Meet Jesse Fountain. Jesse grew up in Salmon Arm but has lived in Kamloops since 2016. She is a determined woman who loves to spend time with her husband and go horseback riding.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
We moved to Kamloops in 2016, I grew up in Salmon Arm.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
definitely my husband, Justin. He loves to be out doing stuff! He’s always game for trying something new.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Greenhawk. They sell pretty much everything a horse person can want and the owner is fantastic for promoting the sport with the youth in the area.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to go to the Netherlands with my husband! It’s a country that’s hugely influential in the sport of Dressage.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Dressage/horseback riding.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Haha too many to share.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I would have to say getting the experience of riding and competing a horse that was trained to the highest level of dressage. In 2016 an international dressage competition was held at Thunderbird Show Park, in Langley, along with the national competition. The international riders went in the morning and the national al riders went in the afternoon. It was my first ever time competing in the Prix St George level and it was absolutely incredible to be able to compete in the same ring on a live stream feed following some of the people aiming to represent our country in the upcoming Olympic Games. The atmosphere in the arena was incredible and to this day I still can feel it! Now my goal is to be able to train my horses to compete in that level.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Most of my favourite childhood memories include ponies. My parents used to take us to the park for pony rides all the time, and then started enrolling us in week-long riding camps and finally they gave in and bought us our very own pony.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The Barnhartvale trails by the hall. They’re incredibly peaceful and have amazing views!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see more encouragement for adult amateur athletes. Our youth is well looked after but we need to recognize the adults who are still working towards athletic goals.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
It’s a wonderful place to meet new people! I’ve noticed Barnhartvale’s sense of community is huge!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Ride at an international horse show
2) Visit the Netherlands and Germany
3) Try surfing
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love listening to true crime podcasts.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (
Mostly Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I'm currently unemployed but try to help my husband with his business, Justin Fountain Farrier Service.
Why did you get into/start this business?
He started because he loves horses.
What is the goal of your business?
To promote propper care and management of horses feet. No Hoof No Horse.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Think it through first.”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
The best piece of advice comes from my friend Tina and her saying: Not my circus, not my monkeys!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would love to spend the day with Carl Hester. He’s one of the top riders in the world and is a wealth of knowledge about the sport and he truly has the horses best interests at heart.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To help support our community. Small/local businesses tend to be the ones who put the most back. Check out Le Tack Truck in Vernon, they sponsor every show and are always trying to help the athletes.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Achieving a top score in my first ride at the Prix St George level in 2016.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Definitely Cathy Tweeddale Mitchell, my sponsor from Bellwether Nutrients. She took a chance on sponsoring an adult amateur rider and I could not be more grateful!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Caitlin Fountain.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
