2024 International Conference Speakers, Bios and Sessions
Tom and Allison Barker
Tom and Allison have been training for the public together for about two and a half years. They have been successful in one of the toughest time frames of building a business, the start-up process. Training and horses in general are each of their passions, and when they met it wasn’t long until they were living that dream together.
Tom grew up in Iowa, there he farmed and trained a few outside horses along with his own. He was and still is very well known for the work he did up in Iowa. It’s because of the good client relationship’s he has built at home that helped fill the BPH barn with out of state horses. Earning the trust of clients to allow him to take those horses 1000 miles away from home.
Tom competed heavily in RSNC and USTPA events all over the nation. He was recently inducted into the RSNC hall of fame for his achievements there. He has also stepped into the reined cowhorse community. Competing in one of the toughest futurities out there, The Snaffle Bit.
Tom is extremely gifted with starting two year olds. He takes his time, and implements softness with a kind hand. He prepares one mentally and physically for the job ahead, and his main goal always is to get one broke.
Allison was born and raised in Texas and has been riding since before she could walk. Born into a horse and veterinarian family, that’s literally all she’s known. Allison has been in all aspects of veterinary medicine, from management to equine and also mixed animal. She adores photography and enjoys the social media aspect of the business. She has a talent for equine photography and videography that enlightens each horses talent.
Allison is in charge of the consignment horses at BPH. She has developed a wonderful program that not only has sold over 50 horses within the last year, but also keeps the sellers pleased as well.
Allison has also began training and selling barrel horses. She says a broke horse can do just about anything, and a cowhorse handle just makes everything that much easier.
Tom and Allison are truly focused on the integrity and the work in their barn.
Ranch Sorting Experience – Saturday, November 2, 12:00 p.m., South Arena
This experience will be focused on basic ranch sorting techniques. How to position yourself on a cow to make clean efficient cuts. How to position yourself to drive a cow out of the pen. We will also be discussing gate work to fend off bad cows.
Stephanie Bazile
Stephanie has over 12 years of experience as a Human Resources Business Partner with roles including client support, facilitation, consulting, training, recruitment, and development. In addition to her role in HR, she works for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council in Conroe, Texas as a Riding Director, Equitation Coordinator and Parade Team Coordinator. She also showed on the IHSA Western Team in college at the University of Illinois, volunteered for the Illinois Horse Fair, worked at a breeding farm, and spent several summers as the Horseback Riding Counselor at various Girl Scout camps. In her current role as the Equitation Coordinator, she combines her love for horses and her HR knowledge to build leadership skills for students using horses as a tool. She takes some of the most advanced students to parades including the Willis, TX Christmas Parade and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade every year. She continues to find ways to merge her talent development skills with the equitation program to provide students and instructors with ways to become more complete horsewomen.
Creating Horsemanship through Development Program – Friday, November 1, 3:00 p.m., North Arena Classroom
There are over 150 teenage Girl Scouts and adults who take part in our Equitation Program. There is a weekend program where Girl Scout troops come for riding, vaulting, badge workshops, and grooming sessions along with a summer camp program and a lesson program. We have a series of five levels for these girls and adults to assist in learning and demonstrating the necessary safety, behavior, ground, and riding skills necessary to develop through our program. Each of these levels has a corresponding checklist and bandana (scarf) which identifies which level each girl or adult is currently at. For example, skills include development items such as:
1 – grooms a horse with a buddy/teacher; practices basic safety rules; on time for events
2 – grooms a horse with verbal assistance; practices and explains safety rules; volunteers for assignments
3 – confidently grooms a horse; can identify and report a safety issue; mentors others and teaches basic ground school + able to assist with feedings
4 – grooms a difficult horse; identifies and rectifies safety issues; mentors others and begins teaching walk only rides with adult oversight + able to assist with feedings + can ride middle on trail if 16+
5 – teaching grooming to those learning; prevents safety issues before they happen; teaches walk only rides with adult oversight + able to assist with feedings + can ride middle on trail if 16+ + can teach beginner lessons with adult oversight
As the girls and adults move through the levels, they unlock different skill sets and are granted the ability to perform new items on the ground and when riding. Before each weekend program, the girls and adults are provided a form to complete which tells the Riding Director/Weekend Leader what skills they would like to practice during the upcoming program. The items on the checklists are evaluated by our Riding Directors/Weekend Leaders to determine if the girl or adult meets the criteria to move to the next level. We have also tied these levels to our eligibility to participate within our IEA show teams, parade team, and EVUSA vaulting team which encourages these girls and adults to learn the skill sets and ‘level up’. This program has helped these girls and adults overcome their fear of public speaking and provides a safe space for them to speak up when something doesn’t seem right. By utilizing this level program, we create leaders who can confidently navigate college and the ‘real world’ while increasing their horsemanship skills. Whether someone is running a lesson barn, horse farm, summer camp program, or other horse experiences, this level program can develop students beyond the ride and create future horsemen/horsewomen leaders.
Paul Bennett
Paul Bennett is originally from County Durham in the North of England. He has dedicated a lifetime to horses and horsemanship, learning multiple equestrian disciplines from top practitioners in Europe and North America. Paul is an accomplished rider, driver, and professional award-winning horseman.
Paul is certified by the CHA as a Level 2 Driving Instructor and Assistant Course Instructor, a Level 4 Equine Facility Manager and Assistant Course Instructor, and Level 3 Riding Instructor. He holds additional certifications from the Carriage Association of America, the British Driving Society, the British Horse Society, the German National Driving Federation, and PATH Intl.
Paul’s passion is passing on his knowledge and helping others to succeed. He owns and operates Ranch Ride Carriage Drive LLC in Wharton, Texas, where he teaches driving, riding, and general horsemanship.
Paul is a graduate of the Durham College of Agriculture and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M University.
Tips for Safely Starting a Driving Program at your Facility- Friday, November 1, 10:30 a.m., North Arena Classroom
In this classroom presentation we will be covering various aspects of starting a driving program including the types of programs that may work for you and what to avoid. We will also be discussing in depth finding the right horse for your program and setting up effective lessons.
Types of Harness/Safety in Hitching to/Lesson Set Up – Saturday, November 2, 10:30 a.m., North Arena
In our hands-on session we will be discussing popular types of harness; safety in tacking and hitching along with carriage safety. We will be setting up effective lessons and having the opportunity to be a driving student.
Susan Berger
Susan Berger (Horse Connections): has been teaching and training most of her adult life. She began in the Arabian World, competitively showing and helping recreational riders be competitive on the local and regional level. She expanded into all breeds in her boarding and training stables in the hunter, western, and dressage disciplines. She is CHA Certified as a Master Instructor, Site Visitor, and Certifier. She was awarded the top honor of “CHA Instructor of the Year, 2023” at the International Conference in Fort Collins, CO. Susan continues to teach and train recreational riders in local stables through lessons, workshops, and clinics. She has the ability to provide clear, understandable instruction that clients can apply and other instructors use to help their individual programs.
Teaching the Natural Aids Beyond the Description – Friday, November 1, 9:00 a.m., South Arena
We learn the natural aids – hands, legs, voice seat – but how when and why do we apply them? How does the horse receive the information? How do we help the horse understand what to do with the information? What do we do when we get home from a lesson and we try to use the aids on our horse that didn’t take the class and doesn’t know what you are trying to say? These questions, and many more will be given answers and exercises you can take home and apply to your horse and your program.
Schellie Blochberger
Schellie has been involved with horses since the age of eight. She owns and operates a lesson, summer camp and boarding business, B and B Farm, LLC. She has been a CHA certified riding instructor since 2006 and is a CHA Site Accreditor. She obtained her AQHA Professional Horseman status in 2008 and APHA Professional Horseman status in 2012. Schellie is a carded judge for the POA Association and the Open Horse Show Association. She has many years of scribing experience including four years with Missouri Ranch Horse Association. Schellie has achieved and coached others to world championships and high point awards at state and local shows. She has been a volunteer for many equine organizations, a 4-H Horsemanship leader and coached FFA Horse Judging teams as well as earning two Honorary FFA Chapter Degrees. She is a past president of the Missouri Equine Council, and has served on several equine organization boards. Her lesson and boarding business focuses on helping youth and adults achieve their dreams and goals in horseback riding and horse ownership.
Extra Income Revenues for Instructors – Thursday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
We will be discussing ideas on ways to increase your business revenue; how to investigate opportunities and how to get started. Opportunities may be anything from adding a boarding business to doing leather work. Come share your ideas to other professionals looking to increase their business.
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, November 1, 3:00 p.m., North 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.
Bob Byrns
Bob Byrns 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.
Mr. Byrns is a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Certifier in Western, English, Jumping equitation and an Equine Facilities Certifier. He also holds IRD and PATH certification.
Parsons Roaming Track System – Thursday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
The Roaming Track System was designed and constructed by Bob during his time as the Cavalry Manager. The system encompasses 4 separate tracks with horse herds of 20-32 head in each track. Substantial reductions in herd health cost, farrier expense, and horse useful longevity will be discussed during the presentation. Installing tracks is cost effect and can adapted for horse operations from 1 or 2 head to hundreds of animals.
Participants will be able to tour the tracks on the PMC grounds.
Erin Cardea
Dr. Erin Cardea is the Dean of Equestrian Studies at William Woods University in Fulton, MO. She holds a B.S. in Equestrian Science and an M.Ed. in Equestrian Education from William Woods as well as an M.Sc. in Equine Science from the University of Edinburgh. Most recently, she earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from Johnson & Wales University. Dr. Cardea is a Master Instructor, Certifier, and Lead Site Visitor for CHA and is an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor with PATH International. She holds British Horse Society and German Equestrian Federation qualifications as well.
The Elusive Outside Aids – Saturday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m., South Arena
This workshop seeks to educate riders and conference participants about the function of the outside leg, rein, and seat bone. Exercises to help riders feel the use of the aids in relation to the horse’s movement will be taught with an emphasis on clearer communication between horse and rider.
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 31 at 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
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.”
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.
Your Arena: Construction, Care, & Use – Thursday, October 31, 3:15 p.m., Reveille
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.
Engagement without the Ring – Thursday, October 31, 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
Many times, people look at engagement with fear and trepidation. They read all the social media posts on what can and does go wrong. What engagement can and should mean is being part of something and when you are part of something that takes commitment and work. Visit with us about what being engaged with CHA can look like. Learn about the opportunities to commit and contribute to grow and build a bigger, better CHA.
Kathy Davidson
Kathy Davidson is a lifelong student of horsemanship. She is a graduate of Cazenovia College (NY) and Virginia Intermont College with degrees in Equine Science and Horsemanship, riding on the IHSA Hunt Seat teams at both colleges. Her professional life as a Hunter/jumper/Equitation trainer includes Instructor at Virginia Intermont College where she also taught Equine Nutrition, Farrier Science, and Teaching Theory and Techniques. She worked as Assistant Trainer in St Louis, MO before going out on her own in her home town, Austin, TX, as Starpoint Equestrian Enterprises and rode, trained, and competed with her clients, earning numerous year-end high point awards in local and state H/J show circuits. Relocating to Plano, TX in 2000 to start a family, teaching and training only part time in the Dallas area, Kathy reinvented her business as Equestrian Mechanics, offering clinics and master class lectures and workshops. Kathy also trained extensively in the movement practice “Nia”, which prompted her to create All The Ride Moves, a fun, unmounted equestrian fitness workshop that incorporates elements of musical rhythm and martial arts. Aside from being an avid attendee of many clinics given by the best Equestrians in the country, she has been an IEA Steward and Coach, is a USHJA Certified trainer, and is now also a USHJA Credentialed Instructor. In 2022 Kathy achieved her USEF “r” cards in Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation, and now spends a good deal of time giving clinics and workshops, and traveling to judge various IEA, IHSA, and local organization horse shows. Her very favorite thing about IEA and IHSA shows is the ability of the Judge to stay after the show to give comments directly to the riders. She says “Even when I’m judging, I’m teaching!” She loves being able to share the knowledge gained over a lifetime of learning, and says she hasn’t stopped learning yet!
All the Ride Moves – Thursday, October 31, 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
Fun, UNmounted movement and fitness session with elements of musical rhythm, martial arts, and Yoga for people of all walks of life.
The P’s – Setting Your Riders up for Success over Fences – Saturday, November 2, 9:00 a.m. North Arena
In this discussion, Kathy will discuss The 4 P’s: Plan, Pace, Path, and Position. The talk will include a preliminary review of correct hunt seat use of the Aids (Hands, Legs, Seat/Weight, Voice, Eyes) and how those Aids impact the 4 P’s, as well as incorporating work on the rail at walk, trot, and canter with focus on correct Equitation. Kathy will use a course of poles that will be done progressively at walk, trot, and canter as she discusses and demonstrates “The 4 P’s”.
Dr. Leslie Easterwood
Dr. Leslie Easterwood received her MA in Animal Science in 1992, and her DVM from Texas A&M University in 1995. Dr. Easterwood joined the Veterinary Large Animal Sciences Department at Texas A&M University in 2010 and is currently a Clinical Associate Professor. Dr. Easterwood teaches in pre-clinical professonal courses in the areas of periocular diseases and routine veterinary medicine for horses and teaches in the clinical curriculum by operating the Equine Community Practice rotation in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Dr. Easterwood’s research focuses on periocular squamous cell carcinoma in horses and community outreach for socioeconomically underserved K-4th grade students emphasizing career options in Veterinary Medicine. She has received funding for novel clinical research and sub-grants through Purdue University from the National Institute of Health.
She has also participated in international veterinary education outreach through funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Ethiopia. Dr. Easterwood is an active deploying member of the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team and a member of the Faculty Senate. She holds current leadership roles in the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Texas Equine Veterinary Association.
Ocular Issues in Horses: Inflammatory, Traumatic and Neoplast – Thursday, October 31 at 3:15 p.m., Century III
Common equine ocular issues will be covered. Infectious keratitis, inflammatory eye issues and periocular tumors will be some of the highlighted conditions. Common presentation, recommended diagnostics and current treatments will be included. Corneal ulcers, fungal keratitis, equine recurrent uveitis, immune mediated keratitis, and periocular tumors will be some of the topics covered.
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.
Engagement without the Ring – Thursday, October 31, 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
Many times, people look at engagement with fear and trepidation. They read all the social media posts on what can and does go wrong. What engagement can and should mean is being part of something and when you are part of something that takes commitment and work. Visit with us about what being engaged with CHA can look like. Learn about the opportunities to commit and contribute to grow and build a bigger, better CHA.
Building Better Relations with Your Staff and Volunteers – Saturday, November 2, 9:00 a.m., North Arena 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. Jennifer will share her strategies and tools that she has put in play to support her employees in a changing world.
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 31 at 6:30 & 7:45 p.m., Century III/IV
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.
Preparing Your Horse for Ranch Sorting – Friday, November 1, 12:00 p.m., North Arena
Horses of all breeds are welcome to compete in ranch sorting, but there are certain skills that will make a horse more successful in this sport. Same is true of the rider. In this presentation, we’ll break down the fundamental skills required of both horse and rider for ranch sorting, and offer a progression of exercises that will prepare them for competition.
Using Simple Trail Obstacles to Enhance Your Program & Advance Your Riders – Saturday, November 2, 3:00 p.m., North Arena
Set up fun challenges that keep riders of all ability levels engaged, improving their control, and learning classical riding theory, using simple arena props that everyone has. We’ll cover arena setup, traffic control to keep lessons active, coaching riders through obstacles, and what skills apply.
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.
Preparing your Student for Catch Riding – Friday, November 1, at 9:00 a.m. – North Arena
Learn how to prepare your students for catch riding, the art of riding an unknown horse. See how an IEA coach prepares their student for competition and college level riding.”
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.
Engagement without the Ring – Thursday, October 31, 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
Many times, people look at engagement with fear and trepidation. They read all the social media posts on what can and does go wrong. What engagement can and should mean is being part of something and when you are part of something that takes commitment and work. Visit with us about what being engaged with CHA can look like. Learn about the opportunities to commit and contribute to grow and build a bigger, better CHA.
Amanda Jay
Amanda Jay is the Director and Visionary of Via Nova Training, and creator of Priority to Positive®. And she is on a mission to transform the traditional sport horse world by offering a new set of practical tools based on behavioral science that help trainers, riders, and horses to perform at their best.
Over a lifetime of learning as an amateur equestrian, Amanda began to look for what makes traditional methods of training work. As she uncovered how animals (including humans) learn, it took her squarely into the world of behavioral science and she has never looked back. During this quest for knowledge, Amanda has trained with some well-known behaviorists inside and outside the horse world, all the while creating a way to translate these ideas into Priority to Positive®, a methodology that will work for the competitive and practical equestrian. As the Director of Via Nova Training, she oversees the development of educational opportunities for both professional and amateur equestrians, along with specific Positive Reinforcement training approaches for traditional equestrian disciplines.
Priority to Positive®: A Practical Equestrians’ Guide to Positive Reinforcement – Saturday, November 2 at 1:30 p.m., North Arena Classroom
Have you ever struggled to consistently motivate your horse? At Via Nova Training, we developed a way for horses to understand what we want and help them become eager, more engaged learners. Through the power of behavior science and Positive Reinforcement, our practical training approach respects the needs and goals of the everyday rider and the competitive equestrian. In this presentation, we will cover the Five Principles of Priority to Positive®, which can serve as your new toolkit to be a more effective trainer and help your horse reach his potential.
Celia King
Celia is the lead consultant at Arrants McSwain Team Building where she teaches leaders how to coach their team. She uses her 25 years’ of experience with the Myers Briggs to give clients a logical framework to understand how people are wired, and she uses equine assisted learning to help leaders develop the intuition necessary to work with people. Celia has a Master’s degree in Communication, is an MBTI Master Practitioner and a certified Equine Experiential Education Association Practitioner. She works with a wide range of clients including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, educational organizations and non-profits.
I Like Working with Horses More Than People: Using Your Horsemanship Skills for Congruent Personal and Professional Relationships – Friday, November 1, 1:30 p.m., North Arena Classroom
As horse people, we often hear (or say) things like, “I like horses more than people,” or “If that guy were a horse, I could get him in a round pen and work this out.” The intuitive skills you’ve honed through years of working with horses are more powerful than you might realize—they are the very skills needed to build authentic and healthy relationships with people, both personally and professionally.
In this session, you’ll learn the 4 Intuitive Skills of Congruence, a framework used by Arrants McSwain Leadership Development to coach and train leaders across various sectors, including business, medicine, government, and non-profits. Whether you’re a leader seeking to enhance your communication and leadership abilities or a mentor aiming to deepen the experiences of your riders, campers, or clients, this workshop will provide you with practical tools for growth.
By the end of the session, you’ll understand how the same intuitive skills you use with horses can be applied to work more effectively with people, helping you build stronger, more congruent relationships in all areas of your life.
Jessica Mullins
Jessica is a 3rd generation horsewoman, who started riding before she could walk. She started out in YMCA horse camps, showed 4-H and local shows then moved to APHA shows.
After finding her heart horse Fleets Money Machine a.k.a. “MAC” as an untrained 2-year-old, she added training to her horse experience. One of her biggest High School highlights was her apprenticeship with Shawn Flarida between her junior and senior year.
Her true passion was found after volunteering for OTH-Ohio Therapeutic Horsemanship a program where she witnessed firsthand the healing that comes through horses. At that point, Jessica changed her career path and became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, (CTRI) through PATH Intl.Jessica then went on to obtain her PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) certification and her CHA Certified Riding Instructor Certification in 2019. Then in 2020 Jessica was named PATH’s Region 4 Credentialed Professional of the Year. Throughout her career she’s been at programs in Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois working in programming, volunteer management and fundraising.
Jessica is currently the Equestrian Director at YMCA Camp Kern in Oregonia, Ohio where the lesson program has doubled in clients in a year. One of her biggest focuses currently is continue to improve the program and has done so in receiving $25,000 in new saddles and making continuous upgrades to their indoor riding arenas.
Jessica is hyper-focused on not only increasing the number of interest in summer horse camps, the safety in riding lessons and the increased integrity within the therapeutic riding industry.
Talking Horse Program to the Non-Horse Director – Thursday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m., Century III/IV
Horsemen understand that horses cost money when we least expect it; developing abscesses, colic, throwing a shoe and finding creative ways to hurt themselves. Bottom line is they can be budget busters! So how do get your non-horse director to see that your equine program provides priceless benefits to each and every camper/student attending and those are the reasons they keep coming back week after week and year after year.
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.
Advanced Mechanics of Saddle Fitting – Friday, November 1 at 9:00 a.m., North Arena Classroom
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.
Lisa Powers
Lisa Powers has been a lifelong “horse girl” and enjoys spending her adult horse time side by side with youth and parents as kids live out their dreams. Growing up with limited resources she has spent her years working off her lessons and ride time. This spurred her passion for supporting kids from all walks of life and using horses as a way to develop the next generation of leaders. Her passion is to support youth in whatever direction they pursue, particularly those who are from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Lisa currently serves in the Virginia 4-H horse program as a club leader, district council president, and coach of the state hippology team. She is also on the board for the North East Virginia Dressage Association and in 2022 received the USDF Region 1 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community by as Adult Member. She also proudly serves as the IEA Dressage Zone 3 Region 1 president, sits on the IEA education committee, and coaches her own team Powerhouse Dressage. She received the IEA National Finals Volunteer of the show in 2023 and the IEA National Finals Coach Sportsmanship award in 2024.
Finally, Lisa works in the non-profit child welfare sector and has certifications in many child safety and child trauma best practices curriculums.
Youth Development in Competitive Sports: Working with Teens & Tweens Successfully – Saturday, November 2, 10:30 a.m., North Arena Classroom
Lisa looks forward to meeting you and discussing how to support your youth and parents through developing life and character skills while growing up in a competitive sport. We will discuss some of the leading child development theories, methods for supporting kids, and ways to help parents become your advocate and ally.
Dressage Test Basics and IEA Dressage DSE: See and Be Seen – Saturday, November 2, 3:00 p.m., South Arena
Join us in the arena to discuss accuracy in dressage tests at shows and the importance of it at all levels to the scoring system. Then discuss the growing Dressage Seat Equitation classes at shows and in the IEA program. Learn how to teach your students: Navigating the traffic and getting seen, or fading into the crown when you don’t want to be seen, arena strategies for elements such as getting a lead, preparing or nailing a movement in a group setting. Teaching students group DSE safety, especially for kids who generally lesson solo in dressage
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
Understand the Horse to a Deeper Level – Saturday, November 2 at 3:00 p.m., North Arena Classroom
I have found that every decision a horse makes is to be safe/comfortable which is the basis for us understanding their body language and being able to build stronger connections with the horse, whether riding or on the ground. The same is true of people. Whether you work with people and/or horses, hear what the horses have taught me about behaviors, personalities, coping mechanisms, sensitivities to pressure, fear responses and more. Learn more in depth about how the horse’s brain works.
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.
Sharefile Q&A for Certifiers/Site Visitors – Thursday, October 31 at 3:15 p.m., Hullabaloo
This session is open only to certifiers, and site visitors. Have you had problems accessing documents or do you just have questions about using ShareFile? This session will start with a brief presentation on how to log on, ShareFile organization, what access you should have, and how to download documents. Your questions will guide the remainder of the discussion.
Mechanics of Backing – Friday, November 1 at 1:30 p.m., South Arena
Where are the horse’s feet in reverse? Learn the footfalls of a horse when it backs and how to control where they go. Timing your cues to what’s happening on the ground makes it easier to understand and implement movement. This presentation starts with groundwork, followed by mounted work and then a few obstacles. It is suitable for Level 1 riders and up.
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 is a major anchor, showing all the qualities produced at Star T Ranch. The lesson horses facilitate that as well. They are as follows: Radish, Legend, Jin, Hunter, Alfala, Oliver, and Prince. They are all priceless. www.StarTRanchtx.net
Using Gymnastic Exercises to Develop Both Horse and rider – Friday, November 1, 10:30 a.m. North Arena
In this session we will learn techniques to strengthen your riders by improving their jumping position. We will also delve into exercises to improve the horse’s jumping technique.
Sarah Triplett
Sarah Triplett is the Equestrian Program Manager for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council and a CHA Assistant Vaulting Certifier. Growing up Sarah participated in GSSJC’s equestrian program where she learned horsemanship, leadership, and was introduced to the sport of Vaulting. She continued on to study Equine Industry and Business at West Texas A&M University while competing nationally on their IHSA Team. She has helped develop multiple Competitive Vaulting Clubs in the Houston, Tx area and remains involved with EVUSA Region 4. Sarah is passionate about helping her students build courage, confidence, and character through horsemanship and vaulting.
Hands-On Introduction to Vaulting – Friday, November 1, 10:30 a.m. South Arena
Dive into the exciting world of Equestrian Vaulting. The art of dance gymnastics, all on the back of a moving horse, offers a dynamic way to enhance your student’s horsemanship skills. This session will provide a comprehensive introduction to vaulting covering the D-Compulsories on both a vaulting barrel and horse.
Basics of a Vaulting Program: Beyond the Compulsories – Saturday, November 2, 1:30 p.m. South Arena
Elevate your vaulting skills by diving into the art of creating a dynamic Freestyle routine and learning how to guide vaulters through the transition to trot.
Cheryl West
Cheryl, born in Australia, is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze Medalist on a rescued Rhinelander and served 8 years as US Army Aviation Helicopter Crewchief. Additionally, a CHA Master Instructor and Certifier, for Western, English, Jumping, Therapeutic, and EFM and a PATH CTRI and Mentor. At 13 Cheryl began riding western, and then eventing, moving to Oklahoma in 1998 to begin Dressage, Reining and teaching. Her career has also included 15 years of barefoot trimming and farrier experience, running a full-service facility with 50+ riders, and operating a therapeutic facility with 70+ riders. Recently, she obtained her CPT, Certified Personal Trainer qualification with NASM. She enjoys teaching all disciplines, but her passion is really getting the rider to connect and understand the communication between horse and rider. She lives for those light bulb moments!
Techniques to Progress your Students to become Independent Thinking Riders– Friday, November 1, 3:00 p.m. – South Arena
Learning how to be aware of the body while riding, and the effects it has on the horse, can be a challenge. Our goal is to help you find techniques that can help riders assist their horses white riding on their own. Techniques that can help body position and effective communication with the horse can help.
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.
Understanding and Fine Tuning the Many Applications of the Half-Halt – Friday, November 1, 1:30 p.m. – North Arena
It is a LOT more than just light use of a rein! This technique can rebalance a horse that is leaning on its forehand or bracing on the bit for balance, can slow a rushing horse, can prepare a horse for transitions between or within gaits or for changes of direction. We will start with easy exercises to help riders locate their muscles that are needed for an effective half halt as well as feeling the correct moment in the horse’s stride to execute one. Riders will then progress to using them to practice helping the horses improve their balance and quality of performance.
Steps to Training and Polishing the Canter Pirouette– Saturday, November 2, 1:30 p.m. – North Arena
Riders will get to work on understanding and implementing exercises that gradually build a horse’s confidence and balance that effectively lead towards correctly starting work on canter pirouettes.
Certified Horsemanship Association
1795 Alysheba Way, Suite 7102
Lexington, KY 40509