Our History (About) (Our Story)
Our Legacy of Rodeo Dreams and Community Unity
Nestled near the enchantment of Disney World in Orlando, Florida, our family began a remarkable journey one that blended the grit of rodeo with the wonder of the “happiest place on earth.” For 27 unforgettable years, we brought rodeo dreams to life, creating a safe and encouraging environment where children could practice their skills, build confidence, and chase the futures they envisioned.
Guided by my father’s vision, we transformed an open field into Rodeo Dreams—a place where determination was cultivated, focus was sharpened, and perseverance was learned through experience. What made this endeavor truly special was not just the rodeo itself, but the people behind it. A devoted team of paid staff and passionate volunteers worked side by side, united by a shared belief in developing character as much as talent. Together, we built a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and encouragement values essential not only in the arena, but in life.
Over the years, we watched countless young riders step forward with courage, discipline, and ambition. Many began the journey, learning to manage pressure, communicate clearly, and recover from setbacks. Five extraordinary individuals ultimately rose to the highest levels of the sport, standing as powerful examples of resilience, commitment, and the strength of a supportive environment. Their success reflected not only personal grit, but the foundation we intentionally built—one grounded in teamwork, leadership, and respect.
Those same core principles now guide our work as equine-assisted team building facilitators. The lessons learned in the rodeo how trust is earned, how focus drives performance, and how strong partnerships create lasting success naturally evolved into experiences designed to help teams grow, connect, and lead with purpose.
Jed's Journey
Jed’s personal journey through the rodeo business has been both comprehensive and deeply rooted. Surrounded by horses since he could walk, the rodeo world was not something he entered later in life it was the foundation on which he was raised. From hands-on work behind the scenes to active involvement within the rodeo community, Jed gained invaluable lessons in leadership, responsibility, and human connection at every level of the operation.
One defining characteristic of this environment was that everyone involved—paid employees and devoted volunteers alike—was driven by something greater than financial gain. They were united by a shared mission: to nurture dreams and create opportunities for growth. Within this ecosystem, leadership meant far more than authority. It required building trust, managing conflict with care, and understanding that every role no matter how large or small—was essential to the success of the whole. This mindset fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and embodied the true spirit of being a cowboy, where even the most individual efforts are supported by collective teamwork.
This mission ultimately led Jed to pursue professional certifications through Leadership Strategy, Spirit of Leadership, and Equine Connections transforming decades of lived rodeo experience into intentional leadership development grounded in trust, focus, and collaboration.
Jody’s journey is equally integral to this story. With a lifelong love for animals, her passion for horses and rodeo truly took shape when she began dating Jed in 1995 and married him in 1997. Through years spent alongside him in the arena and beyond, Jody developed a deep appreciation for the partnership between people and horses. Her compassion, intuition, and steady leadership became a cornerstone of the culture they built together.
Together, Jed and Jody represent a balanced partnership of experience and empathy, tradition and intention. Their shared journey now informs their work as equine-assisted team-building facilitators, where the same principles learned in the rodeo—trust, communication, accountability, and teamwork are intentionally applied to help teams grow, connect, and lead with purpose.
A New Chapter
The bond we formed extended beyond the show. We weren’t just a business; we were a community of like-minded individuals driven by the spirit of collaboration and the unyielding support we offered one another. Working together was not merely a duty; it was a commitment to be there for each other, whether in facing challenges or celebrating triumphs.
Now, as we transition into a new chapter, we draw upon the legacy of rodeo dreams and the lessons we’ve learned. While the risks and rewards of large animals and rodeo performances may differ from the team-building activities we now offer, the core principles remain unchanged fun, camaraderie, and an experiential touch of cowboy wisdom.
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Contact Christian Horse Adventures today to learn more or schedule your next Christian horse group team building experience for your church, youth group, or community organization.