Jacqueline Schatzberg has been immersed in the horse industry for as long as she can remember. As the daughter of top show photographers, Howard and Megan Schatzberg, horses have always been a central part of her life. Growing up ringside and behind the scenes at horse shows, it was only natural she would find her own place in the sport. Today, she is an active competitor within the Arabian, Morgan, Hackney, and Saddlebred communities, balancing a busy show schedule with a growing list of leadership roles.
Most recently, Schatzberg competed at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show, where she catch-rode a Hackney, Knight’s Live Action, in the Road Pony Under Saddle and a Saddlebred, Kiss at Night NKF in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Country Pleasure.
“Both were great classes,” Schatzberg said. “There was tough competition, but overall, it was a really good show week.”
The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show serves as the first stop in a trio of premier American Saddlebred horse shows and attracts competitors and spectators from across the U.S. and Canada. Held in the iconic Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, the event celebrated its 90th anniversary and has grown to become the largest outdoor American Saddlebred show in North America.
“Lexington Junior League is incredibly special,” said Schatzberg. “There aren’t many horse shows with an atmosphere like it. Competing outdoors in an arena as large as the Rolex Arena is unlike anything else, and it’s one of my favorite shows.”
Part of what makes breed shows like this unique is its schedule. Morning classes begin at 9 a.m. and conclude around noon before competition resumes in the evening after 7 p.m. The break allows competitors time to care for their horses, explore the area, and prepare for the highly anticipated nighttime classes.
“You have plenty of time to hang out and appreciate your horses,” Schatzberg said. “We show in the morning, spend the afternoon in Lexington, and then return refreshed in the evening to either compete or watch.”
For Schatzberg, however, the appeal of Junior League extends far beyond the competition itself. The event brings together exhibitors of all ages and offers an environment that is equal parts competitive, educational, and social.
“It’s always a very competitive show,” she said. “But what makes it memorable is everything happening outside the classes. There is so much to do, learn, and watch, that you never want to leave the ring.”
Schatzberg is a member of the ASHBA Youth Council, which provides space for young exhibitors to learn and advocate for the breed, connect with fellow exhibitors, and foster horsemanship and sportsmanship skills.
“Youth participation is so important,” she said. “Since I started coming to Lexington, the number of kids involved has grown tremendously. Both the show and the Youth Council are great places for kids to bond and make friends with other Saddlebred-lovers beyond the show ring.”
One of the Youth Council’s signature events during the show is Junior Judging, a hands-on evening allowing young members to expand their knowledge of show procedures and specifications for the judging of Saddlebreds. 2026 saw over 60 members attend to live judge at the Rolex.
Behind the scenes, Schatzberg has taken on the key task of tabulation for Junior Judging. This is the process of collecting, verifying, and calculating scores given by judges to decide final placings.
“I have always been academically driven,” she said. “I love learning and jumped at the chance to learn how to tabulate. I’m a very busy person, but it’s great to know this is one way I can give back and be involved.”
Her work with the ASHBA Youth Council has shaped her future ambitions. At only 16, Schatzberg already has a clear vision for where she hopes her career will lead.
“I want to go into equine journalism,” she said. “I know horses will always be a part of my future. It’s a no-brainer. I’ve caught the bug; I'm going to keep going with horses no matter what. They’re always going to be a part of my life and what I'm going to do.”
Upon discovering her passion for journalism and desire to stay within the equine industry, Bob Funkhouser and Christy Howard Womack of the Saddle Horse Report reached out to Schatzberg with an opportunity.
“Bob and Christy approached me with the idea of interviewing trainers to help strengthen my skills,” she said. “I’ve absolutely loved it. There are so many different sides of this industry, especially with Saddlebreds, and I can’t wait to continue sharing their stories.”
Whether she’s competing in the show ring, volunteering with youth programs, or developing her skills as a writer and interviewer, Schatzberg is already making her mark on the industry. As her passion for horses and storytelling continues to grow, she is poised to become an influential voice within the equestrian community.
For now, Schatzberg can be seen at events like the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show, both in the saddle and behind the notebook, as she pursues a future dedicated to the sport she has loved her entire life.