March 1, 2015

Bent Jensen, Photo Credit: Sharon Packer

Nanette Sexton befriended and hired Bent Jensen in 1986. The two met at a stallion parade in Denmark that Fall. Jensen moved to Dover, MA, where Sexton owned a farm with her then husband, Richard Bailey. Not only was Jensen trainer for Sexton’s horses, he became part of the family. He traveled with the family to equine events, and also to distant places for concerts and occasions in the art world.

According to Benson, “Personally, she was interested in everything. She was very knowledgeable in the arts, knew many people, and was a lot of fun.”

Anne Gribbons introduced both Jensen and Sexton to South Florida and its haven for superior dressage. Sexton first purchased the property that is directly across from the present Southfields Farm on Hanover Circle in Loxahatchee, Fl.

Bensen accepted the horse “Ariston” into training. When Ariston became available for sale, Sexton purchased him. Benson and Ariston qualified to represent the Danish team in the 1992 Olympics. It was at the same time that Carol Lavell and Gifted qualified for team USA in the Olympics, according to Bensen. He and Sexton were there during the “good old days” in Loxahatchee. This was the beginning, the golden days of the birth of international level dressage competition at White Fences.

Bensen and Sexton were a team, traveling to dressage competitions all over the world. Though Bensen began his own business in 1993, he and Sexton remained close. Of their adventures in international dressage events, Bensen stated, “Nan loved all of it.”

We thank you, Nan Sexton, for your contribution to Palm Beach County becoming the winter international dressage show capitol of the world.

By Sharon Packer