artemio came to Kismet Farms having worked and learned his trade at many prestigious Hunter Jumper show stables. His attention to every detail of horse care is inspiring. All the horses respect his empathetic manner and melt under his hands. Artemio helps with daily care of the horses, and will often times travel with the Kismet crew to competitions to help groom and take care of the stables. He seems to know instinctively things about the horses and communicates with the team if any horse needs special attention or is unwell even before showing any outward signs.