speaker

Peggy Adams

CHA President Peggy Adams has been on the CHA board for nine years and is a CHA Clinician. She previously taught and coached riding at her own farm, PLA HorsePlay, and worked for the Girl Scouts for 30 years in a variety of managerial positions.

CHA Annual Meeting – Holiday Inn – 2 p.m.

Tim Alderson

Tim isn’t from Texas, but he got there as fast as he could! Originally from Orange County, California, Tim’s equine enthusiasm eventually landed him in East Texas at Pine Cove Christian Camps, where he has served as the Head Wrangler for over 30 years. At Pine Cove, Tim oversees all aspects of 4 separate riding programs encompassing 120 horses and dozens of wranglers. A member of CHA since 1985, Tim is certified in English and Western, has served on the Board of Directors, hosted a CHA National Clinic and Conference, and was a recipient of CHA’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2009.

That’s a Great Idea! – Sharing tips, tricks and problem solving ideas – MTSU Teaching Arena – Saturday, 9 a.m.

Have you had to adapt your program because of your facilities (or lack thereof), your neighbors, your budget, staff, etc.? This session is designed to encourage participation—sharing tips and ideas in order to troubleshoot problems and enhance your program’s effectiveness. Tim has plenty of ideas, but wants to invite anyone to share the “how and whys” of what works for you. We will be using real horses and equipment, so bring your questions and ideas and let’s all learn from one another!

Kim Brown

Kim has more than 35 years of experience equine industry publishing and marketing. Currently she is the Associate Publisher/Editor of two brands for Active Interest Media (AIM) that are focused on business. EquiManagement is for equine veterinarians and Stable Management is for farm/stable owners and riding instructors. Kim’s background includes nearly 30 years at Blood-Horse Publications, the first 15 with The Blood-Horse magazine, ending up as a Contributing Editor, and the second 15 developing The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care as the Publisher/Editor. Kim retired from publishing to become Global Marketing Manager at Kentucky Equine Research, and while there lead the team that created award-winning newsletters and videos, launched a new content-driven educational website, and developed an e-commerce site. Kim then ran her own marketing/content development company for a short time before accepting a full-time position with AIM’s Equine Network. Kim and her musician husband, Ben, moved from Kentucky to Wyoming and are enjoying the outdoor life riding horses, camping, cycling, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and Kim’s favorite—rockhounding. Kim can be reached at KBrown@THINInc.com.

Luck is Where Preparation Meets Opportunity – Keynote – Thursday – 3 p.m.

Do you want more students? Do you want to teach at more facilities (or a specific facility) and just can’t seem to break the ice? Do you want to start camps or expand the ones you have but need a partner to make it happen? Then you need to learn how to recognize and take advantage of opportunities you might not even see that are in front of you today!

Anne Brzezicki

As the MTSU Director of the Equestrian Program, Brzezicki is the director of equine laboratory classes, and she coaches the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team at the Murfreesboro, TN, university. Brzezicki got her start as a hunt seat rider in Connecticut. As a second-year undergraduate at the University of Connecticut, she and the UConn Equestrian Team won the IHSA National Championship. She then coached the UConn Equestrian Team to the National Hunt Seat Championship in 1972. In addition to competing for IHSA, Brzezicki has competed in USEF and AQHA shows. She began the MTSU Equestrian Team in 1977, and she and Kenny Copenhaver introduced the western  horsemanship divisions to IHSA that year. She would start another IHSA team, this time at Virginia Tech. She served a brief stint as Virginia Tech’s IHSA coach while she attended graduate school there, but she returned to coaching at MTSU in the 1980s. Over the years, Brzezicki has coached many youth, amateur, and IHSA national champions. In addition, her background also includes teaching at 4-H horse camps in Connecticut and Tennessee. In addition, Brzezicki has been an active member of the IHSA Board of Directors, AQHA, and a big supporter of 4-H. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from IHSA in 2003 and IHSA Regional Coach of the Year in 2004. Brzezicki is a CHA Master Instructor and as a CHA Assistant Clinic Instructor, she has recently begun hosting CHA Certification Clinics and thoroughly enjoys working with other teachers in an atmosphere of shared enthusiasm, knowledge, and techniques. In addition, she was honored by CHA when she was awarded the 2015 CHA Instructor of the Year Award.

Real Colors Personality Style Assessment for You, Your Students and Your Horses – Thursday – 5:30 – Holiday Inn

For just $20 come and take the Real Colors Personality test to see if you are Gold, Green, Blue, Orange or a combination of colors. This instrument can be helpful working with students, your family and friends and even your horses. Come and find out how and take the instrument home with you.

Jumping Exercises for Different Levels – MTSU Teaching Arena – Friday, 10:30 a.m.

Stephanie Cook

Stephanie grew up in New Jersey, riding and teaching students of all ages from the age of 10 until she went to college. After successfully riding for four years on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team at West Point, Stephanie graduated in 1987 from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree. She spent time in the military, law enforcement, and corporate careers, raising 5 children and earning an MBA along the way. In 2009, she realized that her passion for horses never left and returned to what she was meant to do; ride and train horses, and teach others how to ride! She opened Hill Country Riding Academy outside of San Antonio, TX where she has had tremendous success with children, adults, young horses, ‘problem’ horses, and everything in-between! In 2015, her horse, Texas Checkmate, won the Take 2 Thoroughbred National Jumper Championship and was also in the top 20 in the Take 2 National Hunter standings. She has trained horses for local and “A” USEF rated shows, has had riders qualify and compete at USEF Pony Finals and coaches the Trinity University IHSA and Hill Country Riding Academy IEA teams. She is an USHJA Certified Trainer and a CHA English and Western certified instructor.

The Different Jumping Releases – MTSU Teaching Arena – Friday, 9 – 10:15

Grab the mane? Crest Release? Following Arm? So many choices! Come to this session to learn what Stephanie has heard from top trainers such as Olympians George Morris, Anne Kursinski, Greg Best, Joe Meyer and Bernie Traurig over the past two years trying to develop the most effective, kind, and consistent way for riders to place their arms and hands over fences. There are times when “grabbing the mane” is certainly the best approach, however, this should not be the position as the rider develops a more secure core and true independence of seat, arms, and legs. “Wide hands”, driving reins, counting and gymnastics in the half seat, or two-point position, will be used to help riders develop a feel for balance, rhythm and following the horse’s mouth over the top of the fences in order to maintain constant contact. With whom, when, and how to practice techniques to develop the “following arm” (also known as the “automatic release”) will be outlined and discussed in depth.

David Dellin

David Dellin is the APHA Director of Judges. He is a multiple World and Congress champion trainer. He has judged multiple NSBA futurities and breed World Championship shows. He currently resides in Elmore City, OK, with his wife, Julie, and three children Gage, Lane, and McKenna.

HorseIQ – Miller Club – Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Prepare yourself for a one of a kind experience, giving you the same information that carded judges hear in their educational seminars. From cutting-edge video examples with easy to see graphics, to in-depth explanations of the science behind scoring systems and maneuver scores, this website has you covered. Judge runs in the “Judging Test of Knowledge” and compare your scores to the expert panel in each discipline. You also will have the ability to judge entire classes and compare your scores against the World Show judges that judged the classes live. Whether you are an exhibitor, professional or carded judge this is the place to hone your skills and gain the knowledge to be a success in the show pen.

Sandra Elder

Sandra is a CHA instructor and a Special Education teacher by trade, and a teacher of any child who wants to ride by passion. The thousands of children who have ridden through her lesson program are testament to how much difference one person can make in the lives of others.  Her son John was an AQHYA national officer and daughter Sarah member of the AQHA Youth World Cup Team.  They both have been World and Congress winners. Sandra’s service includes more than 38 years of being a 4-H Horse Project leader, 6 years of serving TN youth as TQHA Youth Director, and starting the very first IEA team in TN years, both hunter seat and western.  Her students have won major awards at the TN State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, Public Speaking, Hippology, Horse Bowl and Demonstration Contests, TN State 4-H Horse Show, Southern Regional 4-H Horse Show, AQHA Youth World, and IEA Nationals.  Her creative programs and selfless hours spent in the service of youth have helped her and husband Roger and their family earn the TN State 4-H Family award.  Sandra has been honored with the AQHA Youth Leader of the Year Award, TQHA President’s Award, MTSU and UT Service awards and Maryville District Teacher of the Year as well as numerous other recognitions.

Exercises for Multiple Students at Different Levels – Miller Coliseum – Friday, 3 p.m.

When scheduling students for riding lessons, the ideal would be “like ability and like age” to ride together, but with busy families and multiple activities this can be impossible.  An instructor must be able to plan lesson content that can be adapted for all abilities or skill levels, hunter or western, male or female, adult or child. This session will give you many exercises to take home and start teaching!

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 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 and achieved, in addition to her CHA Instructor certification, PATH Intl. instructor certification.  In 2000, she achieved CHA Master Level Instructor and Standard clinic staff status and has since earned Clinic Instructor status in the IRD and Vaulting Coach programs as well. Tammi was promoted to Equestrian Director at Pegasus in 2005 where she now manages all aspects of the equestrian program that serves 250 plus students each week participating in areas such as horsemanship, riding, driving, vaulting, veterans, and youth-at-risk programs.  Most recently Tammi has acquired her AQHA 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 asked to chair the Education & Training Committee & in 2011 was asked to take on the position of Board Secretary.  In the fall of 2014, Tammi accepted the responsibility of board treasurer. At the 2011 Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference in Lexington, KY. Tammi was honored with the coveted “CHA Volunteer of the Year Award.”

How to Deal with Different Types of Clientele – Miller Club– Friday, 9 a.m.

Tara Gamble

Tara has been the Past President of CHA and of the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF), as well as Runner-Up Miss Rodeo Canada in 1998. She has served on the Equine Canada Board of Directors as a representative to recreation, and on the Strathcona County Economic Development and Advisory Committee as the agricultural representative. It has been an honor for Tara to receive both the CHA Clinic Instructor of the year (2006), and Volunteer of the year (2013) awards. She is a CHA Clinic Instructor, and a designated Professional Horseman with the American Quarter Horse Association and was appointed to the AQHA Youth Activities Committee in 2012. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from the University of Alberta. With over twenty three years of industry teaching experience and a background in both Western and English, Tara offers weekly riding lessons at her facility east of Ardrossan, Alberta. In addition, she judges various horsemanship competitions, presents seminars and instructs clinics. She has been fortunate to work with many equine professionals on the provincial, national and international levels which has greatly enriched her experiences.

Practical Applications for the Turn Back – Miller Coliseum – Friday, 9 a.m.

This session will explore how turn backs can help take your riding to the next level! An often overlooked or misunderstood maneuver, the turn back is a fundamental training exercise that can assist your horse in learning to use their hind end better to improve lightness and balance. Discover what a turn back is including variations of the traditional pattern and how they can help you achieve better stops, spins, correct leads and more!

Julie Goodnight

Julie is the popular RFD-TV host of Horse Master airing Monday and Saturday nights. Julie travels the USA sharing her no-nonsense horsemanship training with riders of all disciplines. Whether you ride English, Western, dressage or trail ride, Julie’s “Classic Skills for a Natural Ride” teaching helps you feel more confident in the saddle and helps you understand the “whys” of horsemanship. She loves continually learning and sharing horse behavior insights and she relates that knowledge to how you should interact with your horses. She’s experienced in dressage and jumping, racing, reining, cow horse, colt-starting, and wilderness riding. You’ve probably seen her articles in Horse & Rider, The Trail Rider and many other horse publications. Julie is honored to be the International Spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association and was named Equine Affaire’s Exceptional Equestrian Educator. Julie grew up on the hunter-jumper circuits in Florida, but is now at home in the west. She and her husband Rich Moorhead live in the mountains. Both love versatility ranch horse competitions and riding cow-horses.

It’s Time for the Classics! – Miller Coliseum – Friday at Noon

With the increasing popularity of Western Dressage, classical riding is enjoying a resurgence in both the English and Western worlds, and with riders young and old. We’ll delve into traditional techniques for teaching the classics, how to utilize the arena, teach your students to visualize lines, and how to apply the important tenets of classical riding in your lessons.

CHA Awards Banquet Keynote – Holiday Inn, Saturday, 7 p.m.

Universal Truths for Horse Professionals As long as there are people owning and riding horses, there will be horse professionals gritting their teeth and repeating the same truths we’ve said a thousand times. We’ll take a humorous look at the universal truths about horses and riding students that we’ve all come to know.

Randy Hensley

Randy began his career in hoof care as a conventional farrier over thirty years ago. In 2006, with the prompting of a client, Randy began to explore the benefits of barefoot rehabilitation. Certified by the American Hoof Association (AHA) in 2007, Randy has gone on to help hundreds of horses in over five states. He enjoys the journey of helping horses and their owners return to a healthy, sound lifestyle. Randy has also served as vice president of the AHA & has evaluated and mentored other professional farriers & is currently a field instructor for the Equine Sciences Academy. Aside from helping others, Randy also enjoys working cattle by horseback and building ranch horses.

The Hoof – MTSU Teaching Arena – Friday, 1:30 p.m.

Have you ever considered the hoof to be a living being? What’s going on in there & what is the outside of the hoof telling us? Explore the “tip of the iceberg “in hoof anatomy. Get up close and personal with our cadavers and add another tool to your ever developing tool box! *Helpful hints for those of you running a program that depend upon quality donated horses or for those of you who are just intrigued by feet!

Dr. Rhonda Hoffman

Rhonda is a professor and interim director of the Horse Science program at Middle Tennessee State University. She has been teaching horse owners, youth, college students, veterinarians and feed manufacturers about horse nutrition for 20 years. She received a B.S. degree from Truman State University in Missouri, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in equine nutrition from Virginia Tech. Dr. Hoffman earned board-certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Nutrition in 2007. Rhonda views the board certification as a guarantee to herself and her students to remain current and be the best teacher possible. She has published over 80 scientific research and popular press articles, and she has been an invited speaker for over 100 national and international meetings, including conferences in England, Germany, Spain, and a keynote presentation in Brazil. Rhonda is constantly evaluating her approach to teaching, working hard to keep horse nutrition both interesting and applicable to horse owners and students. She was awarded the MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award, the university’s highest teaching recognition, in 2013. Her horse nutrition knowledge and practical experience helps to keep the MTSU school horses looking good and in their best form and usefulness.

Are School Horses Different than Performance Horses? Nutrition for our Teaching Partners – Club Lounge – Friday, 1:30 p.m.

We know proper nutrition cannot guarantee that a performance horse will win, but improper nutrition CAN guarantee a loss. Are school horses any different? This presentation will address common nutritional issues of various types of school horses and strategies for their optimal nutrition. Topics include weight management, aged horses, feed types and costs, supplements, and fuels for performance.

Teresa Kackert

Teresa has been CHA Clinic Instructor since 2003. She is an AQHA Professional Horseman and member of the Wrangler Extreme Team She is also Chris Irwin Natural Horsemanship ‘Double-Gold’ Certified and a Richard Shrake Resistance Free Riding Master Level Trainer/Instructor. Teresa is the creator of the ‘Soft Touch’ Training Program – Classical Equitation & Natural Horsemanship and has over 20 years professional experience as a rider, competitor, trainer, instructor, clinician and personal coach. She is founder of Great Horses of America, Consignment Horse Sales Company and Co-Founder of Pink Heart Pony Kids, Inc. Teresa specializes in: confidence building in both horse and rider, horse behavior modification, motivational personal coaching and skill enhancement for riders & horses of all levels and disciplines. www.GreatHorses.org.

Jumping Exercises for Different Levels – MTSU Teaching Arena – Friday, 10:30 a.m.

Danielle Koren

Danielle is a certified marketing specialist, multi-disciplinary project manager, business process analyst and photographer. She has joined Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd. in the position of Marketing Manager in January, 2016. Danielle has over 20 years of experience in planning and executing strategic initiatives through employments at organizations in the private and not-for-profit sector. In addition, she has over five years’ experience in designing and delivering marketing, branding and communications initiatives, and executing photo assignments through her own business. Danielle has a Management Master’s degree, has the Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential and obtained the Certified Marketing Specialist™ designation. She has over 12 years over horseback riding experience.

Women, Are You Riding in a Saddle Made for a Man? – Miller Club – Friday, 10:30 a.m.

Riding shouldn’t hurt. The unspoken reality is many female riders suffer from pelvic discomfort, struggle with position (shoulder-hip- heel alignment), sit crooked, feel unbalanced in the saddle, and endure recurring back, hip and neck pain. These common issues are often the result of riding in a saddle made for a man. This session will include discussion, videos, power point, live demonstrations and exercises including:

• Differences in female and male anatomy and pelvis relating to riding and the seat (pelvis, leg ratios, musculature, skeletal) showing the differences that dictate different saddle design for women
• Saddles design for women and for men – what is the difference?
• Gender correct saddles and back comfort for the horse
• Improving effective use of aids in your lessons
• Interchangeable male female ground seats
• How to evaluate saddle fit to rider – diagnostic saddle fit checklist

Christy Landwehr

Christy Landwehr has been active in the horse industry for over 35 years. Hunter/jumper, dressage, native costume, side saddle, western pleasure, hunter pleasure, barrel racing, endurance riding and saddle seat equitation are just some of the disciplines Christy has competed in at the local, regional and national levels in multiple breeds. She has been teaching children and adults how to ride for over 25 years. Christy is not only the Chief Executive Officer, but also a Master Level Riding Instructor/Clinician, Equine Facility Manager/Clinician and Site Visitor Trainer for CHA and has taught students in 4-H and Pony Club. She is a Past President of the American Youth Horse Council and she also founded, competed on and coached the University of Colorado at Boulder Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team.  Christy is an AQHA Professional Horseman and on the AQHA National Marketing Committee. Christy was recently appointed to the Colorado State University Equine Sciences Advisory Council.  With an undergraduate degree in public relations/speech communication from California State University Fullerton and a graduate degree in mass communication/journalism from University of Colorado at Boulder, Christy has vast experience in marketing and business. She was the Sponsorship and Youth Programs Manager for the Arabian Horse Association, a trainer for Skill Path Seminars, a television news reporter for WB Channel2 in Denver and the Development Director for The Urban Farm that works with at-risk youth. Christy has spoken at numerous equine events throughout her career including: Arabian Horse Association Conventions, Back Country Horsemen National Convention, American Paint Horse Association Convention, Taking the Reins in WI, Equine Affaire in CA, OH and MA, American Hippotherapy Association Conferences, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Conventions, Mane Event in Edmonton, AQHA Conventions, American Camp Association Conventions and many others.

Real Colors Personality Style Assessment for You, Your Students and Your Horses – Thursday – 5:30 – Holiday Inn

For just $20 come and take the Real Colors Personality test to see if you are Gold, Green, Blue, Orange or a combination of colors. This instrument can be helpful working with students, your family and friends and even your horses. Come and find out how and take the instrument home with you.

Dr. Tom Lenz

Dr. Lenz has been active for more than 40 years in the world of equine veterinary health. He has dedicated his life to educating others about animal welfare, often speaking to audiences in the equine, veterinary, and agriculture industries, as well as governmental groups. Dr. Lenz is a Past President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and was honored with the 2005 AAEP Distinguished Service Award and the AAEP Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. He is also a past chair of the AAEP’s Welfare Committee. He is currently on welfare committees for the American Horse Council, the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is a trustee of the American Horse Council (AHC), the past chair of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, and the current chair of the AHC’s Welfare Committee. He has also served the American Quarter Horse Association as an honorary Vice President, co-chair of the Research Committee, and a member of AQHA’s Nominations, Credentials, and Research Committee. His monthly column for the “American Quarter Horse Journal” and “Quarter Horse Racing Journal” has run for more than 20 years. Dr. Lenz graduated from the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He earned Diplomate status in the American College of Theriogenologists in 1986 and an MS in Equine Reproduction from Texas A&M University in 1988. The University of Missouri honored Dr. Lenz as the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumnus of the Year in 1995 and as a distinguished alumni in 1997. He currently resides in Louisburg, Kansas.

Animal Welfare: Lessons Learned – Holiday Inn – Thursday, 4 p.m.

This presentation will focus on lessons we learned in dealing with equine welfare issues and the Unwanted Horse situation. In the past, welfare issues were discussed and resolved within the horse community, but this was the first national issue where non-horse owners and animal activists, as well as state and local officials, were involved in the debate and resolutions discussion. The result was a change on how we communicate and address equine welfare issues.

Julie Little

Julie is the founder of Equine Office, which specializes in dedicated invoicing services for equine businesses. In dealing with barn owners, coaches and trainers, she has been exposed to the many different ways clients implement their procedural policies. Julie began her career as a software developer. She has lived and worked (and of course ridden!) throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She subsequently started and operated a hunter/jumper riding school and training business of her own for many years. Bringing the best of both careers together, she developed specialized invoicing software which led to the founding of Equine Office. Julie holds bachelors degrees in English and Biology from the University of Toronto, and in Computer and Information Science from the University of Maryland. She experienced many different disciplines of riding growing up, but it was her passion for jumpers which led to years of training and showing on the ‘A’ circuit. Julie gives clinics and judges horse shows when time permits.

Business Solutions for Equine Professionals – Miller Club – Friday, 3 p.m.

Running a coaching business or riding school can be a stressful operation as you try to please everyone. Having solid procedures in place can help smooth those bumps and make everyone’s experience easier. In this workshop we will discuss solutions which businesses like yours have used successfully. Among the topics we will cover are how to handle make-up lessons, and how to best avoid late paying clients. We will consider the pros and cons of different types of lesson packages. We will examine the challenge of getting clients to financially commit to trailering and coaching plans for horse shows. With these and other related topics, you will benefit from other coaches’ experiences. You will be able take home ideas you can apply to make your particular business more efficient (and hopefully give you less headaches)!

Jim McDonald

Jim is a lifelong horseman and a lifelong learner. In the year 2000, he started a non-profit organization dedicated to horsemanship education. Part of its mission is to make the joy of a relationship with a horse available to people who would not ordinarily have that opportunity and that was the original motivation for founding the Graham Equestrian center (www.Grahameq.org). They work closely with anyone who wants to advance their horsemanship skills and knowledge. Jim has been the CHA Board Treasurer and an AQHA Professional Horseman.

Teaching Horsemanship Skills for Effective Communication with Horses – Miller Club – Friday, 9 a.m.

This classroom instruction is design to present effective skills for making your intent clear to the horse. The knowledge and skills based on behavioral science. Understanding prey animal psychology and operant conditioning will be the emphasis of this presentation.

Debi Metcalfe

Debi is a well-known speaker and clinician hailing from Shelby, NC where she heads Stolen Horse InternationalTM, the only group that has advocated for the victims of rural crime-particularly equine theft-since 1992. She and husband Harold started the organization after the theft of their own mare, Idaho (recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge at age 31). Because of this brutal experience, Debi found the power of networking and social media-and the moniker of ‘NetPosse’ was used to describe that network by the media. It stuck and became the website name. Today, the NetPosse rides the internet on several social media sites-not just Facebook. Committed horse people of all descriptions are encouraged to participate in the ALERT network, volunteer, and become partners and/or sponsors. All it takes is ONE person who sees that horse we are looking for and who makes that call. NetPosseTM-Bringing Horses Home.

Dealing with a Stolen Horse – Miller Club – Saturday, 10:30 a.m., TBA

National Reining Horse Association

First offered in 2010 at the Alltech© FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky., “NRHA Ride a Reiner” has taken the country by storm by giving novice and experienced riders the opportunity to ride a reining horse. Nowhere else in the world can spectators find an option like this: the chance to receive a hands-on lesson from an NRHA Professional, to enjoy a dizzying spin and to feel the power of sliding stops on a well-trained reining horse!

 Ride a Reiner – Miller Coliseum – Saturday at Noon

Andrew Fox – NRHA Professional

Andrew is the head trainer and ranch manager for Darling 888 Ranch, located in Princeton, Kentucky. Originally, from Newmarket, England Andrew began his career riding western pleasure, reined cow horses and horsemanship. He showed his first reining horse when he was 14 years old. He won a European championship title at the age of 15 and has had continued success since then. Andrew has a degree in Equine Science from Cambridge College of Agriculture. Since moving to the United States in early 2008, Andrew has lifetime earnings just under $70,000 and has won various titles including the Alabama, Kentucky, and Missouri Futurities. Andrew has also won the Nebraska Big Red Derby, earned multiple Top Ten NRHA world titles in three different categories and made the open NRHA Derby finals. As a coach, Andrew has enabled his group of non-pros to achieve their goals which include winners of multiple Circuit Championships, Saddle Series, NRHA Top Ten World Titles (non-pro; youth), affiliate finalists and countless first place plaques, buckles and trophies. Andrew also has helped NRHA with Rookie Days and continues to host clinics at the ranch for others to strengthen their reining skills.

Hayley Eberle – NRHA Manager of Marketing and Communication

Originally from Georgia, Hayley became involved with horses at a young age. Having competed in several equestrian disciplines from speed events to hunt seat classes, she became successful and desired to be involved in the equestrian industry. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Hayley earned a Bachelor’s degree in Horse Science with a Minor in Business Administration while competing in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association shows and on the horse judging team. To gain experience with event management and horse associations while still in college, she spent much of her free time working equestrian events such as American Stock Horse Association Shows and American Quarter Horse Association events. Hayley also received her AQHA Show Management certification in 2012. Since early 2013, Hayley has been employed with the National Reining Horse Association. She currently manages the Sire and Dam program, marketing of NRHA’s programs, communications to members, outside advertising, and alliances, all while fulfilling additional responsibilities, such as serving as staff liaison to three committees. Hayley also serves on the American Youth Horse Council Board of Directors as well as several committees for the organization. When she isn’t traveling to represent NRHA at events and conferences, she still works local equestrian events.

Heidi Potter

Heidi is an internationally known and respected Certified Centered Riding© Clinician, CHA Master Instructor/Clinician and Horse Agility Accredited Trainer from Southern Vermont. She teaches a wide variety of training and riding clinics at her facility, The New England Center for Horsemanship and abroad. Horses and humans alike benefit from her extensive knowledge and gentle approach. As a natural style trainer she specializes in the gentle and progressive way of working with horses. Her ability to read the horse and then progress with calmness, clarity and consistency has proven successful in building more safe, trusting, respectful and enjoyable partnerships between horses and their humans.

Centered Riding© Exercises for All Riders – Miller Coliseum – Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

Learn exercises created by Centered Riding’s founder Sally Swift designed to assist riders in achieving better balance, improved stability and clearer communication with their horse.

Demystifying the Half Halt – MSTU Teaching Arena – Saturday, 3 p.m.

Learn what the half-halt is, how to apply, when to apply it and how to teach it. This session will include interactive exercises with humans, followed by mounted application.

Cathy Rothery

Cathy joined Schleese Saddlery Service in 2000, bringing 20 years’ experience in banking, human resources and running a small business. She joined the Saddlefit 4 Life© team in 2006 as Director of International Marketing and focuses on developing innovative educational projects in a variety of media, and courses offered. A passionate advocate for horse and rider well-being and comfort, Cathy reaches out to equine associations to provide saddle fit education to protect horse and rider from long term damage caused by ill-fitting saddles. Cathy graduated from the University of Guelph (Honour Bachelor of Applied Science) and is married, and mom of two adult children, various rescue dogs and grand dogs.

Women, Are You Riding in a Saddle Made for a Man? – Miller Club – Friday, 10:30 a.m.

Riding shouldn’t hurt. The unspoken reality is many female riders suffer from pelvic discomfort, struggle with position (shoulder-hip-heel alignment), sit crooked, feel unbalanced in the saddle, and endure recurring back, hip and neck pain. These common issues are often the result of riding in a saddle made for a man. This session will include discussion, videos, PowerPoint, live demonstrations and exercises, including:

• Differences in female and male anatomy and pelvis relating to riding and the seat (pelvis, leg ratios, musculature, skeletal) showing the differences that dictate different saddle design for women
• Saddles design for women and for men – what is the difference?
• Gender correct saddles and back comfort for the horse
• Improving effective use of aids in your lessons
• Interchangeable male female ground seats
• How to evaluate saddle fit to rider – diagnostic saddle fit checklist

Tara Reimer

Tara has always been involved with horses whether training, driving, riding or showing. Tara and her husband, Derek, own/operate Cloud 9 Ranch near Steinbach, Manitoba where she spends most of her time 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 a CHA Clinic Instructor and the CHA Region 2 Director. In 2013, she was the CHA Instructor of the Year! EAGALA certified, she is the Equine Specialist on her equine assisted psychotherapy team. She is also an AQHA Professional Horseman and longtime exhibitor. With Equestrian Canada she is a Western Coach and General Performance Judge. Tara continues to show horses herself and enjoys the challenge of preparing young horses for Futurities. Tara’s passion is teaching, humans and horses, to develop their talents. Tara was twice a guest instructor on the Florida based Horses in the Morning radio show with CHA and has presented at the CHA International Conference in Lexington, Kentucky and at Horse 3 in Brandon. www.cloud9ranch.ca

Effective Groundwork – Miller Coliseum – Saturday, 9 a.m.

Ground work to ‘check in’ makes for calmer, more productive time spent with your horse. Learn how the horse’s brain works so you can identify a lack of confidence, then see how I use a combination of ground work exercises to build the horse’s confidence and activities using equine assisted learning to build our student’s confidence. What does the horse need from you as the handler? Learn more about yourself and how to better communicate, to horses and people. Easy to apply techniques and audience participation.

Jochen Schleese

Former member of the German young rider’s Three Day Event Team, Jochen qualified for the European Championships in 1984, but had to retire his horse due to lameness, which abruptly ended his riding career. Years later, through research Jochen discovered his horse’s lameness was caused by damage to the scapular cartilage from an ill-fitting saddle. This was the catalyst for Jochen’s life-long mission to prevent saddle related damage for all horses. Jochen graduated from Passier in 1985 as the youngest Certified Master Saddler in Germany at the time. He came to Canada as the Official Saddler for the 1986 World Dressage Championships. Jochen registered the trade of saddlery in North America in 1990, and operates the only authorized training facility for this trade in Ontario. He established Saddlefit 4 LifeÒ (2006) as an independent organization to teach saddle fit evaluation and analyses, and certify professionals in equine and saddle ergonomics. Jochen lectures at the German Professional Trainers Association in Warendorf Germany, at veterinary conferences in Brazil and is a frequent clinician at trade shows and equine forums worldwide. Jochen is on the advisory board of the Equine Sciences Academy and an education partner with the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

Western Saddle Fit – MTSU Teaching Arena – Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

This interactive demonstration will discuss:

• Fitting challenges of western saddles
• Center of balance relative to breed and discipline
• Correct Saddle Support Area on the horse’s back
• The 9 Points of Saddle Fit (static) – principles illustrated on horse’s back
• Dynamic Fit (in motion)
• Use of saddle blankets- saddle pads
• Evaluating saddle fit for western saddles – principles and demo
• Interchangeable – male-female ground seats
• Systems to achieve optimal fit as the horse changes and develops

Saddle Fit Considerations for Various Breeds – Miller Coliseum – Saturday, 3 p.m.

The number of different breeds and the use of horses have changed dramatically over the last 150 years. Veterinary and medical findings reveal incorrectly fitting saddles can cause pain and damage to the horse. Correct saddle fit facilitates optimum performance and promotes back health. In addition to age and conditioning discussion will include principles professionals need to consider related to conformational differences (back lengths, shoulder conformations, spine, withers) of various breeds which present unique saddle fitting requirements and potential challenges. The horse’s back remains a very sensitive area, despite goals of targeted selection and breeding. One saddle does not fit all.

Randi Thompson

Randi is the founder of the “Horse and Rider Awareness® Educational Programs” and ”How to Market Your Horse Business.”  She has been in the horse industry for over 40 years and has been coaching professionals for 20+ years in horse-and-rider training, business and marketing. Randi has worked with many breeds of horses and styles of riding in her career and has produced national winners in the worlds of dressage, hunter/jumper, western pleasure, and flat-shod walking horses. Randi is a Master Instructor for the CHA (English, Jumping, Western) and is available to come to your location for clinics and instructor training. Randi also offers instructor programs with recognized judges for those who want to focus more on coaching or competing in Jumping or Dressage (Tryon, NC area). For more information on how Randi can make a difference for you, go to http://www.horseandriderawareness.com.

Riding Position Magic – MTSU Teaching Arena – Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Teaching a rider a balanced riding position is an art. First we start with the basics… than what do you do? How can you take a rider to the next level in their training process? Now you can watch what happens as Randi shows use techniques that you can use to improve your more advanced students riding position and balance.

Carla Wennberg

Carla has been an AQHA judge for 30 years and an NSBA and NRHA for judge 27 years. She was the AQHA 2008 Professional Horsewoman of the Year and for over 25 years was the Instructor and Coach for University of Georgia, Colorado State University, and last ten years at St Andrews University in North Carolina. Carla has coached for the past 10 years, IHSA western for St Andrews University and this year tied for First at IHSA Nationals with Berry College in Georgia. Carla has judged 13 Open and Amateur World Championship shows for AQHA, 3 Youth World Championships for AQHA, 3 All American Quarter Horse Congress shows, and 2 European Championships in Germany. She is also a clinician and master instructor with CHA. Having already staffed a CHA Certification Standard clinic at St. Andrews. Carla loves competing her FEI level gelding and is just 2 scores away from a Silver USDF Medal.

Western Horsemanship Exercises – Miller Coliseum – Friday, 1:30 p.m.

We will start this session with a quick warm up for riders to have a balanced position and explain why it works! Balancing exercises in transitions and the many ways it works for both horse and rider will be examined. Then the steps of collection required in the exercise will be explained. Next, the steering exercises including first with squares and how it works for horses and riders and then controlling the shoulders of both the riders and the horses.  We will also discuss the mental preparation required for the horsemanship rider and how it helps in all pattern work.

Dave Whitaker

Dr. Whitaker was the long-time Director of Horse Science at MTSU until 2014.  Dave may be best known for his judging teams who won every major contest including Appaloosas, Paints, Morgans, the AQHA World three times, and the Congress five times.  Dave was an AQHA Director and AQHA judge for more than 31 years.  He has judged horse shows in eleven countries and forty-two states, including the AQHA World Show three times, the Youth World three times, the Select World and the Congress, and the Texas State 4-H Show, possibly his favorite, four times.  He has done clinics in other countries as well, most notably New Zealand, where he was able to combine his knowledge and love of horses with two of his other animal passions on a huge sheep ranch…that also trains their own working stock dogs.  He hosted summer youth horsemanship camps at MTSU for 30 years. Nationally, he served as Chair of AQHA’s Youth Committee and Research Committee which determines disposition of nearly half a million dollars a year in research funding for three years each, as well as serving on the International Committee and Nominations/Credentials Committee. For three years he was the sole non-veterinarian on the Board of the American Assoc. of Equine Practitioners, and currently serves on the AQHA Welfare Committee. A few of the numerous awards that he has won that are very meaningful to him include the TN State 4-H Family Award, Distinguished Alumni from the University of Tennessee, AQHA’s Merle Wood Humanitarian Award, and the National Honorary American Farmer degree from the national FFA convention. Dave and his wife Pat, an Extension educator in Consumer and Family Science, have three children and five grandchildren.

About Middle Tennessee State University Horse Science Program – Holiday Inn – Thursday, 2 p.m.

Barbara Wolke

Barbara is the Vice President of the Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau. She joined the Convention & Visitors Bureau staff in 2003. She has 30 years of experience in sales and the hospitality industry. Barbara earned her designation as a Certified Hospitality Sales Professional from the Educational Institute with the American Hotel & Motel Association. She earned industry designations as a Travel Marketing Professional from the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College and as a Certified Tennessee Tourism Professional from the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable. Barbara is a native of Middle Tennessee and a 35 year resident of Rutherford County. She is an active member of the Tennessee Society of Association Executives, American Bus Association, Rutherford County and Tennessee Hospitality Associations, and the National Association of Sports Commissions. Barbara is a graduate of the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy, Dale Carnegie Course and the 2015 Leadership Rutherford program.

Welcome to Murfreesboro! – Holiday Inn – Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Lisa Wysocky

Lisa is a registered level PATH International instructor and also holds certifications as a mentor, and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. In addition, she has been chosen as one of the country’s Top 50 riding instructors by ARIA. With a life balanced between books and horses, Lisa is an author, equine clinician, and motivational speaker who trains horses for and consults with therapeutic riding programs. Lisa graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in equine management. Early wins on the national Appaloosa horse show circuit took Lisa across North America, where she was asked to speak, or to write articles for national publications. Lisa’s passion for writing and speaking led to a second run at college where she studied communications and journalism. Lisa is the co-author of a number of books, including My Horse, My Partner: Teamwork on the Ground, which helps horse and human partners form amazing bonds using traditional ground training, natural horsemanship, and desensitization. Lisa combines her love of horses and country music in Horse Country: A Celebration of Country Music and the Love of Horses. This beautiful coffee table book features twenty-seven of the top stars of country music talking about how horses changed their life for the better. Lisa’s six-time award winning Cat Enright equestrian mystery series has recently been optioned for film and television. Lisa is the executive director of Colby’s Army, a therapeutic riding and life learning center, and has a clinic schedule that tales her nationwide. Learn more at http://www.lisawysocky.com.

Choosing the Lesson Horse – MTSU Teaching Arena – Friday, 3 p.m.

Lesson horses are the backbone of any instructor’s barn, but the builds of some horses are better suited for one purpose or another. We all want our horses to stay in our programs for many years, but like people, the bodies of some horses wear out faster than others. Comparing the conformation of several lesson horses, Lisa takes the audience through the pros and cons of each horse as a long-term lesson prospect. From nose to tail, Lisa educates instructors on the best choices for their lesson program.

The Green Barn – Miller Club – Saturday, 9 a.m.

As we become more conscious of good environmental practices, those ideas must also extend to the barn. Many of us also have horses and/or riders with allergies, and those sensitivities can be reduced by using products that are less harsh. From innovative stall beddings, to recycling and repurposing, Lisa presents fun, affordable, and easy to implement eco-friendy solutions that benefit all. Some will even widen your reach within your local community and bring new people to your barn.

JoAnne Young

JoAnne has been teaching riding and training horses for over 40 years, and is happy that she is still learning. Every student and every horse bring fresh challenges that keep life interesting. She has been privileged and blessed beyond her wildest dreams to study with such wonderful instructors as Walter Zettl (dressage coach to Canadian event team when they won bronze at Los Angeles Olympics), Bertin Potter in Germany, Molly Sivewright (FEI judge and past chair of the Fellows of the British Horse Society), Carel Eijkenaar (FEI judge), Eddo Hoestra (F.E.I. Trainer) and Doris Halstead (Physical Therapist and author of “Releasing the Potential: Physical Therapy Modalities for Horse and Rider.” Jo-Anne is the author of the M.A. thesis: “Preparing students for riding instructor certification through college curricula.”

Lateral Movements for all Levels of Riders – Miller Coliseum – Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

“Lateral” means “sideways” or “all on one side”, but the skills and movements included in the term range from improving basic beginner steering to advanced level maneuvers. Riders in this workshop will work at their own level. Those new to lateral work will be introduced to the many basic uses and the required aids. Those further along in their riding education will work on refining their aids and timing as they use lateral work to improve the horse’s balance, responsiveness and range of motion.

Patricia Bona, D.C.

Dr. Bona received her post-graduate Doctor of Chiropractic in 1987 From Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, MO. Along with her office in Blue Bell, PA for humans, Dr. Pat has been certified in animal chiropractic by American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) since 1994. She is an avid equestrian and horse owner who started in 4-H. Her focus has always been on good posture which must start from the feet up to efficiently thrive under unyielding force of gravity; a basic yet powerful concept. As a result of Doctor Bona’s focus, she developed the Cross Fiber grooming technique in 1997 (Posture Prep Cross Fiber Grooming). A technique of daily grooming that empowers the horse owner as they help to improve the horse’s posture, performance and well-being, with a pre-ride evaluation and massage as they groom. All the while learning that “Posture is the Language of the Horse.”

Assess and Address the Horse’s Myofascial and Postural Imbalances – KHP Club Lounge – Saturday at 3 p.m.

For the past few years Dr. Bona has been seriously focusing on the evaluation of aberrant posture and biomechanics due to scars/scar tissue. Dents, dings, white hairs, areas of hair loss are areas of “healed” injuries with significant restriction that need to be released. All too often they are completely overlooked or thought of as a blemish. This lecture provides profound observations and tools for the novice horse owner to the performance veterinarian.

Shellie Carmoney

Shellie relocated to central Iowa in March of 2014 after she accepted the position of Equestrian Program Specialist at the Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger. While much of her time is spent designing programs, organizing events and the professional development of instructors, staff and volunteers, Shellie also balances her time in the busy program. She facilitates the At-Risk Youth program, oversees the Department of Corrections stable hands, develops program and therapy horses and teaches multiple levels of students in the able body and therapeutic horsemanship programs. Her philosophy is teaching the “total horse” regardless of the discipline, ability or background of her students. Shellie lives in Johnston, Iowa with her sister, their crazy Maltise dog and her horse, Aragorn.

Riding Instructor Challenge – Covered Arena – Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Come and watch while CHA Instructors battle it out to see who can teach a brand new rider the best! It is like the Mustang Make Over and other challenges that you see at Expos except with a CHA flair! May the Best Instructor Win!

Patti Colbert

Patti is a “hands-on” promoter for the horse industry. Experience in both private and non-profit equine business led Patti to a position as the Senior Director of the American Quarter Horse Association’s Foundation where she served until 2004. In 2006 Patti’s company began a management arrangement with the Mustang Heritage Foundation, funded in part through Bureau of Land Management grants. Colbert created and launched the Extreme Mustang Makeover events and other Mustang training programs which led to the adoption of more than 5,000 wild horses. Patti currently works with the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance, representing major equine breed, discipline and corporate organizations. Patti helped to create “Time to Ride” events and programs including the national “100 Day Horse Challenge” designed to provide incentives for stables, businesses and organizations to host events that connect newcomers to horses.

Keynote – Saturday 7 p.m. – Awards Banquet – Marriott Griffin Gate

Generational Differences and How They Can Affect Your Riding Program

Bob Coleman Ph. D., PAS, Dip.ACAN

Dr. Coleman 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 of Science degree. After graduating, Coleman worked in the Canadian Feed Industry as a nutritionist for two major feed companies. In 1980, he moved to Alberta, Canada to be the Extension Horse Specialist for Alberta Agriculture. During his time in Alberta, he completed his Ph.D. with a focus in Equine Nutrition. Dr. Coleman then moved to the University of Kentucky as the Equine Extension Specialist. In addition to his Extension duties, Dr. Coleman teaches in the Equine Science and Management program and serves as the program’s Director of Undergraduate Studies. Dr. Coleman is a member of the AQHF research committee and is the current president of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Association. Professionally, Dr. Coleman is a member of the Equine Science Society where he serves as the executive director, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, and the American Society of Animal Scientists as well as a board member for CHA.

Feed Costs – KHP Club Lounge – Friday at 3 p.m.

When managing any group of horses trying to control feed costs is always something that owners struggle with. When prices are low, and who can remember when that was, it is not such an issue but with the way hay and grain prices bounce around having some ideas on how to manage feeding programs to help control costs is always something worth talking about. It is not just about controlling feed intakes, but making sure the feeding programs for your horses meet their needs and do not break the bank. This presentation will discuss some ideas on maintaining costs while making sure your horses are receiving the feed they need. Krishona Martinson, PhD from the University of Minnesota, was also an author for this presentation.

Managing Your Horse’s Weight – KHP Club Lounge – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

For many horse owners knowing how much their horses weigh can be a great help in managing their feeding programs and administering medications. While some use an old equation that used heart girth and body length there is a newer equation that includes a few more measurements but may give a better indication of how much the horse weighs. In addition you can use some of the measurements to determine what your horse’s ideal weight should be. All in all horse owners can get an estimate of how much the horse weighs, what it should weigh and how are you doing. This all comes in an app for your smart phone. This presentation will look at is your horse fat? Well there is an app for that.

Kathy Findley

Kathy is a licensed judge for numerous national level judging cards. She has officiated at regional and national level breed shows. Kathy’s amateur and youth clients have achieved regional and national championships in numerous divisions including Halter, Showmanship, Equitation, Horsemanship, Hunter under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Trail, Sport Horse in Hand and Dressage. Serving as the chair of the WSHC (WI State Horse Council) Judges Committee, she has been instrumental in improving the Judging Standards. Kathy implemented the WSHC Judges – Evaluation Form and introduced the WSHC “Judge of the Year” Program. Ms. Findley is the author of WI’s First Judging & Showing Guidelines. She is a regular columnist for WI Judges Quarterly Update and has written numerous articles for other equestrian publications, including “Horse Sense”.

Here Comes the Judge! – KHP Club Lounge – Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Do you have what it takes to be a successful judge? What goes on in the mind of a horse show judge? Judging horse shows is much harder work than you might think. There are some very definite skills required. It is the judge’s opinion that sets our goals for the future. Join Kathy and learn what it takes to become a judge and what to expect.

Judging Hands On – Covered Arena Annex – Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to be a “Judge” at a horse show? Join us ring side and you can participate in judging a class. We will score, evaluate and review the class and placings. You will need paper and a pen.

Tammi Gainer

Having grown up around horses, Tammi began her professional equine career in 1989 as a trail guide at a large ranch camp where she was first exposed to the world of equestrian vaulting and attended her first CHA Standard Instructor Certification Clinic. In the spring of 1995 Tammi joined the instructor staff at Pegasus Farm. While working at the Farm part-time and home schooling her three children, Tammi also spent much time working under several trainers in both reining and dressage and achieved PATH Intl. instructor certification. In 2000, she achieved CHA Master Level Instructor and clinic staff status and has since earned Clinic Instructor status in the Instructors of Riders with Disabilities (IRD) and Vaulting Coach programs as well. Since 1998 Tammi has been the head coach of the Pegasus Vaulting Club; an eighteen member recreational team that performs demonstrations and workshops at various venues throughout Ohio. In 2005 Tammi was promoted to Equestrian Director where she now manages all aspects of the equestrian program. Most recently Tammi has achieved Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning certification through PATH Intl and AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Professional Horseman. In September 2007 Tammi was elected to the CHA Board of Directors and asked to chair the Education & Training Committee & in 2011 was asked to take on the position of Board Secretary. Tammi is the 2011 CHA Volunteer of the Year.

Teaching Tips for Working with Riders with Autism, ADD and ADHD – Marriott Hotel – Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

There are many recognized instructional methods used by schools that can be translated into the riding arena. This workshop will look at those methods of learning and discuss in detail how they can be used to teach horsemanship to students with Autism, ADD, & ADHD.

Vaulting Exercises – Covered Annex Arena – Friday at 9 a.m.

This workshop is for anyone interested in the sport of vaulting from the very beginning to competition. This workshop will be bringing to the “barrel” how vaulting can be incorporated into a wide variety of programs. We will be covering topics such as equipment needs & use, training the vaulting horse, & the vaulting student. This will be a hands-on workshop so come in your tennis shoes & stretchy pants!

Maureen Gallatin

Maureen is best known for providing practical and spiritual encouragement to horse lovers, equipping them to make a difference through a connection with horses. Her unique brand of wisdom, humor and horsemanship is inspirational, and her warmth puts people at ease. She’s the founder of Inspired by Horses, an equestrian-focused Christian leadership, consulting, and inspirational publishing project, and of Amazing Women Inspired by Horses, which celebrates horsewomen and the many ways they are making a difference in the world. Maureen is founder of the International Center for Equestrian Ministry and author of the devotional called, “An Extra Flake.” She divides her time between Lexington, KY and Tryon, NC.

Teaching from a Faith-Based Perspective without Being Preachy – Marriott Hotel Roundtable talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

Lisa Harris

After graduating from Auburn University with a BS in Animal Science, Lisa received two degrees from the University of Kentucky: an MS in Vet Science, specializing in Equine Biomechanics and an MS in Physical Therapy. She has published an article on Equine Biomechanics in the Journal of Veterinary Science, and has presented in the US and Canada material from her MS Thesis. Lisa and her colleagues presented their MS PT Research Project comparing a human walking to sitting on a horse at the walk at the Ninth International Therapeutic Riding Congress in Denver in 1997. She currently practices physical therapy in an outpatient, private practice setting in Georgetown, Kentucky.  She is a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist and a PATH, Intl Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Lisa initiated and coordinates the PATH, Intl accredited hippotherapy program at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope which is partnered with Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. She teaches a hippotherapy lab each year at the University of Kentucky. Lisa is a graduate ‘A’ pony clubber. She has Evented through the Intermediate Two Star Level and has coached young riders through Preliminary Level.  Lisa is currently on the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors and holds the position of Education Chair.   She served on the AHA Board of Directors in the past holding 7 roles as the Research Chair and the editor of HIPPOTHERAPY magazine.

American Hippotherapy Association (EAAT) Marriott Hotel Roundtable Talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

KC Henry

KC Henry co-founded two therapeutic centers and also worked at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center where she was the first paid staff member of what was then a small all-volunteer program. During her 14 years at Fieldstone she moved from instructor to program director to Executive Director and under her leadership Fieldstone Farm completed a $4.5 million dollar campaign, built a state-of-the-art therapeutic riding facility, and developed a staff of 31 people that served 200 students with disabilities weekly. In 2006 she received the James Brady professional achievement award from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl). She is now owner/principal at Transitions Unlimited, a 12 year old, rapidly growing consulting firm for nonprofit businesses. KC works with a large variety of nonprofit programs both nationally and internationally (including Turkey and South Africa). She specializes in project development, board development, strategic planning and start-up programs. One of her primary clients is the Horses and Humans Research Foundation – research focused on equine assisted activities.  KC is contracted as the foundation’s executive director.

What Science is Telling Us about Horses Impact on Humans – Club Lounge – Saturday at 9 a.m.

The Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) has been funding scientific investigation on the impact of horses on humans for 8 years now – the results of these studies are remarkable. The findings are showing us in scientific terms why, as Winston Churchill said, “Something about the outside of the horse is good for the inside of man.” HHRF has now funded scientific studies that measure the chemical changes of saliva when children who are abused or neglected participate in equine assisted activities. Why is that important? Not only could an increase in oxytocin, “the bonding hormone,” result in a feeling a wellbeing – it may coincide with relationship building to encourage children with attachment disorders to bond with their foster or adoptive care takers! Ability to bond changes lives. How about veterans with Post Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injuries? Anecdotal evidence is informing facilitators at more than 400 programs around the country that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology decreases after participation in these programs. Now we are scientifically measuring participant’s experience of PTSD symptoms as well the intervention’s impact on coping skills, emotional regulation and social engagement. The world will soon know what Winston Churchill and horse lovers have always known. The scientific validation of the positive impact of horses on humans may change everything.

Teresa Kackert

Teresa has been CHA Clinic Instructor since 2003. She is also Chris Irwin Natural Horsemanship Certified and a Richard Shrake Resistance Free Riding Master Level Trainer/Instructor. Teresa is the creator of the ‘Soft Touch’ Training Program – Classical Equitation & Natural Horsemanship and has over 20 years professional experience as a rider, competitor, trainer, instructor, clinician and personal coach. She is founder of Great Horses of America, Consignment Horse Sales Company and Co-Founder of Pink Heart Pony Kids, Inc. Teresa specializes in: confidence building in both horse and rider, horse behavior modification, motivational personal coaching and skill enhancement for riders & horses of all levels and disciplines. www.GreatHorses.org.

Jumping Exercises – Covered Arena – Saturday at 9 a.m.

This jumping session will encompass the different seats such as the full seat and 2-point. The next step will involve an explanation of each seat and the reason for a change of seat at the walk, trot and canter. Ground poles will follow which will prepare the riders to ride the lines to and from the jumps thru poles in the trot and canter. The x-rails will be introduced demonstrating trotting using the 2-point to jump when starting out and then using a full seat while riding the canter. The next steps will be the verticals and negotiating the start of a course.

How to Teach Many Riders of Different Levels the Same Exercise at the Same Time – Covered Arena – Friday at 1:30 p.m.

This session will show instructors how to teach a solid group lesson even if you have a variety of levels within one class. Specific exercises will be discussed so that you can go back to your barn and use them!

Riding Instructor Challenge – Covered Arena – Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Come and watch while CHA Instructors battle it out to see who can teach a brand new rider the best! It is like the Mustang Make Over and other challenges that you see at Expos except with a CHA flair! May the Best Instructor Win!

Roxanne Lawrence

Roxanne is the current Executive Director of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and she is an initial founding member of that association. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, her equestrian experience started in the world of hunt seat riding. She spent several years as a trainer and instructor, and ultimately moved into horse show management with positions at The National Horse Show (Madison Square Garden), WEF, HITS, Capitol Challenge, 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and many other notable events around the country. She is currently on the American Youth Horse Council Board of Directors. She went on to manage the Andrews School Equestrian Center for 10 years in the Cleveland, Ohio area where she currently resides.

How Can my Equine Business Get Involved with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association – Marriott Hotel Roundtable talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association was founded in 2002. Just 10 years later, it boasts over 8,000 members who participate in two primary disciplines of Hunt Seat Equitation and Western Horsemanship/Reining. With its draw-based format, the IEA offers competitive opportunities to riders in grades 6-12 that may not own a horse, and it offers significant opportunities for growing your business and attracting new clientele to your lesson program. What are the benefits to your business and your clients?  How do you get involved? Come to this session to learn all about the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.

Amanda Love

Amanda is the Horsemanship Director at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. She is the coach of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Team there and also teaches numerous classes. Amanda is currently on the CHA Board of Directors and is an active rider and does cross fit.

What is the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and How Can I Get Involved? – Marriott Hotel Roundtable Talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

IHSA provides collegiate riders of all skills the opportunity to compete individually and as teams in equestrian competition. It was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her riding ability or financial status.

Simple Changes of Lead – Covered Arena – Friday at 3 p.m.

Come and learn how to get good lead changes with your students by doing these simple lead change exercises. Exercises that you can take home and start doing with your students right away will be explained.

Riding Instructor Challenge – Covered Arena – Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Come and watch while CHA Instructors battle it out to see who can teach a brand new rider the best! It is like the Mustang Make Over and other challenges that you see at Expos except with a CHA flair! May the Best Instructor Win!

Jim McDonald

Jim is a lifelong horseman and a lifelong learner. In the year 2000, he started a non-profit organization dedicated to horsemanship education. Part of its mission is to make the joy of a relationship with a horse available to people who would not ordinarily have that opportunity and that was the original motivation for founding the Graham Equestrian center (www.Grahameq.org). They work closely with anyone who wants to advance their horsemanship skills and knowledge. Jim is currently the CHA Board Treasurer and an AQHA Professional Horseman.

Horse Training – What Every Horse Owner Should Know – Covered Arena Annex – Saturday at 9 a.m.

Understanding the principle of operant and instrumental conditioning as it applies to our interaction with the horse will greatly enhance the relationship we have with the horse. Understanding the popular phrases like, “Make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy”, and “reward the least little try” with an understanding of the scientific principles of behavior modification that will improve our understanding of how the horse learns. Your patience will expand which will lead to greater safety, effectiveness, and fun with our horses.

Jim McGarvey

Jim McGarvey is chairman of the 14,000 member Back Country Horsemen of America. The Back Country Horsemen, with chapters in 29 states are dedicated to “Keeping the Trails Open for All” on America’s public lands. Previously, Jim was cofounder and CEO of BenchMark Consulting International. His firm specialized in identifying and implementing world class best practices bank operations to major financial institutions on six continents. At age 28, Jim was instrumental in founding and being the Executive Director of Auction America Corporation. Auction America, one of whose important shareholders was Russ Jackson, is now part of the historical development of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions as seen on the Speed Channel. Jim graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Political Science.

About Back Country Horsemen of America – Marriott Hotel Round Table Talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

Over 40 years ago, around a campfire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Northern Montana, the idea of the Back Country Horsemen of America was formed. That idea, then and now, is to keep the trails open for horses and mules and hikers – essentially, to keep the trails open for everyone. The BCHA accomplishes this thru boots and hooves on the ground: Trail Work, Education and Advocacy. The BCHA has nearly 14,000 members in 176 chapters across 29 states. In 2013, Back Country Horsemen volunteered over 372,000 hours of work devoted to keeping the trails open in our national forests, national parks and state lands.  BCHA members conduct numerous packing and Leave No Trace clinics each year. The BCHA works with other outdoors organization such as The Wilderness Society to advocate with public lands managers and legislators to keep our trails open – for you.

Jill Montgomery

Jill Montgomery is a CHA certified English and Western Riding Instructor, and Equine Facility Manager. She owns and operates the Arroyo Ranch in Pueblo West, CO and is the CEO of JRAM Enterprises, Inc. an Equine Consulting Business. Working in the horse industry for more than 30 years, her experience spans activities as diverse as managing the U.S. Army’s Dude Ranch to serving as Executive Director for the American Youth Horse Council. A published author and equine welfare advocate, Montgomery works to keep equine activities accessible and enjoyable in America.

Expert Witnessing; A Look Inside the Courtroom – Marriott Hotel – Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

The last place most riding instructors would want to appear is a courtroom to testify about how an equine activity led to an accident. Your reason for being involved in a civil liability suit and how you feel about participating in it would vary greatly if you were the defendant, the plaintiff, or an expert witness being paid for your testimony and expert opinions. This session will focus on the role of expert witnesses and help participants understand how the people without law degrees in the courtroom contribute to the judge and jury’s decisions. This topic is important because the outcomes of these courts cases influence, for better and for worse, everyone’s accessibility and enjoyment of equine activities.

Darley Newman

Charismatic TV host and horsewoman Darley Newman travels the globe hosting and producing the Emmy-winning TV series “Equitrekking,” which takes viewers on active horseback riding adventures with local people and is broadcast on PBS and international networks in over 84 countries. She also hosts travel series on AOL, Scripps Networks’ ulive and is a contributing editor for Budget Travel magazine. With Equitrekking Darley combines her passion for horses and travel with her background in television production. Darley has worked with 48 Hours, CBS, FRONTLINE, has hosted Equitrekking segments on the Starz Networks Encore Channel, Ralph Lauren TV and reporting live news from the White House and Capitol Hill. Recently, Darley has led film crews on national and international shoots, riding with cowboys in the Canadian Rockies, interviewing HRH Princess Alia at the Royal Stables in Jordan, trekking through the world’s largest inland delta in Africa and beyond–– all to help educate and excite her dedicated fans. Darley has been honored with five Daytime Emmy Award nominations, alongside media moguls Ellen DeGeneres, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, received the North American Travel Journalist Award two years in a row and been honored with the Inspiring Woman Award from Women in Philanthropy and Leadership. An entrepreneur and published author, Darley created and oversees a variety of websites with resources for travelers interested in horseback riding around the world, including Equitrekking.com, EquitrekkingTravel.com and Top20Ranches.com.

Keynote – Equitrekking – Marriott Hotel – Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Love exploring a new place on horseback? Join equestrian travel expert Darley Newman, host of the Emmy-winning PBS TV series “Equitrekking,” for a video countdown of the top destinations you’ve got to add to your bucket list. Watch stunning behind the scenes video from global travels, as Darley tells you the best places to saddle up for all riding styles and levels, including helpful tips on how to make your dream trip come true. With personal stories of harrowing adventures from horseback riding in iconic US and international locations, including the desert in Jordan, rainforests and beaches in Costa Rica, national parks in the USA, volcanoes in Hawaii and beyond, you won’t want to miss this educational and exciting keynote.

National Reining Horse Association

What horseman doesn’t love to see a smooth stopping horse that can spin on a dime and rollback in his tracks after the slightest of cues? The National Reining Horse Association promotes the sport of Reining and these athletic and maneuverable athletes. From training DVDs and entry-level classes to local shows and the NRHA Professionals program, NRHA can improve your day in the saddle – whether you’re in the show pen or on the trail. Visit www.nrha.com to find out how you can have the slide of your life in the sport of Reining.

Ride a Reiner – Covered Arena – Saturday at Noon

First offered in 2010 at the Alltech© FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky., “NRHA Ride a Reiner” has taken the country by storm by giving novice and experienced riders the opportunity to ride a reining horse. Nowhere else in the world can spectators find an option like this: the chance to receive a hands-on lesson from an NRHA Professional, to enjoy a dizzying spin and to feel the power of sliding stops on a well-trained reining horse!

Sue Robinson

Sue has taught riding for over 40 years, as a volunteer 4-H leader, in the private industry as an instructor at Robinson Farms, as manager, instructor, and trainer at Overcup Oaks Quarter Horses and presently as Coordinator of Riding, Lecturer, and Equestrian Team coach for both Stock Seat and Hunt Seat at Murray State University. Sue is a member of Certified Horsemanship Association, AQHA’s Professional Horseman’s Association, the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics and advisor of MSU Horseman’s Club. Sue has trained equestrians from local to national competitions.

Building Rider Strength and Fitness Through Exercise – Covered Arena – Friday at 4:30 p.m.

In our society today much attention is being focused on lack of physical fitness, this lack follows through into the horse industry. Although much emphasis is placed on having a horse in condition to perform, for a horse to achieve maximum performance the rider must also be physically fit. When a rider is in top physical condition they will be able to continuously supply the support for the horse to perform at the highest level. This conditioning or fitness can be attained and maintained through a set of exercises designed to work on balance and softness or relaxation of the joints. These must be achieved together as one complements the other when riding. Through predetermined exercises both on and off the horse, a rider, from beginner to advanced, can develop a body awareness or muscle memory that allows them to feel when they are in proper alignment with the horse’s center of gravity and be able to maintain that alignment. Whether you are riding Western or English, the correct body position to achieve balance and remain soft or relaxed through your seat and joints is the same. The body must be aligned; ear, shoulder hip heel. This same alignment is also used in other sports such as martial arts, golf, skiing, skating, or just walking. The set of exercises presented here work on balance and softness of the riders joints, as well as rider strength. These exercises work on the whole body or they can target specific areas where special effort is needed. Even the most timid riders benefit from exercise as they acquire balance and strength, and gain self-confidence as they move around on their horses back in various positions. Like all athletes, riders should warm up to prepare to ride, just as they warm up their horse. The use of an exercise routine, whatever discipline you ride will benefit both horse and rider. The one that will benefit most from a rider that can balance, stay relaxed, and have the endurance to support throughout the ride is the horse. A properly prepared and warmed up horse and rider become a team that can be comfortable on the trail or formidable in the arena.

Cheryl Rohnke Kronsberg

Cheryl grew up riding horses and started training professionally at the age of 16. She is now a CHA Master Instructor, CHA Clinic Instructor, CHA Region 10 Director and an AQHA Professional Horseman with over 35 years experience teaching riders and training horses of all levels. At her home, CRK Training Stable, Cheryl boards, trains and teaches riding. Her students range from complete beginners to upper level show riders. You can contact Cheryl at CRK Training Stable at www.crktrainingstable.com

Sideways – Teaching Side Pass and Pivot – Covered Arena Annex – Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Cheryl will be teaching about those ever elusive lateral movements-Side Passing & Pivoting. We will begin on the ground as is appropriate for weanlings or yearlings headed to the in-hand trail classes or any horse that needs a better handle on the ground. Then we will move to under saddle methods for safe, smooth and efficient movements that are helpful on the trail, in the arena or the show pen. Cheryl will also stress the best ways to teach these skills to riders new to the concepts.

Dale Rudin

Dale is certified with the Certified Horsemanship Association as a Western and English instructor. She has been training horses and teaching riders for over 30 years. She developed Unnatural Horsemanship®, a mindful approach to training and horsemanship that focuses on the instincts that drive a horse as a herd and prey animal. Each horse is seen as an individual with a unique personality, inherent abilities, and experiential history. She resolves problems related to behavior or performance by improving the horse’s physical and emotional well-being and enhancing relationship, communication, and understanding between horse and human. In addition to working with horses and their people, Dale shares her techniques and philosophies in articles and columns in Horse Illustrated magazine and on HorseChannel.com. She has also written for Young Rider, Paint Horse Journal, and Horses USA (now Your First Horse). Dale lives in Middle Tennessee and offers private instruction, clinics, and classes, helping all breeds of horses and levels of rider create successful partnerships and collaborative teams.

Riding Instructor Challenge – Covered Arena – Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Come and watch while CHA Instructors battle it out to see who can teach a brand new rider the best! It is like the Mustang Make Over and other challenges that you see at Expos except with a CHA flair! May the Best Instructor Win!

Cindy Rullman

Cindy is a lifelong advocate for animals. She spent several years in the Thoroughbred industry working at Spendthrift Farm, Ashford Stud, and on the backstretch at Keeneland racetrack. Next she moved into the office and worked several years in advertising, public relations, and marketing for equine businesses, before spending six years in fundraising and public relations at the Lexington Humane Society. Later, she worked for eight years in public relations at the Kentucky Horse Park, where she launched the park’s first homeless horse adoption events and free gelding clinics, during which time she received the “Welfare Advocate of the Year” award from the Kentucky Horse Council. Most recently, Cindy joined the 1,000-member global staff of the Brooke – the largest international equine welfare organization in the world – as their only staff member in North America. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center and supports several animal protection organizations.

Juan Valdez Had a Donkey – Enhancing the Standard of Care for the World’s Most Important and Undervalued Worker – KHP Club Lounge – Friday at 9 a.m.

This is our 80th anniversary for the Brooke, so it’s a very big year for us. Last year we reached more than 1.1 million working equines in 11 developing countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Jordan, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Senegal).  We provided veterinary care for the animals and a great deal of training for their owners in better animal husbandry practices.  These people and their animals are the poorest of the poor, so everything that we teach and do is sustainable in these poverty-stricken countries. The people are utterly dependent upon their animals to provide a meagre living for their families, so as we reduce the suffering of the animals, we are also helping the owners and their families, who will have a healthier, happier animal who can continue to work for them.

Bennie Sargent

A lifelong resident of Georgetown, Kentucky, Bennie began his horse show career as a youth in 4-H and Quarter Horse competitions, graduating to the amateur ranks at the end of his youth eligibility. He soon decided to make horse training his life’s work, turned in his amateur card and set about building his business and his reputation as a professional trainer specializing in all-around horses. Bennie has been a successful trainer for more than 35 years. He has trained and shown horses to seven versatility championships, multiple AQHA championships, and numerous AQHA Honor Roll honors in several events, including halter, reining, working hunter, and trail. He has also guided customers, primarily youth and amateurs, to multiple AQHA, AQHYA, Congress, APHA, IBHA and PHBA championships. Bennie is also very involved in NRHA competition, having been an NRHA member for more than 30 years. Several of his non-pro and youth customers have ranked in the top 10 in the nation. He has had horses place at the Congress in the NRHA events as well as AQHA reining. A national AQHA director for the past twelve years, Bennie is active on the Professional Horsemen’s Committee. He is on the AQHA Show Council and the Drug and Tail Task Force. He has served on the World Show Task Force Committee and the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee for AQHA shows. In addition to being an AQHA judge for 17 years, Bennie holds cards in APHA, PHBA, IBHA and NSBA. Bennie, his wife Cheryllee and their daughter Sydney live in Paris, KY in the heart of Bluegrass Country. Sargent Quarter Horses has 40 stalls as well as indoor and outdoor arenas.

Riding Squares Instead of Circles – Covered Arena – Friday at 10:30 a.m.

We are often taught to ride circles, but what about squares? Great take home exercises for your students at all levels to be successful riding squares instead or as well as circles and becoming better horsemen by doing so.

Jochen Schleese

Jochen documented over 34 years of his experience as German Certified Master Saddler and Saddle Ergonomist in his books ‘Suffering in Silence – The Saddle Fit Link to Physical and Psychological trauma in Horses’ (2013), ‘The Silent Killer’ (2012) and DVD ’Beyond the 9 Points of Saddle Fit’.

Is your Horse Suffering in Silence? – Detailed Look at Saddle Fit – Covered Arena Annex – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Common serious effects of ill-fitting saddles include: chipped shoulder cartilage, sore back, behavioral issues, pain and lameness. Jochen shares insights and solutions to achieve optimal saddle fit.

Rider Issues and the Gender of Saddle Fit – Covered Arena – Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Are you struggling with an ill-fitting saddle? Sore back, hips, knees, pelvic discomfort, feeling ‘pulled apart’, chair seat, struggling to maintain position, fighting the saddle, feeling ‘behind’ or ‘in front of’ the motion? Jochen explains these issues and shares solutions for the differing anatomy of women and men.

Tom Schell, D.V.M, CVCH

Tom is a private practicing equine veterinarian in North Carolina for the past 20 years, focusing currently on consultations regarding the impact and use of herbs and nutrition in managing chronic disorders in the horse. In 2006, Dr. Schell started Nouvelle Research, Inc., a private research organization dedicated to investigating the impact of chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction and the use of targeted herbs in the management of many chronic conditions in horses, pets and people. Out of this research, the Cur-OST line of all natural anti-inflammatory supplements was created, being put in use in horses worldwide for the past 8 years with tremendous success. In 2014, Dr. Schell started the Handi-Capp Equine Rehabilitation & Relocation program, putting to use the research he has gathered as well as Cur-OST product formulations to aid in the recovery of injured TB’s coming off of the racetrack with the goal of restoring soundness and enhancing the chances of relocation to a new home.

Chronic Inflammation and the Horse; Laminitis and Insulin Resistance – KHP Club Lounge – Friday at 4:30 p.m.

This lecture will help make connections with many current disease and lameness conditions in equines. Given our research over the past 8 years, we feel we have made huge strides in helping many horses to recovery from conditions once thought to be career ending or cost prohibitive for the owners to manage.

Mary Ann Simonds

Mary Ann has integrated her academic degrees in equine and human behavioral psychology and ecology with her equestrian background, working professionally for over 35 years in the horse industry. She grew up in California showing jumpers, and then attended the University of California and University of Wyoming to study the social ecology, behavior, and biology of wild horses. Realizing the need for higher education in our horse industry, Mary Ann founded the Whole Horses & Equestrian Science Institute in 1985 while brokering Sport Horses to bring more science of horses as a species into the horse world. Later, she received her master’s degree studying the interactions and relationships of horses and people helping to define the fields of Interspecies and Equestrian Psychology. She serves as scientific advisor for several equine non-profits and was an appointed member of the 1990 Federal Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. With one foot in the world of science and the other in the world of horses, Mary Ann acts a bridge and often is referred to as the “missing piece” for horsemen. She has developed a line of stress management and therapeutic products for horses including conducting research on magnetic field therapy and vibrational medicine in the late 1980s. A speaker, author, producer, equestrian, clinician, coach and horse lover, Mary Ann is passionate about educating others to better understand the real nature and culture of horses in an effort to limit stress in horses, ultimately improving performance and cooperation.

Equine Sports Coaching Skills – Covered Arena Annex – Friday at 3 p.m.

Presents an overview of the basic psychology with a little neural biology of horse and rider, and how to achieve better communication and deep connections. Exercises include body/mind techniques integrating such modalities as NLP, cognitive skills, brain waves shifts, visualizations, energy management breathing and heart coherence. The importance of thought and energy management of riders is stressed with respect to their relationship with their horse, and communication to bring about a positive relationship for various disciplines.

Ward Stutz

Ward is the current CHA President and the Senior Director of Breed Integrity for the American Quarter Horse Association. He is responsible for AQHA’s animal welfare initiatives, which include the steward program to ensure all animals at AQHA events are treated humanely and exhibitors are practicing sportsmanlike conduct. In addition, he assists with AQHA’s public policy initiatives. He is the staff liaison to AQHA’s Professional Horsemen’s Council. Ward received his B.S. degree from Colorado State University in agriculture industries management and a M.S. from Oklahoma State University in animal science. His horse industry experience includes: training, judging, showing, racing, packing and teaching. Ward has been involved with many industry associations including: American Horse Council, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Animal Welfare Council and serving as Past President of the American Youth Horse Council.

Welcoming Keynote Address – Marriott Hotel – Thursday at 1 p.m.

Mitzi Summers

Mitzi has been devoted to the welfare and safety of horses and their people for most of her life. The recipient of the CHA Instructor of the Year Award, Mitzi is also one of less than thirty Level IV Centered Riding Instructors in the world. Through her achievement of CHA Master Instructor and Clinician, and a Centered Riding Clinician, Mitzi has certified or updated hundreds of instructors so far in her career. She has taught and trained in many countries, including South Africa, New Zealand, and throughout Europe. Mitzi specializes in working in a very individualized basis with riders and their horses, teaching them to train their own horses in a non-abusive way. She is truly multi-talented, working with a rider in Ireland short-listed for the Olympics, to a rider who has fear issues and is afraid to trot. Horses who have been confused or traumatized are her specialty. Three of her mentors were Charles Grant, Vi Hopkins, and Sally Swift, all recipients of the USDF Hall of Fame Award. Mitzi will be interested in helping you and your horse no matter what level or discipline, she truly “Teaches the Beauty of Horses”.

Semi Private Centered Riding Lessons – Covered Arena – Friday at 9 a.m.

Come and ride with Mitzi for only $55 with one other person and get some specialized attention in Centered Riding.

Long Lining and Double Lunging – Covered Arena Annex – Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Ground work with horses can be invaluable in the process of either preparing a young horse to be ridden, or in further developing suppleness and strength in an older horse. Mitzi will go through the step by step process involved in teaching a horse these skills so the horse remains calm and accepts the training without fear or stress. Ground work skills for a horse can be invaluable, but are frequently used incorrectly or misunderstood. There will be an opportunity for hands-on practice for some observers.

Western Dressage Defined – Covered Arena Annex – Saturday at 3 p.m.

Western dressage is rapidly becoming more popular for western riders who are looking for an activity that will improve their horses. The true test of schooling your horse should be that you are improving his balance, strength, suppleness, and encouraging a willing and calm disposition. Correct Western Dressage accomplishes this. Mitzi completed The Western Dressage Association of America’s Trainer’s Course this year in North America. The standards demonstrated and discussed were clearly for the benefit of the horse. Riders in this presentation will be assisted with the effectiveness of their equitation and aids to correctly develop the athleticism of their horses.

Jody Taylor

Jody rode his first horse at about 4 years old and then learned to rope before 10 and was entering some local shows and rodeos in Texas. Jody was involved in Texas High School Rodeo Association, roping and riding rough stock. His first job was at a stable just a couple of miles down the road named Cedarwood Farm. There he learned the daily activities and duties of a boarding stable, lesson program and the operation of a Horse Trial. Then he was employed at a large Arabian facility known as Bentwood Farms and rode with John Burris, out of Stephenville, Texas training horses. In his mid-thirties he started focusing more on horses and completed his rodeo career. Jody and his wife, Kim a trainer as well, purchased a horse property, Star T Ranch. Starting out they ran a cow/calf herd, horse boarding, riding lessons, training, and equine transportation facility. Eventually they narrowed this down and focused on just horse boarding, riding lessons, training and equine transportation. They provide English and Western riding lessons, specializing in Eventing, including Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. They incorporate natural horsemanship into Eventing and Hunter Jumpers and are members of CHA, USEA, AreaV-Eventing, NTEA, NTHJC and AQHA. Kim and Jody are both certified instructors and care for 35 horses and have 50 students. Visit www.StarTRanchtx.net.

Jumping Exercises – Covered Arena – Saturday at 9 a.m.

This jumping session will encompass the different seats such as the full seat and 2-point. The next step will involve an explanation of each seat and the reason for a change of seat at the walk, trot and canter. Ground poles will follow which will prepare the riders to ride the lines to and from the jumps thru poles in the trot and canter. The x-rails will be introduced demonstrating trotting using the 2-point to jump when starting out and then using a full seat while riding the canter. The next steps will be the verticals and negotiating the start of a course.

Flying Lead Changes – Covered Arena – Saturday at 3 p.m.

This session will start going through and giving examples of all the steps that it takes to enable a horse and rider to accomplish lead changes. It will also include realistic time lines depending on the horse. It will show examples of simple lead changes and move into flying lead changes and discuss young and more refined horses. A demonstration on the process will be given starting with the steps going all the way to Tempe changes.

Mitchell L. Taylor, CJF, DipWCF

Mitch began his farrier training in 1975 and has been an AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier since 1982. Mitch has served as the President of the Registry of Professional Farrier Educators, as a member of the AFA Equine Research Committee, served on the AFA Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the AFA Education Committee. He also serves on the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit Shoeing and Hoof Care Committee. With a BS in Biology and Chemistry, Mitch did his post graduate work in Equine Physiology at the University of Kentucky. Currently, Mitch is the director of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School in Richmond, KY where he continues to pursue his interest in equine research by continually investigating equine anatomy and biomechanics and how that is affected through various shoeing modalities. Mitch has twice been awarded the AFA’s Educator of the Year award and is proud to count his many successful students Mitch is proud to count 6 members of the AFA US National Horseshoeing Team as well as students who have earned positions with various US equine teams, leading veterinary hospitals, university veterinary schools and have even shod Kentucky Derby winners.

Taking Great Care of the Lesson Horse – Marriott Hotel – Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

You will learn in this talk why it is so important to have regular, competent hoof care for your sport horse and the relationship of healthy feet, sound horses and good athletes.

An Overview of Good Hoof Care Including Basic Anatomy – KHP Club Lounge – Friday at 10:30 a.m.

In this talk you will learn the anatomy, dynamics and functions of the horses’ foot. You will learn the characteristics of a healthy foot, and how to identify the difference between healthy feet and those that are not. We will talk about the physiology of normal feet, and the variations of normalcy that we see within a population. You will learn the function of a horse shoe, the correct application and use of them, and how shoes can be helpful, in the right hands, with conformation, gaiting and therapeutic purposes.

Randi Thompson

Randi is the founder of the “Horse and Rider Awareness ® Educational Programs” and ”How to Market Your Horse Business.”   She has been in the horse industry for over 3 decades and has been coaching professionals for 20+ years in horse and rider training, business and marketing.  Randi has worked with many breeds of horses and styles of riding in her career and has produced national winners in the worlds of dressage, hunter/jumper, western pleasure, and flat shod walking horses.  Randi has been featured as the keynote speaker at the largest equestrian trade shows in the US and will be presenting at the Mass. Equine Affaire this year.  Randi is also a horse industry legal consultant and expert witness.

What Does It Really Mean to Ride From Your Seat and Legs? – Covered Arena Annex – Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Everyone talks about riding from your seat and legs, but what does that really mean?  Now you can watch what happens as Randi takes riders through a process that shows them how to feel when a horse is “under their seat” and moving from their legs.  This session includes keeping a horse straight, turns on the forehand, leg yielding and more.  Would you like to have more advanced techniques that you can use in your riding or with your students?  If so, this is a session that you will want to see.

United States Polo Association

Originally known as The Polo Association, the USPA was created in 1890 to govern polo handicaps, rules, and tournaments in America and Canada. Constantly growing and obtaining more members, the USPA has a multitude of programs designed to help American polo players improve their skills and compete in the “Game of Kings.”

Polo Demonstration and Lessons – Covered Arena – Friday at Noon

Come and learn more about the sport of polo and how to incorporate some of the exercises into your current riding program. Then hop on and play a mock game of polo!

United States Polo Association – Round Table Talk – Marriott Hotel – Thursday at 2 p.m.

Nathan Voris, DVM, MBA

Dr. Voris serves as a senior veterinarian on the Zoetis equine technical services team. Dr. Voris graduated from the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Prior to joining Zoetis he was an equine veterinarian for 10 years in central Missouri.

While in practice, Dr. Voris earned his Master of Business Administration degree from William Woods University which equipped him to expand his role in practice. As a result, Dr. Voris drove the practice’s marketing and client education initiatives by utilizing technology to enhance practice productivity and client communications with primary focus on integrating the clinic’s website with multiple social networking platforms. Dr. Voris understands the demands of busy equine professionals and has balanced the management responsibilities of business communications and social media while performing veterinary duties in a progressive, equine clinical practice. His experiences have enabled him to assist equine veterinarians, small business owners and horsemen from across the country with practical strategies to develop and share content and tools to make the process of feeding the social media beast less burdensome.

Social Media Defined for the Horse Industry – KHP Club Lounge – Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

You’re an expert at guiding your students and horses to the best that they can be. Sometimes, it’s a daunting task to work ‘on’ your business instead of just ‘in’ it, from a time standpoint since you’re busy teaching! Gain time tested and proven methods that help you develop your strategy to answer key questions about why clients should work with you and define your competitive advantage that reaches your specific target audience. Strategic Marketing Planning helps you focus your efforts on the right clients. Using Social Media effectively and providing the most efficient way is part of that plan. Get the right tools so your potential new clients hear your value message and recall the information. Solidify your existing clients so they recommend you. It is important that you are communicating to the right people, at the right time. You’ll come away with defining your competitive advantage, how to target client segments and how to save time and money using social media in a way that speaks to your strengths and engage your clients while building your own raving fan club.

Jan Weber

Jan currently co-owns and manages EVADI Farm, a 100 acre boarding facility with 30 stalls in Paris, KY.  She was the Deputy Competition Director for Vaulting at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY and an invited member of the CHIO Aachen Vaulting Show Office team in 2013 and the European Vaulting Championships in 2015.  She has served as a board member representing vaulting for the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Equestrian Team, the American Youth Horse Council and the American Vaulting Association.  She was a member of the original joint CHA/AVA Certification Committee in 2004.  Her love of vaulting began in 1992 and she has focused on developing vaulting as an introductory equestrian sport and helping all equestrians understand the benefits of the sport as a supplemental riding program for existing programing.

 American Vaulting Association – Marriott Round Table Talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

Come and find out more about the AVA and how you can get vaulting started in your lesson program.

Mary Anna Wood

Mary Anna works for the Internal Revenue Service and in her free time competes in NATRC rides around the country. Her horse Elmer and she accumulated many miles and awards in NATRC during their career together. Mary Anna is a CHA Clinic Instructor in both Trail and English/Western.

North American Trail Ride Conference – Marriott Hotel Round Table Talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) provides long distance competitive trail rides for riders of all equine breeds and from all disciplines. It promotes safety, sportsmanship, education and trail horse advocacy through qualified evaluation of horse and rider by veterinary and horsemanship judges, in a fun, responsible environment for the whole family.

Lisa Wysocky

Lisa is a registered level PATH International instructor and also holds certifications as a mentor, and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. In addition, she has been chosen as one of the country’s Top 50 riding instructors by ARIA. With a life balanced between books and horses, Lisa is an author, equine clinician, and motivational speaker who trains horses for and consults with therapeutic riding programs. Lisa graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in equine management, and then brought her ideas on success to the show ring. Early wins on the national Appaloosa horse show circuit took Lisa across North America, where she was asked to speak, or to write articles for national publications. Lisa’s passion for writing and speaking led to a second run at college where she studied communications and journalism. Lisa is the co-author of a number of books, including My Horse, My Partner: Teamwork on the Ground, which helps horse and human partners form amazing bonds using traditional ground training, natural horsemanship, and desensitization. Lisa combines her love of horses and country music in Horse Country: A Celebration of Country Music and the Love of Horses. This beautiful coffee table book features twenty-seven of the top stars of country music talking about how horses changed their life for the better. The publication of the four-time award winning equestrian mystery, The Opium Equation, marked Lisa’s debut fiction effort. The follow up, The Magnum Equation, takes place at an all-breed horse show. Both books were recently optioned for television. Learn more at http://www.lisawysocky.com

American Competitive Trail Horse Association – Marriott Hotel Round Table Talk – Thursday at 2 p.m.

Come and find out more about ACTHA and how you can get involved.

A Riding Lesson from the Horse’s Perspective – Covered Arena – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

What the horse sees, hears, tastes, and smells during your riding lesson, and how this information impacts your lesson. Lisa brings the audience through a typical riding lesson that incorporates both western trail obstacles and English equipment such as small jumps and cavaletti poles, and explains each step of the lesson from the horse’s point of view. From your body posture and facial expression; to the color, size, and placement of your arena equipment and obstacles; to the rider’s movements, this eye-opening session is a must-see for every instructor.

JoAnne Young

JoAnne has been teaching riding and training horses for over 40 years, and is happy that she is still learning. Every student and every horse bring fresh challenges that keep life interesting. She has been privileged and blessed beyond her wildest dreams to study with such wonderful instructors as Walter Zettl (dressage coach to Canadian event team when they won bronze at Los Angeles Olympics), Bertin Potter in Germany, Molly Sivewright (FEI judge and past chair of the Fellows of the British Horse Society), Carel Eijkenaar (FEI judge), Eddo Hoestra (FEI Trainer) and Doris Halstead (Physical Therapist and author of “Releasing the Potential: Physical Therapy Modalities for Horse and Rider.” Jo-Anne is the author of the M.A. thesis: “Preparing students for riding instructor certification through college curricula.”

 Semi- Private Dressage Lessons – Covered Arena – Friday at 9 a.m.

Ride with JoAnne for only $55 to receive some specialized attention in dressage.

2013 CHA International Conference Speakers