For the first time in nearly two decades, the Endicott equestrian program will be under new leadership as Bethany Jones has been named the new head coach for the 2015-16 year. Jones takes over for Stephanie Brightman who recently stepped down after a 19 year run as head coach at Endicott. For Jones, the head coaching position offers her a chance to continue a successful professional horse training career while advancing her standing in both the training and coaching realms.
"I am so excited to see what this year has in store for the Endicott Equestrian team," said Jones. "I look forward to meeting and building relationships with every student-athlete. I would like to thank Endicott Director of Athletics Brian Wylie and the staff for entrusting me with this great program!"
Jones will join the Endicott Community and Department of Athletics immediately as the new head coach of the esteemed Equestrian Program. "We welcome Coach Jones to the Endicott Family and know she will continue to build on the strengths of an already successful program," stated Director of Athletics Brian Wylie.
As the head coach for Spring Tide Farm's high school and middle school IEA team for the past five years, Jones provides a level of continuity and familiarity to the Endicott program as Spring Tide also serves as Endicott's home facility. "I've watched the Endicott equestrian team transform over the years," stated Jones. "I'm very excited to be able to continue the success of the program and take the program to new levels of excellence!"
A 2008 graduate of Salem State where she received her degree in Childhood Psychology, Jones started at Spring Tide showing successfully as a junior/amateur from short stirrup through A/O adults before turning professional in 2010. Jones also teaches lessons to advanced riders in addition to coaching the IEA team and oversees the Farm's Summer Camp program as well.
"I love my current career as a trainer, rider and coach at Spring Tide Farm. I ride every different level horse and thoroughly enjoy every part of what I do." Jones continued, "I also love coaching my IEA team in their regular season. Spring Tide Farm travels a good amount over the summer to regular USEF rated shows and they compete on a national level. Setting goals for every individual rider is a huge part of my teaching plan."
The equestrian program will also welcome back longtime assistant coach Susan Koso. "We know and understand that Coach Koso and Coach Jones will not only continue the success of the program but will mentor the student athletes in every aspect of their experience at Endicott," said Brian Wylie.
Under the leadership of Jones and Koso, the Endicott equestrian program will look to continue and improve upon its success on regional and national IHSA levels.
