Equestrian Legend Rodney Jenkins Passes Away at 80, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Rodney Jenkins, a celebrated figure in the equestrian world, passed away on December 5 at the age of 80 in his Maryland home. His profound impact on the show-jumping circuit during the 1970s and '80s is a legacy that will resonate in the hearts of equestrians and fans alike. His daughter, Blythe DeMeola, confirmed the news but did not disclose the cause of death. Jenkins, known for his exceptional ability to connect with horses, once eloquently stated, "Horses are creatures of habit... You have to find the formula by being around them." This philosophy guided him through a remarkable career that began in the 1960s and saw him accumulate more than 70 Grand Prix victories—an impressive record at the time of his retirement in 1989. His achievements included three National Horse Show titles at Madison Square Garden and five American Gold Cup titles, alongside being a pivotal member of ten U.S. teams in the Nations Cup. Britt McCormick, president of the United States Hunter Jumper Association, reflected on Jenkins’ character, noting his humility and dedication to the horses he rode. Jenkins often credited his success to their innate brilliance, famously stating, "The horse makes the rider—I don't care how good you are." His nickname, the "Red Rider," stemmed from his distinct wavy red hair and underscored his prominence in both hunter and jumper categories. Jenkins excelled in the hunter rings, where horses are judged on their style and movement, as well as the jumper rings, which emphasize speed and precision over obstacles. He believed in the synergy between both disciplines, advocating for a riding style that maintains a fluid forward motion, a perspective he shared in an interview in 2011. Over the years, Jenkins rode notable horses such as Czar, the Natural, Number One Spy, and Idle Dice, the latter of which became the first horse to be inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. His prowess was highlighted in 1971 when he secured the top three positions at the National Horse Show with his mounts, impressing a crowd of 12,500 attendees. Born on July 3, 1944, in Middleburg, Virginia, Jenkins was introduced to the world of equestrian sports through his father, a huntsman. By the age of ten, he had already recognized his passion for showing horses. Following high school, he began competing on the East Coast, quickly establishing himself as a formidable talent in the show-jumping arena. His career continued to flourish, and in 1987, Jenkins made headlines at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis, where he earned silver medals in both individual and team jumping events. That same year, he received accolades such as the American Grand Prix Association's Rider of the Year and Horseman of the Year from the American Horse Show Association. However, after missing qualification for the 1988 Seoul Summer Games, Jenkins made his strategic retirement the following year, stating, "I enjoyed showing, and when I didn't, I quit." In his later years, Jenkins remained deeply connected to the equestrian world as a successful trainer of thoroughbreds, with his horses amassing an impressive total of 941 wins and nearly $25 million in earnings. He was recognized as Maryland Trainer of the Year in 2004, keeping his legacy alive in the racing community. Rodney Jenkins is survived by his wife, Unjin (Moon) Jenkins, his daughter Blythe, sons Matthew and Ty, twin sons Patrick and Robert from a previous marriage, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His life was a testament to the bond between horse and rider, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.