2023 International Conference Speakers, Bios and Sessions
Dustin Boehmer
Dustin has lived his entire life in agriculture, raising and showing poultry and beef cattle for most of his youth career. He began riding and exhibiting horses the summer of ‘95, with his first horse, an Arabian named Dancer. Shortly thereafter Dustin switched to working cattle and speed events through high school.
In college, Dustin started working in the performance horse industry and showed IHSA. After college, Dustin opened his business full time; training, exhibiting, coaching, judging and clinicianing.
Since then, he has amassed several accomplishments; American Buckskin Horse Association, Appaloosa Horse Club, Michigan Quarter Horse Association Year End High point awards, 2011 Reserve ABRA World Champion, 2012 AQHA Youth Rookie of the Year, and 2014 Top Ten at AQHA Level 1 Championships amongst the most notable awards. In 2017, Dustin joined the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Now in his seventh year with IEA, Dustin has coached students and teams to numerous National finals and Individual Championships. He also serves on the Western Committee and is on the IEA National Board of Directors. Currently residing in Mason, Michigan, Dustin enjoys instructing students, substitute teaching and managing the 45 acre farm that is also home to Michigan State University’s Polo Club!
Riding the Perfect Western Pattern – Friday, October 27 at 3:00 p.m., Atkins Arena
Performing a western pattern during competition on a familiar horse can be a challenge. Imagine competing on a horse you just met!! Interscholastic and Intercollegiate riders face this challenge at every team event they compete in. Dustin Boehmer will explain how to teach your students to break down patterns into easy-to-accomplish steps that they can apply to any horse they sit on.
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.
Whys & Hows of becoming a Board Member – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Have you ever thought, “Am I CHA Board material?” “What is involved?” “How do I begin the process?” Kristen, Dr. Bob, and Anne will answer all of your questions to help you decide if this path is right for you. They will go through the board matrix and the resume & nomination process that begins your journey to board membership.
Marilyn Coffey
Marilyn is a Biomechanics Riding Instructor. She runs her own business called “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. She also served for two years as the CHA State Representative of Oklahoma. Currently, she is teaching/training both Western and English at multiple locations to riders of all ages. Regularly she attends educational events because she believes, “…We (as Equestrians), are all forever students. By maintaining an open mind to learn, we can continue to share knowledge, so our students and peers can benefit.”
Biomechanics Posting Trot Ground Exercise(s) – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Have a student struggling with the body mechanics for posting trot? No problem! Learn one or two exercises that can help improve the quality of your rider’s body mechanics during the “Posting Trot.”
The Bowtie Exercise for Every Level – Saturday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m., Pickett Arena
Learn one simple mounted exercise that can be adapted for every level horse/rider. Want to work on just basic steering with an inexperienced rider or horse? “Bow Tie!” Want to teach your rider the basics of directional leg yields? “Bow Tie!” Have an advanced student/ horse but not a lot of room? “Bow Tie!” Something else? Probably “Bow Tie!”
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 Past President.
The Do’s & Don’t of Building/Remodeling Your Facility – Thursday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m., Centennial Ballroom
Regardless of building new or renovating an existing facility the place to start is with your plan. What that plan looks like will depend on your goals for the facility and the enterprise that you will run at the facility.
In facility design today we need to reflect on the simple term of flow. How will the flow of horses and people go in the barn, what about flow from the barn to the activity areas, air flow, and even water flow in and around the property. Facility design and planning can go a long way to reaching the goal of working smarter not harder.
Whys & Hows of becoming a Board Member – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Have you ever thought, “Am I CHA Board material?” “What is involved?” “How do I begin the process?” Kristen, Dr. Bob, and Anne will answer all of your questions to help you decide if this path is right for you. They will go through the board matrix and the resume & nomination process that begins your journey to board membership.
Getting ideas while Walking through the barns/facilities at CSU – Friday, October 27 at 9:00 a.m., Campus – Legends of Horses Barn
When you think about how to develop or renovate a facility where do you start. One of the best ways is to go look at facilities that may do similar things to what you do. Walk with your eyes open and be willing to ask questions such as:
- Why did you use that style of stall?
- Do you like those doors?
- Ever thought of automatic waterers in the stall?
- Would you use this aisle way footing again?
- What about LED lights?
- Where do you store your hay?
- How big is the tack room (we know it is not big enough)
Borrowing an idea that someone else has tested is a good use of your time as is not doing what they are doing because it won’t work where you live. So many times, the articles in the horse publications look great but think will it work? We are going to walk the CSU facilities and have a conversation. Hope it gets your creativity in high gear.
Roxane Durant
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA)
For over 22 years, Roxane Durant has held the reins, so to speak, as the Director of what has now become the largest youth equestrian association in the nation. Durant started out several decades ago with a dream to make riding a legitimate high school sport – with a National Championship serving as a stepping-stone for those looking to ride in college. Hoping to promote the same horsemanship, team spirit and excellence that were the hallmarks of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), she enlisted the support of Robert (Bob) Cacchione, founder of IHSA to pitch an idea to leadership at The Andrews School, a small private school in Willoughby, OH, where Durant was serving as the Director of Riding. The idea resulted in a successful first-ever high-school draw-based riding invitational event. Fast forward 21 years and that seedling program in 2002 officially became the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and has grown to nearly 15,000 members on hundreds of teams across the nation riding and coaching Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage disciplines for riders in grades 4-12.
Roxane’s leadership and passion for youth equestrian sport quickly catapulted the IEA into becoming an industry leader and primary feeder program of students into collegiate riding programs like IHSA, National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) and Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA). Filling that gap between the beginner lesson student and traditional horse shows, Roxane and the IEA focus on introducing youth riders into the sport, without the extravagant up-front costs of purchasing horses, trailers, tack and other expenses associated with owning a horse. Allowing young riders the opportunity to “try-out” the sport uncovered the industry need for more affordable entry points and allowed barn owners and instructors to expand their current offerings. The result has been overwhelmingly positive with thousands of riders going on to ride in college, lease and purchase horses, and learn to foster an atmosphere of sportsmanship and teamwork in an otherwise individual competitive sport.
When she is not doing “horsey stuff” for IEA, Roxane enjoys traveling, playing tennis, watching her beloved Cleveland Browns, and golfing. She lives in Chagrin Falls, OH and has two adult daughters, Hilary and Madison, who have ridden and worked for IEA alongside their mother for the past 20 years.
Fulfilling The Needs of the Equine Industry – Friday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m., Atkins Classroom
An industry cannot survive without active, passionate participants driving it forward, and the equine industry is no different. Roxane Durant will discuss the founding of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and it’s mission to introduce riders to the equine world in a cost-effective manner. She will share her insights obtained in the 20 years that she has overseen the IEA program, interacting with leaders of other equine organizations. Her talk will be followed by a discussion among attendees about how they can contribute to the growth of the equine industry.
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.
Partner Benefits of CHA & IEA – Thursday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m., Windsor I
CHA and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) have partnered for over 10 years to share the benefits of each organization with their membership. In this talk, Sue Wentzel, IEA National Steward, and Jennifer Eaton, CHA Board Member, will discuss the benefits of introducing IEA and CHA to your clientelle for a more well-rounded equine business.
Teddy Franke
Teddy Franke is a lifelong horseman working cowboy farrier and equine educator with a passion for sharing his knowledge and skills with others. He and his family own and operate Mission Farrier School, while also co-owning an online horsemanship and event program called Live Equestrian. He is an avid competitor in ranch roping, and stock horse as well as mustang gentling competitions. Teddy holds five international certifications in horsemanship, including CHA certified Master Instructor (MI) and Certifier. Teddy is an AQHA Professional Horseman, a TIP Trainer through the Mustang Heritage Foundation, and a board member for the Certified Horsemanship Association. He is passionate about developing up-and-coming horsemen and women. Born and raised in Alaska, Teddy now resides in Tygh Valley, Oregon, where he continues to share his faith and knowledge with others, guiding them on their journey to becoming accomplished equestrians.
Crafting the All-Around Horse: Beyond the Arena – Saturday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m., Outdoor Arena
Have you ever considered taking your equine partner beyond the confines of the arena? Have you wondered what it truly takes to build a seasoned, reliable horse – one that’s calm, adaptable, and capable of handling anything that comes its way? The kind of horse that anyone can ride, anywhere? The kind your daddy use to just call “broke.”
Join Teddy Franke, as he draws from his experience as a working cowboy, pack guide, and clinician to share the essentials for creating an exceptional all-around horse. Discover some of the key fundamentals for cross-training beyond the arena. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your horsemanship and gain a few useful tidbits that might help you get a little further down the trail.
Tammi Gainer
Having grown up around horses, Tammi began her professional equestrian career in 1989 as a trail guide at a large ranch camp where she was first introduced to CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) and attended a Standard Instructor Certification Clinic in 1990.
In the spring of 1995 Tammi joined the instructor staff at Pegasus Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Hartville, OH. While working at the Farm part-time and home schooling her three children, Tammi also spent much time working under several national trainers in both reining and dressage. In addition to her CHA Instructor certification. She also became a PATH Intl. certified instructor.
In 2000, she achieved CHA Master Level Instructor and E/W/I Certification Staff status and has since earned Certification Staff status in the Instructors of Riders with Disabilities (IRD) and Vaulting Coach programs as well.
Tammi was promoted to Equestrian Director at Pegasus in 2005 where she managed all aspects of the equestrian programs that serve 275 plus students each week participating in areas such as horsemanship, riding, driving, vaulting, veterans, and youth-at-risk programs. In 2010 Tammi has acquired her AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Professional Horseman status; an organization she is especially proud to be a part of.
In September 2007 Tammi was elected to the CHA Board of Directors and held various positions such as Chair of the Education & Training Committee, Treasurer, Secretary, President Elect, & President.
In March of 2023 Tammi was give the opportunity to take on the responsibility of CHA’s Executive Director. “Since first joining CHA in 1990 this organization has become such an integral part of my life both professionally and personally. To be a part of an organization that believes so strongly in promoting safety & education in horsemanship across the lines of disciplines is definitely a credit to our profession. Personally, I have made such wonderful friends from many different backgrounds and walks of life; yet we all have a common denominator ~ Changing Lives through Safe Experience with Horses! I look forward to many more years being a part of this amazing “family” called CHA.”
Certifier Update – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Description coming soon!
Amanda Garner
Amanda Garner is the owner of Epiphany Farm in Dahlonega, Georgia, where she coaches and competes in eventing and hosts an IEA dressage team. Amanda received her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1999. While attending MTSU, she rode on the IHSA team under CHA Certified Instructor, Anne Brzezicki. Amanda credits Anne with demonstrating the importance of giving back to our industry and doing right by the horses through a life of leadership, education, and volunteering. Amanda has served on the IEA Board of Directors since 2014 and is the current president. She has also served as an IEA dressage regional president in the past, and has been an IEA horse show steward for many years. She is the author of “A Parent’s Guide to the IEA”. When she’s not out horsing around, Amanda is a part-time professor of Environmental Science at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega.
Performing A Rider Dressage Test in IEA Competition – Friday, October 27 at 9:00 a.m., Atkins Arena
Dressage tests used at conventional competition focus heavily on the performance of the horse, but what if you have no prior experience with the horse you are performing on? That is the challenge that IEA riders face at each team competition. The IEA uses rider-focused dressage tests that allow the judge to evaluate the postition and effectiveness of the rider. Amanda will review the basic differences found when performing a rider-focused dressage test and will provide tips and tricks to bringing your best performance to each competition.
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.
Teaching Turnbacks: including why & how – Friday, October 27 at 12:00 p.m., Pickett Arena
Western turnbacks are the pre-cursor to the rollback, which is an essential skill for a horse to work cattle. In turnbacks, the rider learns to lift the horse’s forehand when changing directions, turning the horse back over its hocks in a more direct turnaround, rather than making an arcing/rounded turn.
Teaching Leadership Theory in Groundwork – Saturday, October 28 at 1:30 p.m., Pickett Arena
Horses crave leadership and authority because it makes them feel safe, but not all humans excel at displaying the physical skills and emotional control of a true leader. Developing leadership skills in your students will not only help with their horsemanship, it will also help them be successful in life.
Rebecca Halvorson
Rebecca Halvorson has owned and operated Halvorson Ranch out of Guthrie, Oklahoma with her husband, Wayne Halvorson, for almost 30 years. She has been a judge for the American Quarter Horse Association for over 20 years, while also holding judges’ credentials for many other organizations including the American Paint Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association. She has judged the AQHA, APHA and NSBA World Shows.
After attending Texas A&M University for both undergrad and graduate studies, she moved on to teach at Northwestern State University and Colorado State University. Rebecca currently teaches lessons and competes a team with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association at Halvorson Ranch where her and her husband breed quarter horses and train 30-40 halter horses per year.
Rebecca is very committed to promoting the education of individuals entering the industry and has volunteered for countless AQHA and Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association committees, including the AQHA Youth and Amateur Committees and the OQHA Education Committee. She currently sits as President of the OQHA and has been the OQHYA Youth Advisor.
The Basics of Judging & Scoring a Western Pattern – Saturday, October 28 at 9:00 a.m., Pickett Arena
Patterns are at the core of many different types of western competition. Rebecca will share her insight as an AQHA judge to explain what is being looked for when scoring patterns from reining and ranch, to horsemanship. Special attention will be given to clarify the differences when officiating an interscholastic or intercollegiate competition in which the rider is competing on an unfamiliar horse.
Serena Heppes
Serena is an Assistant Certifier 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 – Friday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m. – Atkins 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.
Kristin Jaworski
Kristin is a graduate of Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Master of Science in Management and Leadership influencing her focus on marketing with an emphasis in public relations, operations, leadership, and livestock management. Kristin acquired the title Trail Boss in 2002 obtaining the responsibility for directing the day-to-day administration of the world’s only twice daily Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive, the Fort Worth Herd, managed by Visit Fort Worth. With over 1.2 million visitors annually, the internationally recognized program involves all aspects of education programs, safety, facility operations, policies and procedures, budget, livestock and media relations to better support tourism and increase visitation in Fort Worth.
Ms. Jaworski is the recipient of several awards and certifications. This includes representing the Certified Horsemanship Association as a Horsemanship Instructor (English/Western Disciplines), Certified Equine Facility Manager, Site Accreditation Visitor and member of several breed associations. She serves on the board of the Fort Worth Stockyards Business Association, the Friends of the Fort Worth Herd, Stockyards Preservation Foundation, and the Public Improvement District #11. She is a Leadership Fort Worth Class graduate and has served on special event planning committees in the National Historic District.
Her passion for horses has led her to enjoy continuing education by training for Dressage and Show Jumping. She has also joined the show circuit with the National Miniature Donkey Association and American Donkey & Mule Society, competing in showmanship, halter, driving and trail.
Whys & Hows of becoming a Board Member – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Have you ever thought, “Am I CHA Board material?” “What is involved?” “How do I begin the process?” Kristen, Dr. Bob, and Anne will answer all of your questions to help you decide if this path is right for you. They will go through the board matrix and the resume & nomination process that begins your journey to board membership.
Christy Landwehr
Christy Landwehr has been active in the horse industry for over 40 years showing and training in many different breeds and disciplines at the local, regional and national levels. Christy is a CHA Master Riding Instructor, Equine Facility Manager, Lead Site Visitor and Certifier. She sits on the American Horse Council Board of Trustees, is the Past President of the American Youth Horse Council and a past board member for the Colorado Horse Council. She also founded, competed on, and coached the University of Colorado at Boulder Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team. Christy is an AQHA and APHA Professional Horseman and on the AQHA and APHA Professional Horsemen Councils and the AQHA National Marketing Committee. Christy sits on the Colorado State University Equine Sciences Advisory Council, is the Treasurer of the Colorado Society of Association Executives and the Treasurer for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Christy has an undergraduate degree in public relations and speech communication from California State University Fullerton and a graduate degree in mass communication and journalism from University of Colorado at Boulder. She was the Sponsorship and Youth Programs Manager for the Arabian Horse Association, a trainer for Skill Path Seminars, the Development Director for The Urban Farm that works with at-risk youth in Denver and the Marketing Director and then CEO of the Certified Horsemanship Association. Currently, she is the Senior Director of Corporate Relations for the National Reining Horse Association. Christy does strategic planning, facilitation and mediation through her company CJL Training for organizations and is a Real Colors Personality Trainer. Christy has spoken at numerous equine events, and breed and discipline conventions throughout her career. She lives on a ranch in Aurora, Colorado with her husband, two sons, horses, chickens, cats, a dog and a rabbit.
How to Teach Feel in the Posting Trot and Diagionals – Friday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m., Atkins Arena
Come to this mounted workshop to learn specific exercises to do with your students to help them learn to feel the rhythm of the posting trot and also how to feel their posting diagonals.
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.
Fostering Independence at all Levels – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
As riding instructors, we are in a unique position to foster independence in our students, whether beginners or more experienced. We will discuss techniques for encouraging developing equestrians to think through situations and solve problems. In the process, clients will not only strengthen their horsemanship skills, but will enhance their ability to cope with everyday life problems away from the barn. In this presentation, we will discuss methods of instilling confidence, leadership and independence in our equestrian students of all levels.
Deanna Mancuso
Deanna Mancuso is an innovative equestrian leader. She has capstone in nonprofit governance from SUNY Albany, and extensive equine experience from fox hunting to barrel racing, and everything in between. She was the NY Region 6 Cornell Cooperative Extension Coordinator and was the leader of the largest 4H Club in Dutchess County, NY. She operated a large boarding training facility until 2008, when she recognized a disturbing trend within the community of unwanted and neglected horses. Determined to be part of the solution, Deanna closed her business, and established Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue to offer permanent sanctuary to these horses, and provide them with a safe haven where they could live out their lives as living proof of the Lucky Orphans mission, “People Helping Horses Heal People.” Today, Deanna manages a herd of 50 horses and ponies and provides
a variety of equine education and human development programs in NY.
Deanna has worked tirelessly to never stop learning. She proudly represents CHA as an English Western Instructor and Trail Guide, as well as being a Certified Equine Facility Manager and Site Accreditation Visitor. She is a Dutchess County Leadership and Executive Leadership Graduate.
Deanna serves on the board of CHA, and is a member of the EQUUS Foundation Equine Assisted Services Committee. She assures the best operations of her organization by maintaining Lucky Orphans’ status of being Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accredited, CHA Site Accredited, GFAS
Accredited, and being an EQUUS Foundation Mentor. She has also helped Lucky Orphans become a Community Outreach Organization of US Equestrian.
In addition to her commitment to equine welfare, Ms. Mancuso strives to offer the best programs on her farm. She is EAGALA certified, Natural Lifemanship Advanced certified, E3A certified as well as being a Harmony Horsemanship Instructor.
Using Technology to Manage Your Equine Facility – Thursday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m., Windsor II
Managing the day to day of a herd of horses requires planning and attention to detail. Adding employees, events, scheduling and it can become daunting. Having efficient systems and using technology can help you spend more time with your horses and less time in front of the computer. Deanna will share the technology tools she uses to help her manage her 3 facilities, 50 horses, staff and volunteers.
Kristine Mika
Kristine Mika has been a CHA riding instructor for over 10 years, focusing on beginners. She loves teaching the basics of horsemanship and safety to all ages whether they are 4 years olds or senior adults. Kristine has a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Michigan and in her non-horsey life, she has been a consultant in educational program development and program evaluation. These skills have transferred to developing private, class lessons, pattern classes in horsemanship and fun competitions (Horse Game days). The best days in teaching are seeing new riders, young or seniors, end a lesson with a sense of achievement. She lives with her husband, Ken Bastura, their two dogs and two horses in Connecticut. Kristine also is a Region 6 Director.
Building Your Profile on the CHA Website – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
This round table discussion will be an interactive tutorial on your membership profile and how to build and enhance it for the CHA website directory. Bring your phone, tablet.
Wendy Murdoch
Wendy Murdoch is an internationally recognized riding instructor and clinician, author of several books and DVDs, and creator of the patented SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program®. She combines her creative talents with her scientific training to break down larger concepts of riding into simple, easy-to-understand, bite-sized “chunks” for students of all ages, abilities, and disciplines. Wendy’s ability to make learning enjoyable, engaging, and fun helps her students connect the dots and achieve their goals.
Wendy has given lectures and demonstrations at some of the most prestigious equestrian gatherings in the world, including Equitana USA and Equitana Germany; Equine Affaire; and the USDF, USEA, and USPC Annual Conventions. Her educational articles have been published in EQUUS, Horse Illustrated, Practical Horseman, Holistic Horse, Eclectic Horseman, and many others. During the pandemic, she launched “Webinars with Wendy,” one-on-one discussions with leading veterinarians, farriers, trainers, and other equine professionals. Now those webinars are being turned into podcasts – “Wendy’s Whinnies” – and in just a few short months, she has surpassed well over 100K downloads.
Are Your Students Really Secure in the Saddle? – Friday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m., Pickett Arena
Riders of all disciplines attempt to shape their posture into the image of a secure and stable rider. But are they truly secure? In this demonstration Wendy will not only show the rider how safe and effective their current position is (or isn’t!) but also how to achieve a functionally secure and stable position in just minutes.
How to Use the Feldenkrais Method® to Become a Better Rider – Friday, October 27 at 3:00 p.m., Pickett Arena
Ask any natural rider – how did you get your horse to do that? Chances are they won’t be able to tell you what the “secret sauce” was because they don’t consciously know what they did. This often causes frustration with students attempting to recreate a similar movement. Wendy brings years of experience breaking down movements — even something as simple as a halt – into small, bite-sized chunks. Much like using the alphabet, if you don’t have all the letters, you can’t spell words, much less create sentences. In this lecture, Wendy uses simple concepts based on the Feldenkrais Method® to help riders discover what it is they don’t know and then applies that knowledge to improve the rider’s body and the horse’s performance.
Exploring the Connection between Posture, Balance, and Behavior in Horse and Rider – Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m., Pickett Arena
In this lecture Wendy will discuss and demonstrate the connection between balance, posture and behavior for both the horse and rider. Given that we are both mammals with a nervous system which responds and reacts in a very similar way, feeling safe is of primary importance. By making the connection between behavior and balance we can more empathy for both horse and rider.
Kathryn Quinlan
Kathryn Quinlan began riding at the age of five in her hometown of New Orleans on a hand-me-down pony. She went on to compete in the hunters, jumpers and equitation divisions across the South. Kathryn moved to Massachusetts in 1998 where she worked as an instructor at Rising Star Equestrian Center. She was the Head Coach for the Wellesley College IHSA team for eight years and co-founded the Rising Star IEA team with Jennifer Eaton. From there Kathryn served as the Zone 1 Chairperson and transitioned out of the barn and into administration. She is currently the IEA Membership Director and Membership Office Manager. Lately, she’s been finding ways to sneak back into the barn to get some riding in during her free time.
Building a Better Relationship with your Employees – Saturday, October 28, 9:00 .am. Atkins Classroom
Managing a small group of employees or volunteers can be a challenge. Building strong connections, trust and goodwill with employees can be essential to the success of any business. Kathryn will share her strategies and tools that she has put in play to support her employees in a changing world.
Erin Rakow
Erin Rakow runs Logan Creek Digital alongside her husband, Todd. Based in central Missouri, she is the primary graphic designer and social media manager for LCD, and her portfolio ranges from setting up websites and ticketing systems for concerts to managing social media for organizations such as Certified Horsemanship Association. Outside of work, Erin enjoys horseback riding, hiking, board games, and all things outdoors.
Changes to the CHA Facebook presence – Friday, October 27 at 1:30 p.m., Atkins Classroom
For several years now we’ve been talking about the possibility of creating and maintaining a more uniform corporate look to not just the main CHA Facebook pages, but to follow the look through each region’s page making it easier for members to locate and join. Erin will be holding a virtual live webinar on the updated pages, the do’s and don’ts of our Facebook page and also to answer all of your questions and concerns. For those of you who are not able to attend the conference in person we will be providing a webinar link option for you to join in with us. We will be recording the session for those who are unable to join us live.
Audrey Rasch
Audrey Rasch is a horseback riding instructor and horse trainer from Little Rock, Arkansas. Teaching lessons is her passion and she got her start at a young age. At 14, she joined the Dutch Acres Instructor Program and learned how to teach all aspects of horsemanship over the course of 4 years. When she turned 18, she became a certified Level 3 English/Level 1 Western Instructor through CHA. She continues to teach horseback riding and safe horsemanship lessons to people of all ages at Dutch Acres Farm along with beginner horse camps.
How to Teach a Successful Beginner Camp – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavillion
This discussion is about how to run a camp for beginner horseback riders complete with riding lessons, ground lessons, games, and arts and crafts sessions
Creative Ideas for Interactive Ground Lessons – Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m., Atkins Classroom
Learn how to incorporate more horsemanship skills into your riding program with engaging, entertaining, and educational ground lessons. Join Audrey with educational, hands-on lessons you can teach your students and learn how to modify each lesson for all ages and skill levels.
Tara Reimer
Tara Reimer B. Sc. (Ag) has always been involved with horses whether training, driving, riding or showing. Tara along with husband Derek and their two teen sons, own/operate Cloud 9 Ranch near Steinbach, Manitoba since 2003 where she spends most of her time building connections whether by teaching Western and English riding and vaulting lessons, facilitating equine assisted psychotherapy, group discovery and therapeutic riding as well as training horses, judging shows and giving clinics. She is CHA Region 2 Director, CHA EWI Certifier and hosts EWI certifications at her facility. In 2013 CHA awarded Tara as Instructor of the Year and in 2016 her horse Arnie was awarded School Horse of the Year!
Tara has presented at several past CHA International Conferences, has sample Level 2 and 3 lessons on the CHA site and has spoken several times on Horses In the Morning radio how. In 2018 Tara was recognized as Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Impact Award Winner for her community involvement with Cloud 9 Ranch and Manitoba Horse Council recognized her as Industry Professional of the Year.
Tara continues to show horses herself, specifically AQHA All Around, Working Cowhorse and her Belgians. Her growing passion is getting into the minds of horses and humans, in order to help others be their best. She sees God calling her to use her ranch to help educate students academically, socially and in life skills. Cloud 9 Ranch- Live Your Dream. www.cloud9ranch.ca
Rider Mental Health in the Riding Arena- Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m., Atkins Arena
People have changed over the past few years and riding lessons have the potential to be therapeutic mentally, physically and emotionally for riders. Learn how to address mental health in riding lessons to help riders be their best.
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.
Equitation Exercises: Becoming Balanced, Tactful and Correct – Saturday, October 28 at 1:30 p.m., Atkins Arena
In riding, skill development is closely related to strength and balance. Riders must develop correct fundamentals in order to learn and execute more advanced skills. This workshop will demonstrate and discuss equitation exercises to improve balance, softness and ability to move with the horse. We will cover exercises for beginner through advanced riders, as well as tailoring variations to specific riders. Attendees should feel empowered with effective, fun and challenging exercises to work on at home, and motivated to make the most of their ride time.
Audrey and Jerry Stockton
In 1981 Audrey and Jerry Stockton decided to start on a new adventure together by purchasing their first Shires. They have grown the herd while passing on a love of horses to their children and grandchildren. Meeting their goal of raising a homegrown hitch they have been successful in the show ring hitching, showing halter, and in the farm classes. They have chosen to breed solid horses with an even temperament that want to work. Over the years they have raised shires and sport horses that have gone on to do great things. Each year brings new interns from Colorado State University Equine Sciences program. The interns experience everything from foaling to training and showing. The family also does public events and community services with the horses.
Drive a Draft – Saturday, October 28 at 12:00 p.m., Pickett Arena
Join in the fun during Saturday’s lunch break for an interactive experience where you will have the opportunity to learn how to line drive a Shire draft team from Big Little Shires!
Ann Streett-Joslin
Ann Streett-Joslin 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.
Site Accreditation and Site Visitor Training Round Table Talk – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Being CHA Site Accredited shows your clients you care about the safety and quality of your equine program. Site Accreditation is based on CHA’s Standards for Equestrian Programs. Current CHA members can learn about getting their site accredited or about becoming part of this important program as Site Visitors.
Feel the Rhythm of your Horse’s Footfalls – Saturday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m., Atkins Arena
You can learn to feel where your horse’s feet are when riding. Timing your cues to what’s happening on the ground makes it easier to understand and implement transitions. This Level Two mounted lesson focuses on the rhythm of the walk, trot, and canter and when to apply your aids for the result you want.
Ward Stutz
Ward grew up wanting to be a cowboy. His parents gave him the opportunity to take riding lessons and it changed his life. That participation with horses set Ward’s career path.
Ward received a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University, earning most of his hours working at the Stallion Lab. Following graduation, he then went to work for the Arabian Horse Registry as a freeze brand technician. From there he moved to New Mexico and ran the horse program for Brush Ranch Camps and School. From there, he and his wife Kristin moved to Durango, CO where Ward trained a few horses and coached the 4-H horse judging team.
Wanting to work full-time in the horse industry, Ward went to Oklahoma State University and received his Master’s Degree in Animal Science. Following completing his Masters, he worked for Oklahoma Extension as an agriculture agent and as a program manager at the state 4-H office. Ward was offered the opportunity to work for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) in 1995 so he and his family moved to Amarillo, TX.
Ward’s span of 28 years with AQHA has given him the opportunity to wear many different hats. He has served as the director of state associations, director of affiliate programs and public policy, director of education, member programs and youth activities and is currently the director of animal welfare and public policy.
Ward’s job duties include working with the Public Policy Committee to develop policies to ensure federal legislation doesn’t negatively impact but helps the industry. He also oversees AQHA’s animal welfare efforts by providing overall direction for AQHA’s Animal Welfare Commission who is responsible for protecting American Quarter Horses.
How Integrity in Breeding Develops your Program – Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m., Pavilion
Many programs do not have the benefit of buying but depend on donations. Since the horse may be in their teens, they do not even consider the breeding of the horses they receive. Their breeding has quite a lot to do with how they age, their mindset, conformation soundness late in life, etc.
Jody Taylor
Jody began riding horses at 4 years old and then learned to rope at 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 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 with Certified Horsemanship Association and cares for 15 horses at the facility and instructs 45 students. Jody is also an equestrian professional development instructor and consultant to the Fort Worth Herd program. Zippin Free and Jody have also qualified for the 2023 American Eventing Championships which are to be held in Lexington, KY. www.StarTRanchtx.net
Building a Jump Course to Fit Beginner to Advanced – Friday, October 27, 1:30 p.m. Picket Arena
This workshop will focus on building a Jump Course with combinations and related distances that can be used to teach the beginner to the advanced. We will also focus on when to expect different types of jumps and how to ride them.
Simon Towns
Simon Towns has worked in the fields of education, civil service as an Education and Training Specialist, as well as being the founder and CEO of The Phoenix Institute for Adolescents – a non-profit organization offering psychiatric and addictive disease treatment for young people aged 13-18. During these careers she has been a Hunter Jumper trainer and coach in the IEA and a part time photographer.
Currently she is the IEA Zone 4 Administrator as well as Zones Captain. She serves on several committees as well as The Board of Directors.
Tips & Tricks for Organizing an IEA Competition – Saturday, October 28, 1:30 .m, Atkins Classroom
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold a horse show? Members of the Interscholatic Equestrian Association are required to host competitions for their fellow teams. In this talk, Simon will demystify the process of organizing an equine event, from liability insurance to hiring officals. Special attention will be given to the horses, as they pertain to an interscholastic or intercollegiate event.
Sarah Triplett
Starting a Vaulting Program: Horse Selection, Equipment, and Training – Saturday, October 28, 9:00 .am. Atkins Arena
Sue Wentzel
A professional equestrienne for over 30 years, Sue is a product and proponent of academic equestrian programs. She graduated from
Southern Seminary Jr. College and Hollins College with degrees in animal science, horsemanship, and art. As an instructor/trainer she
developed widely respected riders and horses in hunter, jumper, and combined training disciplines at the local and rated levels. Under
her tutelage, The Madeira School equestrian team became a charter member of IEA. She coached two IEA National Championship
teams, in 2000 and 2005, as well as several individual IEA National Champion riders. As Director of Equestrian Education for
Meadowbrook Foundation, she established their first IEA team and introduced students to the College Preparatory Invitational Horse
Show. After serving several years as a board member and first appointed National Steward, Sue began working full time for the IEA in
2019. She serves as an advisor for the Youth Board and oversees the National Rules Committee.
Partner Benefits of CHA & IEA – Thursday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m., Windsor I
CHA and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) have partnered for over 10 years to share the benefits of each organization with their membership. In this talk, Sue Wentzel, IEA National Steward, and Jennifer Eaton, CHA Board Member, will discuss the benefits of introducing IEA and CHA to your clientele for a more well-rounded equine business.
Jo-Anne Young
Jo-Anne Young has been teaching riding for 59 years, and became a CHA EWI certifier in 1987. She STILL gets goosebumps up her arms when a rider has a “lightbulb moment” and FEELS the improvement in the horse as the correct aids in the correct moment are applied. She is grateful for the many people who have supported her pursuit of excellence, and in particular her mentor, Olympic coach Walter Zettl with whom she had the privilege of studying for 25 years. When she teaches, she is paying forward to the next generation the blessings that were poured into her own life.
Travers (aka Haunches-In): When, How, and Why to Teach/Train It – Friday, October 27 at 9:00 a.m., Pickett Arena
The logical next step after mastering Shoulder-in as you gymnastically develop your horses and riders is Travers. Even if you never plan to ride a Second Level dressage test, this movement is useful in developing further the horse’s balance and the power in the hocks, fetlocks, and stifles. It also helps the horse learn to further lighten its forehand and become more elastic – a true joy to ride. You should be a CHA Level 4 rider to sign up to ride in this workshop.
Certified Horsemanship Association
1795 Alysheba Way, Suite 7102
Lexington, KY 40509