Jean has lived in Cumbria all her life, and has been associated with horse riding since she was a child, her father used heavy horses on their farm. Throughout her life she has competed in all equine disciplines. In her teens she ran a riding school from the farm in Cartmel. Jean qualified as a British Horse Society Instructor in the mid 70's and for many years was a chief examiner. She still teaches people for BHS exams and carries out riding and road safety tests. 

In 1999 she became Chairman of the British Horse Society - Cumbria and amongst her responsibilities in this capacity are bridleways and access, and training and welfare in the County. Jean was the founder member of the Cumbria Bridleway Society over 30 years ago.