When Jennifer “Jen” Garutti reached the milestone of her 50th birthday in 2025, she recognized a personal imperative to catch up on essential health screenings that had been deferred amidst the demands of work, family, and the general ebb and flow of life. A routine mammogram and ultrasound were scheduled, anticipated as nothing more than a standard check-up. The outcome, however, was far from ordinary. A subsequent biopsy revealed the presence of breast cancer, a diagnosis that brought an unexpected wave of uncertainty into her life.

“I had no family history, and I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Garutti shared. “Even my breast surgeon, who’s one of the top surgeons in New Jersey, couldn’t feel it. It was that little.” The detected cancer was identified as triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Despite its early detection, her medical team recommended a course of chemotherapy following a double mastectomy, a significant undertaking that would encompass surgery, treatment, recovery, and the profound emotional weight of difficult conversations with her family.

Throughout this challenging period, horses remained an unwavering anchor. With the steadfast support of friends at her equestrian facility and the intuitive companionship of her equine partners, Garutti continued to ride, integrating the activity into her treatment and recovery journey. She even returned to competitive events as her health allowed, finding a unique resilience within the equestrian community. “I think horsewomen in general are just tough, but underneath that there’s such a sisterhood in the breast cancer community, especially amongst those who ride,” she reflected. “It was the catalyst that I didn’t have to give up horses. I was able to maintain that huge part of my life.” Garutti’s narrative is not one of relentless pushing, but rather of adaptation, acceptance of aid, and the profound discovery of the strength derived from her relationships with family, friends, and, most significantly, her horses, during times of profound life upheaval.

A Life Steeped in Equestrian Pursuits

Garutti’s lifelong connection with horses began in her childhood, sparked by an introduction to eventing through Pony Club. This passion continued through her college years at Drew University in New Jersey, where she diligently balanced her education with the demands of horse ownership. Following her marriage to Ron and the birth of their children, she temporarily stepped away from riding. The practicalities of childcare and the substantial expense of maintaining horses necessitated a pause. However, as her daughter, Devon, reached the age of five, Garutti began her search for a horse that would offer safety, enjoyment, and suitability for the next chapter of her riding life.

This quest led her to Labras Leannon, affectionately known as “Anne,” a Connemara mare who would evolve into a significant partner. Together, they achieved numerous USEF championships and year-end accolades, qualified for prestigious dressage regionals and the American Eventing Championships, and consistently earned the Connemara Award of Excellence. Anne was instrumental in fostering a network of trainers and friends who would become integral to Garutti’s support system, including her current trainer, Lauren Chumley, an accomplished FEI dressage rider with eventing experience through the Intermediate level.

The equestrian pursuit eventually became a family endeavor. When the Garuttis relocated to their custom-built dream home near Flemington, New Jersey, in December 2016, their horses initially resided in a run-in shed while a permanent barn was under construction. The garage was repurposed as a tack and feed room, and Garutti would transport supplies by wheelbarrow. The barn was completed in April 2018, transforming into more than just a stable; it became the heart of a community where women supported each other through personal losses, triumphs, and shared equestrian experiences. This profound sense of community would prove invaluable in 2025.

An Unexpected Equine Companion Emerges

Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Garutti had already navigated significant disruptions to her riding. Anne, her beloved Connemara mare, had undergone surgery for what was initially believed to be a keratoma in her hoof. However, a subsequent growth was identified as a melanoma, and it was later understood that the initial growth was also a melanoma. While Anne returned to competition and achieved championship success after her first surgery, the condition eventually recurred. Garutti had made a personal commitment not to subject Anne to further extensive procedures if the condition reappeared a third time. When Anne began to show discomfort, Garutti made the difficult decision to euthanize her, prioritizing her mare’s well-being. “I’m a believer in ‘no bad days,’ and she was heading down a path of a lot of bad days,” Garutti stated. “It was the right thing to do for her.”

In October 2023, Garutti experienced a serious ankle injury, sustaining a trimalleolar fracture and extensive ligament damage after slipping on wet grass. The injury necessitated two surgeries to repair the fracture and later replace hardware with more flexible pins. The recovery was arduous, requiring extensive rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. By the following spring, she was eager to return to riding. Drawing on her positive experiences with Connemara mares, Garutti had acquired a young Connemara gelding named Doc in 2022. However, Doc was green and opinionated, presenting a challenging partner for someone still recovering from an ankle injury.

At this juncture, trainer Lauren Chumley suggested an alternative. She proposed a care lease for Avatar’s Jazzman, a Morgan gelding owned by Chumley’s client, Melissa Dowling. Chumley had successfully competed Jazz in FEI dressage and evented him through the Training level, and he was seeking a suitable rider for his later years. “I had to ask—or tell—my husband, but it was a no-brainer,” Garutti remarked, readily accepting the offer.

Chumley emphasized that entrusting Jazz to Garutti was a rare occurrence, stemming from her absolute confidence in Garutti’s exceptional horse care standards. “I’m a little bit of a psycho when I come to horse care, and I don’t send my horses out, like ever—especially my old FEI horses. They’re lifers,” Chumley explained. “But my time with ‘Jazz’ was winding down a few years ago, and Jazz is super safe. Jen is one of like two people on the planet that I’m comfortable sending a horse to—she also has my 28-year-old Fjord mare—and I know that they’re both impeccably cared for.”

Jazz arrived in May 2024, coinciding with Garutti’s readiness to resume regular riding. His presence proved to be a significant morale booster. “He was so good for my morale,” she said. “Doc was tricky and complicated, but with Jazz I could hack quietly and just relax.” This shift allowed Garutti to concentrate on rebuilding her fitness and enjoying her rides, making progress in dressage without the added stress of a challenging young horse. Doc was subsequently sold as a hunter prospect and is reportedly thriving in his new home. That summer, Garutti achieved her U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze medal and qualified for regionals, a testament to her renewed focus and the supportive presence of Jazz.

The Unexpected Diagnosis

In April 2025, just as Garutti had spent months recovering from her ankle injury and rediscovering the joy of riding, she received her breast cancer diagnosis. This news introduced a new period of profound uncertainty. After consultations with her medical team, she opted for a double mastectomy, citing the estimated statistical advantage of this procedure in her specific case over a lumpectomy. Given the triple-negative nature of the cancer, her oncologist also recommended chemotherapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. “Zero stars, don’t recommend,” she stated frankly about chemotherapy, acknowledging its life-saving necessity but also its arduous nature.

Garutti and her husband, Ron, faced the challenging task of informing their children. Their daughter, Devon, was in her sophomore year of college. Initially, the family kept the diagnosis private while they navigated the immediate medical decisions. “Telling your children that you have cancer is really hard,” Garutti admitted. “We were lucky we caught it early. Everybody cried, and we realized summer would look different.” Ron provided indispensable support, accompanying her to appointments, assisting in decision-making, and serving as a crucial sounding board. Her employer of 28 years, Prudential Financial, also offered support, enabling her to utilize short-term disability benefits during her treatment.

Fortuitously, Garutti had excellent health insurance and access to specialists and treatment facilities conveniently located near her home. Her breast surgeon practiced in the Princeton area, and her chemotherapy was administered at Hunterdon Medical Center, a mere 10 minutes from her farm. Nevertheless, the experience was both physically and emotionally draining. Concerns about her family and work were compounded by the logistical challenge of managing the horses.

Before her surgery, Garutti arranged for comprehensive barn assistance. Friends rotated responsibilities, including night checks, ensuring the horses received their consistent care during her recovery. The women who had shared years of riding, showing, and mutual support were now rallying to help her through this unprecedented challenge.

Post-Mastectomy Recovery and the Role of Jazz

Recovery instructions following a mastectomy typically restrict lifting and strenuous activity. Garutti understood the need for caution, yet she was eager to return to Jazz. Approximately 12 days after her May 2025 surgery, she rode him for a short walk, with assistance available for tacking up and managing the horse. “I had surgical drains stuffed in my breeches,” she recalled with a wry smile. “I was my plastic surgeon’s worst nightmare.”

She commenced light riding around three weeks post-surgery, adjusting her activities based on her physical condition. By approximately five weeks, she was able to perform stable duties like mucking stalls, though she avoided lifting heavy buckets. Interestingly, she found cantering to be more comfortable than trotting due to the positioning and movement of her body, which allowed her to focus on canter changes while gradually rebuilding her strength. “The day I got cleared, I went out hunter pacing,” she announced, highlighting a significant milestone in her recovery. While admitting she wasn’t always the most compliant patient, she remained attuned to her body, backing off when any activity felt uncomfortable rather than pushing through pain.

The rhythm of her chemotherapy, which began in June 2025, also shaped her return to riding. Treatments were scheduled every 21 days, with the mid-week following an infusion often being the most challenging. “I went on Mondays, and by Wednesday and Thursday I was one with the couch,” she described. However, by the end of the week, her energy levels would begin to improve. If her strength permitted, she might walk Jazz, prepare for an upcoming horse show, or even compete before the next treatment cycle commenced.

She was able to participate in shows during periods when she felt well enough, demonstrating a remarkable flexibility and acceptance that some days would be more productive than others. Jazz proved to be an exceptionally understanding partner. “He was fine with having a few days off,” she stated. “Jazz could really sense when I wasn’t feeling well and would slow his pace. He 100 percent took care of me. I really trust him, and I was lucky I had him.”

Lauren Chumley acknowledged the vital role Jazz played during Garutti’s recovery. “It was important to her that I knew she didn’t want to give up the lease during her cancer treatment, and I reassured her that he’s not going anywhere, ever,” Chumley said. “Jazz is good enough that if she had to take four days to recover, it would be fine. He’s trained, he’s solid and likes his job. And now that she’s recovered, it’s also cool that she likes to event, because he loves it!”

Garutti also found solace and strength in connecting with other women who had experienced similar health challenges. Upon learning of her diagnosis, Chumley introduced Garutti to her friend Emily Donaldson, a survivor of triple-negative breast cancer. Donaldson’s immediate outreach provided Garutti with invaluable support and reinforced the profound connection within the equestrian community, which offered not only practical assistance but also a deep understanding of the emotional importance of maintaining ties to horses.

Celebrating Milestones Amidst Treatment

Even while undergoing treatment, Garutti continued to find reasons for optimism and forward momentum. In 2026, her focus shifted primarily to Fourth Level dressage, and she participated in the National Dressage Pony Cup at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio. Although Chumley was unavailable to coach that weekend, she connected Garutti with the dressage training team of Jennifer Roth in Ohio. Garutti and Jazz achieved a Fourth Level championship title, with Jazz also receiving the aptly named Avatar’s Jazzman Award and an all-breed award.

The National Dressage Pony Cup held particular significance for Garutti, as it celebrates the bond between riders and their ponies and smaller horses, recognizing their achievements irrespective of the extravagant movement often favored in the dressage arena. “What [Founder and President] Jenny Carroll has done with that organization is wonderful,” Garutti commented. “It’s fun to go see people with their ponies and small horses who love them and do it for fun. It’s Jazz’s jam, too.”

While Jazz might not possess the expansive movement of a large warmblood, Garutti believes his attitude makes him exceptional. “He has the heart of a champion. His heart is the size of Texas.” She humorously recounted nearly being eliminated for blending elements from her Third and Fourth Level tests, but Jazz’s adaptability proved remarkable. With her trainer’s endorsement, she recently made her Prix St. Georges debut and is actively working toward her USDF silver medal.

Garutti has also returned to eventing with Jazz for the first time since 2021. At 24 years old, Jazz is no longer a horse to be pushed toward ambitious goals, but he remains an enthusiastic and willing partner. The pair achieved a second-place finish at Starter level. “I competed through Preliminary as a kid, and Training as an adult, but I have to say going around Starter is just a blast,” Garutti shared, emphasizing the pure enjoyment of the experience.

Caring for the Horses Who Provide Care

Jazz, too, has required significant veterinary attention. Recently, a serious dental issue necessitated surgical tooth removal, followed by a 10-day stay at a veterinary clinic for sinus flushing. “He’s taken care of me through all of these things,” Garutti stated. “It was my turn to take care of him.”

Chumley expressed her satisfaction with Jazz’s current situation. “Jen’s a good friend and it’s actually super fun having horses like Jazz who can move on after their professional career with me, to go to someone who really appreciates them. Jen adores Jazz and appreciates him for what he is, and that’s what he deserves. He did so much for me, and we did so many cool things together. He deserves to be king of the castle.”

Jazz continues to compete successfully, with Garutti diligently monitoring his soundness through veterinary check-ups every six months. Her veterinarian frequently expresses surprise at his continued vitality, a longevity Garutti attributes to his breeding, sensible way of going, and years of dedicated training in Chumley’s program. Chumley herself has other horses competing successfully at FEI levels in their twenties, a testament, Garutti believes, to thoughtful training and long-term care. In 2020, Breyer released a collectible model horse of Avatar’s Jazzman, a testament to his impact. Garutti proudly displays her model of Jazz in her home office, alongside cherished photographs and ribbons from their shared accomplishments.

A New Perspective Forged by Experience

Garutti is now considered to be in remission, with no evidence of disease, and continues with regular follow-up appointments and bloodwork. In January 2026, she underwent reconstructive surgery utilizing fat transferred from her abdomen and upper thigh. While the recovery from this procedure was surprisingly painful, she was back in the saddle within approximately a week.

She acknowledges that individual treatment and recovery timelines vary significantly and emphasizes that her experience should not dictate others’ return-to-riding schedules. Her medical team guided her care, and she relied on the invaluable support of friends to manage tasks she could not perform. The enduring lesson from this journey is not about maintaining constant strength, but about the profound realization that she did not have to navigate it alone. Her family, colleagues, medical team, trainer, and barn friends were instrumental in keeping the essential aspects of her life within reach. Jazz provided a familiar and comforting presence with whom she could celebrate every progress, no matter how small.

For a rider who had already overcome the challenge of rebuilding her fitness after a serious ankle injury, the cancer diagnosis served as another stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. Yet, it also offered a clarifying perspective on her priorities. She remains focused on pursuing medals, mastering dressage tests, and continuing to care for her beloved horses.