Para-equestrian and high school senior Jonathan Wentz will be featured in the television series, The Real Winning Edge, January 10-11. Other areas can find channels and times for airing at www.realwinningedge.com/index.php.
Wentz was selected for the show after seeing an article in USEF’s Week in Review in June 2007, "TV Producer searching for Equestrians for New Series," and submitting his bio.
The 30-minute show profiles three young achievers who have overcome challenges and each are introduced by well-known celebrities. Wentz’s segment deals with overcoming disabilities, and he is introduced by Belmont winning jockey John Velazquez. Wentz is a para-equestrian with goals of riding for Team USA in dressage at the 2010 World Games in Lexington, KY, and the 2012 Paralymics in London, England. He has been riding since the age of two and has been competing in dressage at USEF-recognized shows against able-bodied riders since age 14 and has earned many accomplishments, including Junior Reserve Champion Training Level, DDC Yellow Rose II, September, 2007; DDC High-Score and Freestyle Champion at DDC Spring Show II, May 2008; Freestyle Champion at Yellow Rose I, October 2008. Since the filming of the show, he has had a disappointing setback, having to retire his equine teammate due to an injury. He is determined to continue and is currently seeking an equine teammate for lease that is a quality dressage horse that he can train with and take to the May 2009 USEF National Nationals Championships and the 2010 World Games. You can learn more about Went's riding career and goals at his website at www.jonathanwentz.org.