2022 International Conference Speakers and Bios – Certified Horsemanship Association

2022 International Conference Speakers, Bios and Sessions

Sally Batton

Sally is the Founder and President of Athletic Equestrian and is a sought-after clinician all over the US, including Alaska and Hawai’i. Athletic Equestrian also includes the Athletic Equestrian League, the Athletic Equestrian: Riding in College Podcast and her book The Athletic Equestrian was published in February 2022 by Horse & Rider Books. Sally was the Director of Riding and Varsity Equestrian Head Coach at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for twenty-nine years and was on the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Board for over 30 years and was recognized with the 2013 IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2019 was honored among the first class inducted into the IHSA Hall of Fame.

Equicize! – Saturday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

Equicize is a fun workout system that will get you riding fit fast! Developed by Sally Batton over her 30 year career coaching varsity collegiate athletes, Equicize will help with your cardio and muscular fitness while mounted. In this workshop, Sally will lead you through Equicize so that you can take home the exercises and try them mounted on your horse or pony! Equicize exercises include both an unmounted and mounted warm-up and then once mounted includes introductory fitness exercises and then proceeds to a more advanced workout.

Jim Boller

Jim has been in the forefront of animal welfare and disaster response for more than 30 years. He is currently a full time instructor and disaster responder with Code 3 which provides extensive training throughout the United States to animal welfare professionals and those involved in animal emergency response.

TBA – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites, Ballroom TBA

Michelle Borland

Michelle is currently an owner and Barn Manager of the Bar SZ Ranch located in rural Paicines, California. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her life to learning, teaching, and building exceptional equine programs. Michelle is certified through the CHA at level 4 in Western
and English with Jumping. Over the past twelve years, Michelle has specialized in helping both kids and adults have their very best first lessons. Each year she gives hundreds of lessons to dude
ranch guests, 4-H participants, and students. Her passion is to give her students outstanding experiences that are safe and educational. Michelle also works hard to include her ranch interns and employees in every lesson, guided trail ride, or horse training event. Fostering a tradition of safe horsemanship is important in everything Michelle does.

How to Build a 5 Star Riding Lesson Business – Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m., Miller Coliseum

Experience dynamic, interactive, and amazing first lesson exercises that will drive your lesson program to the top! Learn how to set up your beginner lessons so that you exude professionalism while really connecting with every student and building a foundation for them to continue learning and improving throughout your program. In addition to creating exceptional lessons, learn how to encourage, grow, and teach more advanced students to be essential assistant instructors in your lessons as well. Building lesson programs that encourage and mold the whole student from beginning through advanced riding is a passion of Michelle’s, and she wants to share some of the secrets she has learned during her 20 years of building successful lesson and internship programs.

Joy Brigham

Joy brings 20 years of experience as a show producer of many different disciplines. She has also worked in the capacity of a volunteer manager, 4-H leader, and parent of an equestrian athlete. Joy is on the IEA Education Committee, the current Alabama Quarter Horse Youth Advisor, Event Leadership Team for Relay for Life of Chilton County AL, and currently works for the American Cancer Society as an Associate Director in Peer to Peer Fundraising. Joy and her husband Matthew reside in Clanton Alabama when they are not on the road to a horse or mule show with their daughter Carrie.

Show Hosting tips and tricks – Simon Towns & Joy Brigham – Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m., Miller Club

Learn tips and tricks to keep your show hosting organized, fun and simple. Our speakers will share some easy to use tools provided by IEA to make your show day run flawlessly. Tips on how to conquer logistics of choosing a facility, insurance, officials, financials, entries, volunteer recruitment and management, creating a grid, schooling schedule and organizing the flow of your show. Session will end with a roundtable format so that others can share their own tips and tricks for being a great show host or co-host.

Anne Brzezicki

Anne is the retired Director of Equestrian Programs at Middle Tennessee State University. Her background includes teaching at 4-H horse camps in CT and TN, competing in USEF, IHSA and AQHA shows, and coaching many youth, amateur, and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association national champions. She is a CHA Master Instructor and Clinician and has been hosting CHA certification clinics and thoroughly enjoys working with other teachers in an atmosphere of shared enthusiasm, knowledge and techniques. Anne is a Certified Real Colors Trainer. In 2015, Anne won the CHA Instructor of the Year Award.

Exercises for Teaching Lengthening and Shortening of Strides – Saturday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m., Miller Coliseum

TBA

Pauline Burnes

Pauline is a Registered Landscape Architect, equestrian, and active equestrian trail advocate from Allegany County, New York. Burnes is the Western NY Director for the New York State Horse Council, Inc. and was selected by the Allegany County Legislature to serve on the Trails and Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council as equestrian representative. After 23 years of service as a Landscape Architect with the NYS Department of Transportation, Pauline has established her own firm, Pauline E. Burnes, Landscape Architect, PLLC. Prior to becoming a Landscape Architect, Pauline was a self-employed farrier and managed a 40-horse herd at the Girl Scout National Center West in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. Raised in the City of Rochester, New York, Burnes recognizes the need to protect our valuable public lands for equestrian trails and outdoor recreation. Her presentation will introduce you to IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. and how participants can be actively involved with protecting, improving, and maintaining equestrian trails in their own communities.

Organizing the Community to Preserve, Protect, Improve and Maintain Access to Equestrian Trails – Friday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m., Miller Club

There are many pressures impacting equestrian trails, and horsemen both nationally and internationally need to know how they can protect these precious open space resources and equestrian’s access to trails. This session will provide a template for organizing the community to work with equestrians and public land managers to protect and improve multi use year-round trails for equestrians, hikers, cross country skiers and snowshoers. It will describe the significance of developing a relationship with the public land managers and forming a non-profit organization with a strong board of directors to create an organization that has sustainability and has credibility in your community. Working with other organizations, such as your State Horse Council, the Back Country Horsemen of America, American Trails, and Equine Land Conservation Resource (No Land, No Horse) will be presented in this session.

Bob Byrns

Bob is the Retired Manager/Advisor for Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC) 2004-2020. PMC is a Ceremonial Horse Unit of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. Upon his retirement in 2020, the Cavalry had 140 cadets, 72 horses and mules, a 1902 horse-drawn field gun, and a mule-drawn escort wagon. PMC’s horses have been barefoot for the last 16 years and make over 35 public appearances each year. The horses are trained and ridden using Natural Horsemanship. Bob is a CHA Certifier in Western, English, Jumping equitation and an Equine Facilities Level 4 Manager. He also holds IRD and PATH certification.

Safety and Ground Work – Saturday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

Yearly there are 50 college sophomores admitted to Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets Parsons Mounted Cavalry.(total unit consists of 140 College Sophomore to Senior Cadets) Ninety percent have little or no horse experience. This is the program used to move them unto Level 3/4 CHA riders. They then appear before thousands of people in 25 plus events per year. These events have included The Tournament of Roses in California, US Presidential and Texas Governor Inaugurations and appearances at all home football games and other campus and state events.

Kelly Cannon

Kelly operates a small lesson program and cares for 25 horses of many breeds and ages on her farm in the upstate of SC. Serves as a CHA certifier, a board member of the South Carolina Horsemans Council, and hosts annual hunter paces for the Western Carolina Hunter Pace organization. Focus on natural horsekeeping, horsemanship, and excellence in horse husbandry.

Are we starving our horses with grain? – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites, Ballroom TBA

Discussion based on the function of Equine digestion, the effect what we feed on them has on its function, and how to make changes to improve the function.

Marilyn Coffey

Marilyn is a Biomechanics Riding Instructor and owner of “Miroir du Cheval Equestrian, LLC.” Her Credentials are: USDF Bronze Medalist CHA Master Instructor & Certifier, and PATH Certified Instructor. Marilyn is one of CHA’s youngest to earn Master Instructor / Certifier status and had served two years as the CHA State Rep. for Oklahoma. Currently, she is teaching/training both Western and English at multiple locations to riders of all ages.

1 in 10 Women are Suffering Silently – Thursday, October 20 at 4:00 p.m., Embassy Suites, Ballroom TBA

Did you know 1 in 10 women have Endometriosis and / or PCOS? How does this impact your riding or the riding of your students? The nature of riders using their core/seat to influence the horse’s movement, and having pelvic pain can directly affect the riders’ ability to improve their riding skill. After dedicating years of research to better understanding her own pelvic pain, Marilyn openly discusses her story, so that others can get on the path of pain-free riding. Topics to be discussed: Does pelvic PT work? Getting “back in the saddle” after abdominal surgeries “dos and don’ts.” Is my doctor giving accurate advice?

Dr. Bob Coleman

Dr. Bob grew up in western Canada and has had a lifelong interest in horses. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a major in Animal Sciences and a master’s degree in Animal Science. After graduating, Coleman worked in the Canadian Feed Industry as a nutritionist for two major feed companies before moving in 1980, to Alberta Canada to be the Extension Horse Specialist for Alberta Agriculture. During his time in Alberta, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Alberta with a focus in Equine Nutrition. In 1998, Dr. Bob moved to the University of Kentucky as the Equine Extension Specialist. Dr. Bob has worked with horse owners across the state in areas of horse management with an interest in facility design and management. This has included looking at ways to provide feed and water safely and effectively to horses. In addition to his Extension duties, Dr. Bob teaches in the Equine Science and Management program courses on Tools and Tack in the horse industry and Equine Facility design and management. Dr. Bob is active in the Horse Industry serving as on the AQHF research committee and is a past president of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association. Professionally, Dr. Bob is a member of the Equine Science Society and he serves as the executive director, is a member of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, and is a Diplomat in the American College of Animal Science and the American Society of Animal Scientists. As a member of CHA, Coleman is certified as a Lead Site Visitor and Trainer and serves on the board as the President.

Your Arena- Construction, Care and Maintenance – Thursday, October 20 at 4:00 p.m., Embassy Suites, Ballroom TBA

For those with a lesson program and possibly a training program having an area or other suitable place to ride horses is a must. With the increase in number of options as to what footing is available having that conversation as to what you have, what you need and how do you maintain the footing you have. Arena surfaces have evolved and so has the equipment to maintain it. This presentation will cover some of the basics a sort of ground up conversation.

Julie Dillon

Julie is a Certified Riding Instructor and has been training and instructing riders of Gaited breeds for over thirty years. At her HorseFeathers Academy in Mason, NH she provides comprehensive educational mounted and academic sessions for adult learners wanting to excel in classic equitation with their smooth gaited horses. Julie’s program is unique as it is based on the Dressage training standards of patience and correct movement for both horse and rider. Julie is passionate about coaching her students toward attaining their dreams and goals of participating with their smooth Gaited horses in the Dressage arena. She has received Year End High point and Championship honors both Walking Horses and Missouri Fox Trotting horses in the Dressage arena from Intro to Third Level. She also instructs on the trail in preparation for horse camping and in the arena for rail classes. When not schooling in the arena, Julie and her horses are often camping and riding in the forests of New England where they find balance between study and relaxation.

Is There a Gaited Horse in your program? – Friday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m., Miller Club

Walking Horses, Fox Trotting Horses and Mountain Bred Gaited horses are becoming increasingly more included in trail, pleasure and show disciplines. When arriving at your barn as lesson masters or with their owners seeking instruction, these breeds have much to offer as they can enable the rider to balance themselves easier with their unique way of going. From the students’ very first moments in the saddle to the first canter depart lesson, the smooth Gaited horse can be invaluable for instilling an increased level of confidence in the rider. In our round table discussion we will cover the basics of correct Gaited movement, we will discuss teaching methods for helping students maintain the unique footfall of the smooth gaits and discover how classic and traditional teaching and training methods apply to the Gaited horse and rider team. Come and join us to hear the many reasons why these Gaited horses have grown in popularity!

Jennifer Eaton

Jennifer obtained her Massachusetts Instructors License in 1992. She has a bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology and has taught all types riders. She joined the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) in 2006 as a member coach. In her third year as a coach, she took a volunteer position as regional president and subsequently held a leadership role in her area until 2014 when she retired as zone chairperson. She is an IEA show steward and often travels outside New England. IEA hired Jennifer in 2009 in the membership office to help coaches and parents with member enrollment and management of their competitions. She has assisted IEA with growth and resource development leading to an expansion in membership, which exceeded 11,000 members in 2014. In 2012, Jennifer was promoted to membership marketing coordinator. Jennifer was given the 2014 Massachusetts Horseman’s Council “Person of the Year” award for her contributions to the development of youth equestrian opportunities in her area.

General IEA Q&A – how to join IEA, outside the ring opportunities – Jennifer Eaton & Katie Schaaf – Thursday, October 20 at 4:00 p.m., Embassy Suites, Ballroom TBA

Hunt Seat From the Judge’s Perspective – Jennifer Eaton & Katie Schaaf – Friday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m., Miller Coliseum

Come join us for an IEA mock horse show using the draw format where you will receive instant feedback from the judge. Riders and coaches will gain a better understanding of what the judge is looking for in hunt seat equitation flat and over fences classes.

Western From the Judge’s Perspective – Jennifer Eaton

How to grow your program – Jennifer Eaton & Katie Schaaf – Saturday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m., Miller Club

Membership growth is important to the future of every organization and riding program. Hear from the IEA marketing team on creative ways to help grow your team and business. Tips on ways to up your social media presence, increase revenue, gain community awareness, unique fundraising ideas, and reach out to potential sponsors.

Chauntel Gilliland

Chauntel’s diverse equestrian career spans from pony hunters in Virginia, to western riding in southern California, to foxhunting in England. She now owns and operates CSG Horsemanship, LLC in Willsboro, New York, on her family’s working cattle and sheep farm. Prior to striking out on her own, she worked as a riding instructor, trainer and barn manager for a therapeutic riding center, two equestrian summer camps, a large trail riding and guiding outfit, and a horse rescue. Chauntel is an active volunteer in the New York 4-H horse program, leading her county’s horse group, the Reber Valley Riders 4-H club. She serves as a director for the Northern region on the New York State Horse Council and in 2020 was awarded NYS Horsewoman of the Year. Chauntel is a CHA Level 3 certified riding instructor.

From the Ground Up: Building Horsemanship into Your Riding Lessons – Friday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

With a typical lesson being an hour or less, many aspiring riders miss out on building important horsemanship and handling skills in favor of progressing in the saddle. Chauntel will introduce exercises you can use to simultaneously improve both unmounted and mounted skills, increase the rider’s confidence, and deepen the rider’s understanding of horse training and behavior. All this, without the dull lecture and with all the fun! Your horses will be happier and you’ll be creating the horsemen of tomorrow.

Julie Goodnight

Julie is best known for her TV show about horse training– which aired weekly for eleven years– and for her sensible and kind training for all equestrians. Her methods are grounded in natural horsemanship, classical riding, and understanding what motivates horses. Julie is the CHA International Spokesperson and she teaches at clinics, expos and special events everywhere and offers online education, how-to videos, and her own tack and training tools at JulieGoodnight.com.

Canter Exercises – Chages, Counter Canter and More! Saturday, October 22 at 12:00 p.m., Miller Colliseum

TBA

Katherine Goodwin

Katherine is a Certified English and Western Riding Instructor that currently resides in Waco, Texas. From a young age she found happiness in horseback riding and as she grew older she knew that her love of riding could be expanded upon. After spending years in healthcare she decided to attend a CHA Judging Clinic in Denver Colorado. Once there two other students dropped out and she was encouraged by the amazing Christy Landwehr to get certified. She went for certification and managed to get certified in both English and Western riding. She has loved being a part of the CHA family and is continuing to develop her education for horse and rider. When she is not teaching lessons she is traveling with her husband, spending time with their three dogs, or working for Baylor University.

Preventing Injury to Horse and Rider – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites, Ballroom TBA

The importance of being well aware of your horse and rider’s stability physically and mentally.

Aimee Hennarty

Aimee is a CHA certified riding instructor, PATH Mentor and PATH certified (ESMHL) Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Aimee pursued her CHA certification in 2005 in order to provide and uphold the best safety standards and riding instruction possible for her clients. Aimee’s teaching background is in the non profit arena. She has provided horsemanship lessons and programming for at-risk individuals in foster care and juvenile hall since 2004.

In 2018, Aimee began her work at Sierra Sage Treatment Center as an equine specialist in mental health and learning. During her time at the treatment center, she has received many hours of trauma informed care and intervention training and has worked with hundreds of highly traumatized adolescents and survivors of human trafficking. Her equine therapy program works in collaboration with her student’s treatment team and therapists allowing Aimee to facilitate Equine Psychotherapy and equine assisted learning sessions as part of her students treatment at the center.

A Trauma Informed Approach to Horsemanship – Saturday, October 22, at 1:30 p.m. – Miller Club

There is a rising need for professional riding instructors to gain awareness of signs of trauma in clients and become informed on how to approach trauma related symptoms in individuals while working with equines. As trauma informed equine professionals, we can work to prevent new trauma and retraumatization in vulnerable populations. I will share insights as to how our equines can trigger traumatic responses in people and how to professionally stay in our lane as riding instructors while creating a supportive community and environment for vulnerable populations.

Serena Heppes

Serena is an ACI based in San Jose California with a multi discipline riding program called Under the Son Horsemanship. After graduating from Canyonview Equestrian College in Silverton Oregon, she moved back home to California to manage a rental string and lesson program. Eventually, Serena decided to branch out and start her own program. Since she founded her program at their first location in 2015, Serena has started an IEA Team for both hunt seat and dressage, as well as competing with her students up and down the state of California. Her students have earned IEA Regional championships, high point awards, competed at IEA nationals, and some have pursued a professional career in the equine industry. Currently, Serena’s time is spent managing her business between the two locations, her two IEA teams and taking students to compete at rated Dressage and Hunter/Jumper shows.

Progressing riders by creating pressure – Saturday, October 22, at 9:00 a.m. – Anne Brzezicki Arena

How to turn your students into resilient riders under pressure, while keeping them safe. Create physically and emotionally strong riders that can stand handle the mental game that riding entails.

(All disciplines) 4 riders, mix of different levels. Will probably need poles, a single fence (if we have a hunt seat rider that can jump assigned to this class) and cones.

Ariel Higgins

Ariel hails from rural Alabama originally, where she spent her days riding and showing American Quarter Horses under the guidance of her mom, a professional horse trainer, and going to school where her dad was her teacher. Ariel’s riding and showing career allowed for many opportunities over the years, culminating in an All American Quarter Horse Congress Championship, an AQHA World Championship and Reserve World Championship. Ariel attended Middle Tennessee State University and attained both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Horse Science before she joined faculty at MTSU Horse Science in 2017 as the Director of Equestrian Programs and coach of the MTSU Equestrian Team. She has since coached a third place team at the National Championship, the winning Collegiate Celebration team, and multiple regional champions. Ariel is a CHA Certified Instructor, a member of the IEA Education Committee, a volunteer for Tennessee 4H and FFA, and still actively competes in AQHA competition.

College recruitment/riding in college – Ariel Higgins & Andrea Rego – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Mental Preparedness – Ariel Higgins & Courtney Smith – Friday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m., Miller Coliseum

AHH! The course has TWO oxers?! The horsemanship pattern has a counter canter?! Oftentimes, the fear and self-doubt of stepping out into a ring to perform a test or course can cause mistakes that inevitably shake the confidence of a rider. The answer to this problem comes from mental preparation. When our mind is able to focus on the job at hand, it pushes out the doubt that creeps in when we don’t have a plan. Learn how to use imagery, self-talk, goal setting, and other aspects of psychological skills training to develop mental preparation for patterns, tests and courses, even in a draw-format competition.

Dr. Rhonda Hoffman

Dr. Rhonda Hoffman is a Professor and the Director of the Horse Science Program at Middle Tennessee State University. She has been teaching students, horse owners, and equine industry professionals about horse science, especially horse nutrition, for over 25 years. She earned board-certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Nutrition in 2007. She has published over 80 scientific research and popular press articles and most recently collaborated with Dr. Warren Evans to publish the third edition of The Horse textbook. Rhonda was awarded Equine Science Society’s Outstanding Educator Award in 2021, and the MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award in 2013. Nominated by students and selected from over 900 faculty, it is the university’s highest teaching recognition.

MTSU Keynote – Thursday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Becky Huddleston

Becky is the owner and head trainer and coach at Tightfit Stables in Baxter, TN. Becky grew up on a family farm in Baxter and graduated in December of 2000 from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. She has since been teaching equitation and horsemanship and training horses at her farm. Becky has been the coach of the Equestrian Team at Tennessee Tech since 2001, after riding on the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team as an undergraduate. She successfully competed in Equitation on the flat, Equitation over fences, Open Horsemanship and Open Reining. She currently holds the position of IHSA Zone 5 Region 1 President and sits on the Board of Directors for the IHSA.

Since 2000, the program at Tightfit Stables has grown to over 70 weekly students and over 30 horses. Becky is a certified instructor through the Certified Horsemanship Association for western, hunter, jumping and trail and has taught other certified instructors at the CHA International Conference. She has taught clinics in Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. She has lead both western and hunter teams in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and after gaining her position on the approved judges list, has judged IEA shows in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Becky is also a familiar face in the stewards’ chair for many IEA shows in TN. Most recently she has become involved with the Youth Equestrian Development Association and has stewarded several shows, including the 2020 and 2021 YEDA Nationals and is slated to Steward the 2022 YEDA Nationals.

In addition to judging the IEA shows, Becky also judges many of the local hunter shows, 4H shows, saddle club shows and fair shows. She is recently on the judges list for Pony of the America’s Club and the Open Horse Show Association. As she continues to grow her lesson program, she attends many clinics to enhance her own education both in the teaching arena and the judges’ box.

When your passion becomes your poison: Identifying and dealing with professional burnout – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Join us for a candid discussion about recognizing burnout as well as overcoming this all too common condition.

Lisa Lombardi

Lisa has been a full time professional riding instructor since 1987. She is a CHA master instructor, site evaluator, and certifier. She is also PATH and Ceip-Ed certified, and has a Ba in English with an emphasis on education. She is a Santa Rosa Junior College equine science instructor in addition to running her own lesson program with her own nine horses. Lisa has a wide range of teaching, riding, and competition experience, including reining, jumping, dressage and western dressage, trail riding and camping, therapeutic riding, drill team and color guard, ranch riding. Today Lisa Lombardi still enjoys passing on horsemanship skills to 4 year olds through 80 year olds as much as she did the first day she was hired as a summer camp wrangler May 1987. What was supposed to be a one-summer job transformed into a life-long passion and career.

Crossing Rainbow Bridge – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Losing a horse or making the decision to euthanize a horse is challenging for anyone. We will discuss various scenarios on making end of life decisions while simultaneously honoring the horse and respecting the public’s perception and participation. Discussion will include financial and medical considerations as well as dignity of the horse and appropriate communication with students/clients.

Deanna Mancuso

The founder of LOHR, Deanna Mancuso, is a well-established member of the local professional equine community. Starting out as an exercise rider for various farms from Westchester to Columbia Counties, she successfully moved up to barn management, eventually transitioning to business-owner of Equine Escape Stable. Within a few years of opening Equine Escape, Deanna began to recognize a disturbing trend within the community. She was receiving a growing number of inquiries regarding unwanted horses and how to report abuse and neglect. This problem was only exacerbated by requests from the DCSPCA to foster seized horses which had begun to outnumber available spaces at their own facilities. Determined to be part of the solution, Deanna established Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue to offer permanent sanctuary to these otherwise unwanted, abused, or neglected animals, and provide them with a safe haven where they would never again experience the situations that led them to LOHR in the first place. Deanna is a CHA Certified English & Western Instructor, and site accreditation visitor.

So You Want to Start a Horse Rescue – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Deanna started Lucky Orphans, an equine sanctuary in 2008, and today is “People Helping Horses Heal People” . She will share how she transitioned from a for profit boarding facility to a nonprofit organization with 50 horses onsite. After 14 years in non profit equine rescue, Deanna is happy to share some tips with you to create, organize and run your equine rescue and programs.

Jill Montgomery

Jill Montgomery is a CHA certified English and Western Riding Instructor, an Equine Facility Manager Certifier, and Site Accreditation Visitor, former Region 9 Director, former Board Member and a Lifetime CHA Member. She is the CEO of JRAM Enterprises TX LLC, an Equine Business Consulting Firm based in Stephenville, TX. Working in the horse industry for more than 30 years, her experience spans activities as diverse as managing the U.S. Army’s Dude Ranch to serving as Executive Director for the American Youth Horse Council. Montgomery works to keep equine activities enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Keys to Make Your Barn Work for Your Horse Business – Thursday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Your barn is one of the biggest assets in your business. Is it working as hard as it can to support your business? In this presentation we will look at factors that can help you evaluate and possibly improve the barn that you use every day in your program for safety, functionality, and return on investment. This talk includes safety etiquette that can make the difference between a human or a horse getting hurt in a barn. Considerations for keeping your horses at their best and avoiding common barn ailments will be looked at. Organizing with biomechanics in mind for the humans working in the barn can help to get more out of your time and efforts. Discussion will cover overall design for highest return of this space to your program. It will be interactive. Bring your questions. Plan on leaving with ideas for how to get more out of your barn.

Ken Najorka

Ken has been affiliated with CHA for many years as a certified instructor and a Region 7 Director. He owns Najorka Performance Horses in Fort White, Florida where he raises, trains, and sells reining horses. Ken was the coach for the University of Central Florida equestrian team and now conducts horsemanship clinics across the southeast. He maintains a lesson program at his barn that serves to develop riders in Western Dressage, Ranch Horse, and Trail Riding disciplines. najorkaperformancehorses@gmail.com

Just Say Whoa – Teaching horses to stop softly – Saturday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m., Miller Coliseum

TBA

Darrell Nephew

Darell is the VP Sales for Circle Y Saddles, Inc., has been involved in the equine industry for 40 years and is a master saddle craftsman and expert saddle fitter. He started his career in the late 1980s with Steve Tucker, founder of Tucker Trail Saddles, and has evolved with the brand to what it is today. For 25 years, his specific goal was saddle and tree design so horse and rider in all disciplines could come together for a comfortable ride. Since then, Darrell has applied 30 years of knowledge ranging from saddle work, tree design, and customer service to support a large dealer network and riders worldwide.

Saddle Fitting – Friday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m., Miller Club

Saddle fit is all about weight distribution and doesn’t have to be an obstacle that you need to overcome. Come and watch how to take the worry out of saddle fitting and enjoy your saddle and horse. If saddle fit has been difficult for you, come to this session and get your horse comfortable so you can enjoy the ride.

Heidi Potter

Heidi Potter is a Centered Riding© Clinician, Horse Speak® Senior Instructor, Accredited Horse Agility Trainer, Author, and CHA Master Instructor and Certifier, sharing over 50 years of horse experience. She studied Centered Riding© directly with neighbor, friend and founder, the late Miss Sally Swift. In 2017 Heidi began studying Horse Speak, the kinesthetic language of the horse, with founder Sharon Wilsie. She considers this work the “missing link” in horsemanship practices today. Heidi effectively combines Horse Speak, the basics of Centered Riding, and Eastern philosophies derived from her many years of training in Traditional Martial Arts. The result is a unique, mindful approach to horsemanship, resulting in calmer, safer, more enriching, and enjoyable relationships between horses and their humans. Heidi and her family own and operate the New England Center for Horsemanship located in Southern Vermont. She enjoys liberty play, time out on the trail and Western Dressage with her Cheval Canadian horse Riley. For more information and to view her 2022 clinic schedule visit her booth or www.heidipotter.com.

Lunch – Centered Riding©-Improving Confidence, Comfort, Security and Balance – Friday, October 21 at 12:00 p.m., Miller Coliseum

Centered Riding Clinician Heidi Potter guides riders through the CR Basics of Soft Eyes, Breathing, Centering, and Balance. Application of these philosophies help riders of all disciplines and levels improve comfort, communication, and balance of both themselves and their horses. The result is a calmer, more connected, harmonious ride.

Beth Powers

Beth Powers of Bellefontaine, Ohio an educator who is a life member of the Certified Horsemanship Association. She has served over twenty years on the CHA board of Directors as a committee member and chairperson, executive committee, and president. She also has been on the board of directors for the American Horse Youth Horse Council, with a focus on youth programs during the conferences. Powers was the equestrian director of a YMCA resident camp for over 20 years, while at Camp she was a member of the American Camping Association and became a site visitor for the accreditation program. Currently she works as a substitute teacher, volunteers, and teaches part time at Discovery Riders a therapeutic riding barn nearby.

Through her involvement in CHA Powers has had the opportunity to present talks at various trade shows and conferences throughout the country. She is a certified English/Western instructor, pack and trail overnight guide, a CHA site visitor and trainer. She helps other pet lovers by being a pet sitter and enjoys traveling, repairing horse tack and working in the garden.

Site Accreditation and Site Visitor Training – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Being CHA Site Accredited shows your clients you care about the safety and quality of your equine program. Current CHA members can become part of this important program as Site Visitors. Learn more about CHA Site Accreditation and the new “On-Site” Visitor Training.

LET’S PLAY – Mounted Games – Friday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

Join us for some fun while we play mounted games. All these games can be played with riders of various ages and abilities. Those who sign up to ride will participate in the fun while those in the stands will receive a handout with all the activities demonstrated. It will be a chance to network with others and learn some new games to liven up your lessons. Riding should be safe, FUN, and effective the CHA Way

Andrea Rego

Andrea grew up an active Georgia 4-Her and was successful showing horses in all-around events as a youth. Andrea has her Bachelors of Science in Animal Science from Berry College, where she also competed on their varsity national champion womens equestrian team. Andrea received her Masters degree in Equine Education from Middle Tennessee State University and joined their faculty in 2016. She has coached the Middle Tennessee State University Stock Horse team to two national championship titles and two reserve national championships. Andrea has competed successfully in the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse events, finishing in the Top 5 in Open ranch riding at the AQHA VRH World Show in 2021. As a college instructor Andrea teaches a variety of undergraduate courses in horsemanship, equine assisted activities and therapies, stable management, behavior of domestic animals, and advanced western competition. Andrea enjoys teaching riders how to develop a plan while riding, which includes steps to accomplish mental and physical riding goals in and outside of the show pen.

College recruitment/riding in college – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Andrea will discuss recruitment process of collegiate riders. She will cover typical team expectations, cost variations, and degree opportunities within college riding programs.

Sanna Roling

Introduced to CHA in 1984, today Sanna serves CHA as a Texas Representative and operates an adaptive riding program in Houston, TX. Currently Level 3 English, Level 2 Western, she has been a part of editing, revising, and writing our standards and several of our manuals. She is a CHA Life Member. Founder of two separate non-profits and involved in foundation of a third, Sanna has 36 years experience in the adaptive riding industry, successfully running Dream Catcher Stables Inc recreation, education, sport horsemanship program for youth and adults with disabilities based on CHA principles for the past 23 years. Her willingness to share her knowledge goes deep with countless mentorships and suggestions leading to development of Special Olympic and other horsemanship programs, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Top Hands Horse Show, Fort Worth Stock Show Chisholm Challenge, and Austin Rodeo Golden Stirrup.

Expanding Horizons – How to get started teaching people with disabilities horsemanship – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

TBA

Dale Rudin

In addition to being a proud CHA Certified Riding Instructor, Dale is a Certified Equine Nutritionist, co-founder of Force Free Tennessee, a multi-species advocacy group dedicated to humane handling and training practices, and the founder of Pure Joy Horsemanship, welfare-centered training, teaching, and equine rehabilitation services. I am the founder and president of Pure Joy Horse Haven, dedicated to restoring and providing sanctuary to traumatized and abused horses. I am also a regular contributor to Horse Illustrated magazine. My areas of expertise are in nutrition, applied behavioral analysis, functional mechanics of horse and rider, compassionate horse care, management, and training, healing fearful and aggressive behavior, and developing joyful relationships between horses and the people who love them.

Riding with Relaxation – Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

Everything we want to achieve when we ride our horse, whether we are hitting the trail or performing at Grand Prix, will have a better outcome when our horse, and we, function without tension in our bodies or our minds. Learn about the physical and psychological benefits of being calm and how this leads to increased confidence as well. Cultivate habits that develop relaxation in your horse and yourself in the saddle. You will also learn specialized breathing and anxiety releasing techniques that will increase your calmness and connection to your horse.

Katie Schaaf

Katie Schaaf has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. She is a USEF ‘r’ judge in Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation and a USHJA Certified Trainer. Katie believes in a training environment that is warm and friendly, while structured and disciplined.

Katie has led teams to IEA Nationals nine times, and coached multiple horsemanship test winners and national sportsmanship award recipients. In 2016, Katie coached the only team to win the IEA national championships for both middle and high school in the same year. Since moving from Massachusetts to North Carolina, Katie continues to ride and train, but spends significant time judging and teaching clinics.

Hunt Seat From the Judge’s Perspective – Jennifer Eaton & Katie Schaaf – Friday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m., Miller Coliseum

How to grow your program – Jennifer Eaton & Katie Schaaf – Saturday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m., Miller Club

What makes a great team? – Katie Schaaf & Courtney Smith – Saturday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m., Miller Club

You have seen them, that team that has it all together. They work as one unit, they win together, they lose together and the cohesiveness of the team is seen in their every action. Dive into what makes a great team and the essentials needed to encourage a positive team culture. Join us in a discussion pertaining to leadership, guiding principles, team pride, communication, motivation, persistence and positive attitude. BONUS CONTENT: Parent Roles in Equestrian Sports

Parenting is hard. Parenting an equestrian can have it’s own set of challenges. Sit in on our discussion of the parent’s role from the perspective of the rider. We will look into what parents can do to help performance, and increase enjoyment before the show, during the show and after the show. Learn how to implement effective roles of the player, the coach and the parents that will be a confidence builder and part of their good memories.

Julianne Shivers

Julianne is the East Texas Senior Barn Manager for Pine Cove Camps in Tyler, Texas where she oversees four horse programs with one-hundred horses, fifty summer staff, and thousands of campers. She coauthored Pine Cove’s wrangler training manual alongside her mentor, Tim Alderson, in 2016. Julianne was the barn manager for Pine Cove’s elementary school camp, The Towers, for six years before becoming the ETX Senior Barn Manager in 2020. She has been a CHA Certified Instructor since 2016.

A Manual for Your Program: Promoting Safety and Building Culture – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Relying on word of mouth for presenting your barn’s rules and procedures is an easy way for your staff to get confused, but too much written information is also just easy to ignore. Find out how to compile a manual that your program will actually use, truly enjoy, and find to be pivotal in building and improving safety and culture.

Dr. Anita Shkedi

Dr. Anita Shkedi founded Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Israel in 1985 and developed Israel’s official diploma curriculum for therapeutic horseback riding at the Nat Holman School of Coaches at the Wingate Institute of Physical Education in 1988, which became the springboard for multiple other related therapeutic studies. She has a Doctorate in Education specializing in curriculum building for EAA/T. In 2015, Dr. Shkedi received an Award of Excellence from Israel’s prestigious Wingate Institute and is in the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for her contribution to therapeutic horseback riding. Through her more than 3 decades of working in the field of EAA/T, Dr. Shkedi has guided severely disabled children and adults, traumatized war veterans, and children and adult survivors of neglect and abuse, onto paths of healing in partnership with remarkable horses. She is the author of two books that have benefitted the field: Traumatic Brain Injury and Therapeutic Riding (2012) and Horses Heal PTSD: Walking New Paths (2021) and has authored many articles. She lectures and consults worldwide in the areas of equine assisted activities and therapies, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries, and provides clinics and workshops through her new website, anitashkedi.com.

Role Play for PTSD Families on the Horse – Friday, October 21 at 9:00 a.m., Miller Club

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAA/T) is an opportunity for intergenerational healing for families that are suffering from multigenerational trauma which can be defined as trauma that gets passed down from those who directly experience an incident to subsequent generations.

In this lecture, Dr. Shkedi will demonstrate how an EAA/T safe environment provides horse activities that engender care and relationship building with a horse and others. She will share her EAA/T experiences in helping family members who are dealing with the impact of PTSD and highlight how this treatment can become a life altering experience, allowing a person the possibility of, once again, setting goals, pursuing life dreams and wishes, and rebuilding relationships. Families suffering from the symptoms of PTSD can relieve anxieties which are deep rooted at the emotional and ethereal level, rebuilding mindfulness, and spirituality. They can free themselves of unwanted thoughts and emotions, as new energy is released which is extremely motivating, and provides a renewed sense of control and fulfillment.

Dr. Shkedi will discuss how the EAA/T course she developed focuses on individuals in the family in order to help them determine, explore, and address their needs. These EAA/T sessions provide the opportunity for the veterans/parents with PTSD to understand their role in family life, guided by first examining the role they play in adult relationships as an individual, as a spouse, a worker, as a consumer, and as a community member and as a parent. In a normal family setting, partners would demonstrate empathy, work as a team, acquire knowledge, and communicate effectively. They would take care of their children’s basic needs, such as food, medical care, shelter, clothing, etc., as well as give love, attention, understanding, acceptance, time, and support.

For the children, connecting and bonding with horses in a positive way provides an opportunity to reduce any neuroticism, traumatization, and PTSD symptoms, and for the first time replace these traits and feelings with a sense of safety, and trust and self-control.

Participants in Dr. Shkedi’s session will hear how, In the company of horses, individuals with PTSD, and their family members, find healing and inner peace.

Courtney Smith

Courtney grew up immersed in all things horses from her local 4H to competing in rodeos. She holds a Masters in Equine Education from Middle Tennessee State University, is a CHA certified riding instructor, and owns Need A Hand Horse Training in Murfreesboro, TN where she coaches youth and adult riders in western and ranch events. She spends her weekends traveling to horse shows and is generally found ringside coaching her students. In 2011 Courtney expanded her lesson program by starting an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team, Team Need-A-Hand, that recently placed in the top 8 at the IEA Western National Finals. She also sits on the board of the Tennessee Stock Horse Association, is the Chairman of the IEA’s Educational Committee and serves on the Tennessee Quarter Horse Assocation’s Youth Committee. Her passion for education is evident not only in the arena but also through her dedication to promoting the growth of our industry through youth involvement.

Riding the Unfamiliar Horse in a Draw Format – Friday, October 21 at 9:00 a.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

Swinging a leg over the saddle and settling on the back of the horse takes quite a bit of courage and confidence. Doing so on a horse you have never ridden in a competition setting can be quite challenging. Learn tips and tools to better evaluate an unfamiliar horse during schooling and throughout the ride. Watch the journey as the rider and horse start out as complete strangers and become a team while navigating patterns and performing railwork. Participants will acquire skills on how to become a master of the ultimate catch ride.

What makes a great team? – Katie Schaaf & Courtney Smith – – Saturday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m., Miller Club

RIDING: Mental Preparedness – Ariel Higgins & Courtney Smith – Friday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m., Miller Coliseum

Dr. Holly Spooner

Holly grew up showing American Quarter Horses and participating in 4-H and FFA activities in central Indiana. After starting her professional career at West Virginia University, spent almost 10 years on faculty at Middle Tennessee State University teaching and conducting research in equine nutrition, exercise physiology, and equitation science. Holly recently accepted a role at Cargill where she directs equine research initiatives for Nutrena and ProElite brands. Holly remains heavily involved in the horse industry, showing American Quarter Horses and Ponies of the Americas with her family, as well as serving as a volunteer for Tennessee 4-H Horse Programs.

Rider Evaluation and Placement – Friday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m., Miller Coliseum

Assessment or evaluation sounds a lot like taking a test or receiving criticism…something many of us prefer to avoid. But assessment can be positive and is a key contributor to growth, improvement, and learning. While it’s fairly easy to think about how we might evaluate a program or event (the dreaded follow-up survey, anyone?), it might be harder to consider assessment of officers in your organization, assessment of riders in your lesson program, or evaluation of your own strengths and weaknesses. This workshop will help participants learn to frame evaluation in a positive light. We’ll discuss 1) Why evaluate? 2) When to Evaluate? 3) How to Evaluate? and perhaps most importantly 4) Using the results of evaluation positively. Participants will then work in small groups through real life scenarios of evaluation to put their skills to the test.

Ann Streett-Joslin

Ann is a CHA Life Member and Certifier for English/Western Instructor, Instructor of Riders with Disabilities, Equine Facility Management, and Driving Instructor/Driver. She is also a Site Visitor Trainer and a former member of both the CHA and NARHA Boards of Directors. Ann has been active with horses and many aspects of the horse industry for almost 65 years and is currently CHA’s document specialist, supporting CHA documents and forms for online access. She lives near Dolores, Colorado, where she and husband David enjoy trail riding and packing in the surrounding mountains and canyons.

Horse Coat Colors – Thursday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballrom – TBA

What is the difference between a dun and a buckskin? What are all the those white spotted coat patterns? This session will introduce some of the primary horse color genes and how they act on or modify the basic horse colors of black, bay, and sorrel.

Site Accreditation and Site Visitor Training Round Table Talk – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballrom – TBA

Jody Taylor

Jody rode his first horse at about 4 years old and then learned to rope before age 10 and was entering some local shows and rodeos in Texas. His parents had a huge influence on his equine career. His mom, Janette Taylor, instilled in him the fine details about the horse. His dad, Terry Taylor, showed him the way through roping and riding rough stock. Jody was involved in the Texas High School Rodeo Association. His first job was at a Cedarwood Farm, a stable just a couple of miles down the road. There, he learned the daily activities and duties of a boarding stable, lesson program and the operation of a Horse Trial. Next, he was employed at a large Arabian facility known as Bentwood Farms and rode with John Burris, out of Stephenville, Texas, training horses. Learning horsemanship skills and theories inspired him to purchase a horse property; Star T Ranch. The business began with a cow/calf herd, horse boarding, riding lessons, training facility, and equine transportation services. Eventually narrowing the focus to horse boarding, riding lessons, training and equine transportation. Star T Ranch provides English and Western riding lessons, specializing in Eventing, including Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. All services incorporate natural horsemanship as a basis including Eventing and Hunter Jumpers. Jody is a member of CHA, USEA, Area V-Eventing, NTEA, NTHJC and AQHA. Jody is a certified instructor and cares for 30 horses at the facility and instructs 60 students. Jody is also an equestrian professional development instructor and consultant to the Fort Worth Herd program. www.StarTRanchtx.net

Lungeing From the Beginning to Liberty – Friday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m., Anne Brzezicki Arena

TBA

Simon Towns

Simon Towns is the Zone 4 Administrator and the Zones Captain for IEA. She has been a coach, Region Chair, and Zone Administrator for a total of 15 years. In addition to the equestrian world, her background is in Education and Psychology, both in the private sector and federal government. She serves on several national committees with IEA. In her “spare” time she continues to pursue photography, and enjoys her farm in North Georgia.

Show Hosting tips and tricks – Simon Towns & Joy Brigham – Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m., Miller Club

Dr. Pebbles Turbeville

Pebbles is the executive director for Horses and Humans Research Foundation. She recently completed her Doctorate in Sports Management with an emphasis in Leadership. She received her master’s degree from NC State, and her BA from Columbia College. Previously, she was the Associate Professor and Chair of the Sport Studies Department at St. Andrews University where she has taught students in the field of Therapeutic Horsemanship. She has been an adjunct professor and consultant for other higher education institutions in the field of Equine Studies. Pebbles served on the NARHA Board and on several committees for PATH Intl. She has certifications from PATH Intl. as an Advanced Instructor, a Mentor Faculty, as Associate Faculty for the PATH Intl. Advanced certification and Lead Faculty for Registered On-Site Workshop/Certification and Mentor Training. One of her favorite hobbies is equine photography.

Applying for Grants for Your Equine Program – Thursday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballrom – TBA

You have been told you should write a grant for your program. How do you start? Grant writing takes planning and research to determine if your proposal meets the guidelines of the granting organization. It is important to determine if you are finding the right niche between your program and the funder. This session will help attendees with grant writing tips to assist their programs to find, design and write a successful proposal.

Terri Weaver

Terri Weaver is Certified Horsemanship Association’s Membership Services Director and joined the CHA Office Team in January 2007. Terri oversees the maintenance and records for all members and instructors as well as the management of the integration between the CHA website and the CHA Member database. Terri resides in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and is based in the CHA Lexington, Kentucky Corporate Office.

CHA Membership and Online Member Platform – Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballrom – TBA

This round table will discuss your questions about how to effectively navigate the CHA Website and Member Center Platform and how they work together.

Lisa Wysocky

Lisa Wysocky has a degree in equine management from the University of Minnesota and is a former national and world championship trainer of Appaloosa horses and their riders. As a clinician, she has been seen at the Midwest Horse Fair, Southern Equine Expo, and Alabama Horse Fair, among many others, and has been involved with PATH programs in various roles as an instructor, mentor, equine trainer, and program director since 2005. Lisa is also an award-winning and best-selling author of the Cat Enright cozy equestrian mystery series, now optioned for television. Her most recent book, The Mysterious Horse House, was chosen as Best Horse Book by the American Horse Publications in May 2022. Currently, she is the executive director of Colby’s Army, a PATH center, and lives in Ashland City, Tennessee with four amazing therapy horses, two barn cats and her dog, Abby. She can be found online at lisawysocky.com.

Banquet Keynote – Friday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m., Embassy Suites Ballroom – TBA

Jo-Anne Young

After 57+ years of teaching, Jo-Anne Young is STILL excited by seeing those “lightbulb moments” in riders and takes joy in the privilege of helping those moments happen. She is also still working on improving her teaching skills. (She is known to say, “Anything good you get from me is watered down version of Walter Zettl. Anything bad you get from me I managed to do all on my own – you can’t blame Walter!”). Jo-Anne is a CHA EWI Master Instructor and Certifier, an EFM Certifier, Pack and Trail Overnight Guide as well as an Accredited Site Visitor and Trainer.

Teaching Shoulder-In – Friday, October 21 at 9:00 a.m., Miller Coliseum

Shoulder-in is the first collection exercise that guides the horse (and rider) into isolating and strengthening just one hock at a time. This helps build balance, lightness of the forehand, and maneuverability. It also helps improve the quality of transitions.