MSEDA Member Spotlight

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com 

Samantha Kline has a vast-and-varied history with horses, including everything from driving Percherons, studying the Arabian breed in Poland and artificial insemination and semen collection at Colorado State, and both participating and in and coaching judging teams. 

Now the proud owner of two off-the-track Thoroughbreds, she manages to balance riding two horses and being the Director of Licensed Officials for the United States Equestrian Federation.

By Sarah E. Coleman

MSEDA: Where are you from? 
Sam Kline: State College, PA

MSEDA: What brought you to Kentucky? 
MSEDA: When I graduated from Michigan State with my Animal Science degree, I applied for a Customer Care position with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  I was offered a job and made the move to Kentucky and have been here ever since.  

MSEDA: When did you begin riding? 
SK: I begged my parents for lessons and they finally got them for me when I was about 10.

MSEDA: What is your background in horses? 
SK: I grew up riding hunters mostly, but I also didn't have my own horse or pony, so I found any opportunity to work with new horses. I dabbled in Western riding, broke out babies and even competed on the draft horse circuit with Percherons (and broke some to ride of course. :) ). In college, I took some time off from riding, but was fortunate enough to learn about the Arabian breed and the breeding industry, which is Michigan State's main focus. I studied abroad in Ireland for a semester and did a little bit of eventing while over there. We also did a shorter study abroad in Poland, which focused on the Arabian industry there. When I got back to Michigan, I began an internship at a dressage barn where I competed in my first dressage show. I soon discovered that the older I got, the more I liked it. My senior year of college, I competed on the Michigan State Horse Judging team and had the opportunity to compete at Arabian Nationals and The All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Before I took my job at USEF, I also took a short course at Colorado State in artificial insemination and semen collection.  

MSEDA: How long have you been competing? 
SK: Probably since I was about 11.  Fun fact: I had the best first show ever and took a red and a yellow in some flat classes.  I posed for my proud moment to take some pictures with my mare.  Turned out, she was deathly afraid of ribbons, so my first show also resulted in a pretty awesome fall as well. :)

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse? 
SK: I was lucky enough to lease my first pony as a Christmas gift when I was 12. She was a white pony named Sugar, show name- Sugar n' Spice (because I was so creative).  Every kid should have a feisty white pony named Sugar. :)

MSEDA: What horses do you own now? 
SK: I have two half-brothers (out of the same Dam).  They are OTTBs: Prae (Praetorian) and V (Venture World). 

MSEDA: How did you get him/her? My fiance and his family are Thoroughbred breeders. Prae was sitting in a field without a job after about a year off the track. My mother-in-law-to-be suggested I start working with him. One thing led to another and now he's my forever horse. His brother, V, came off the track about 3 years behind Prae and also needed a job, so I started to re-train him. One thing led to another and now he's mine as well. 

MSEDA: What horses do you compete (and what do you compete in?)
SK: I attempt to compete both in Dressage. :)

MSEDA: What level do you compete in (if you compete)? 
SK: We have worked our way up to training level. 

MSEDA: What are your horse's favorite treats?

SK: Peppies

MSEDA: What are your horse's quirks? 
SK: When Prae doesn't want to do something, you can't make him. If you try, you will be exhausted and frustrated, and end up losing.  The trick is to somehow make him think it was his idea in the first place. V's spirit animal is some type of lapdog.  If he could cuddle up on your lap he would, and chew on everything. 

MSEDA: Is there anything unusual about your horses? 
SK: I have been told by numerous people that Prae has an overly large tongue.  V was off for about a year with a suspected case of stringhalt, he was dubbed a pasture ornament for the rest of his life. Now he's 100 percent sound and going back to work.  

MSEDA: What is your favorite show? Why? 

SK: The Snowbird series is always fantastic since they are every month, and repetition works best for Prae.  I also love Paul Frazier because they offer the TIP awards.  

MSEDA: What do you do full-time?

SK: I am the Director of Licensed Officials for the United States Equestrian Federation. I do love my job because I have a passion for the process of horse judging and we have the opportunity to promote fair play and enjoyment in equine competition. I am liaison to one of the largest committees in the organization, and it is truly inspirational to work with such a fantastic group of equine professionals from all different breeds and disciplines. The ability to see so many different areas of the industry work together to accomplish the common goals that we all have in equestrian sport is so motivational.

MSEDA: What are your favorite equestrian brands? 
SK: Smartpak, Ariat and Trendstep

MSEDA: What is your goal this year? 
SK: V just came back from a possible career-ending condition, so we are all really excited he is 100 percent sound and going back to work. He has the best personality and shows a ton of potential, so my goal is to focus on him this year and see where we can go. Prae gets to take some competition time off.

MSEDA: Who do you ride with? 
SK: Dani Ritter

MSEDA: Where do you ride? 
SK: My boys are at Goose Creek.

MSEDA: What is your favorite part of your barn/trainer/boarding stable? 
SK: There is really a great group of people at my barn. A good barn family makes everything so much nicer.  

MSEDA: What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome with your horse? 

SK: As I mentioned before, Prae has been a bit of a challenge. He was an extreme hot head when he was younger, sometimes both on an off the farm, that combined with his extreme stubbornness lead to some tough times. There were times when he wouldn't walk in and out without a lead shank, it was hard taking him to a show without numerous helpers because he wouldn't settle or tie or graze...etc.  He was constantly on the muscle and he once even got me in the side of the jaw when I was picking his back feet (luckily just a glancing shot). There were even a couple times when I thought I had over-horsed myself this time, and that maybe this wasn't going to work. Now, I tell people my stories and they look over at the horse sleeping in the cross-ties and say, "that horse?" or I get compliments on how good his ground manners are.  I can even put kids on his back now. I'm pretty proud of that and how far we've come!

MSEDA: Describe your horse in 10 words. 
SK: Prae: A stubborn, accident-prone love of my life, heart horse.
V: A goofy old-soul with baby brains that loves life. 

MSEDA: What is your favorite memory? 
SK: I loved doing hunter paces with my Sugar pony when I was young. My barn did hunter paces growing up. We were of course running late on set-up and it was after dark, but we had a full moon and we needed to run the course to get time. I went out with my trainer and we ran that course right along with a horse twice her size. I don't think we chipped or took any fence long that night, it was a perfect ride and we were completely in sync.  (The next day we rode and had a fall at the first fence. Typical. But I had a great ride that night before!)

MSEDA: What other animals do you own? 
SK: We have a cat rescue named Julep, she was a party favor from a friend. 

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com

By Sarah E Coleman

Photo by Anne Staveley

MSEDA: Where are you from?
Darby Howard: I am from Louisville, KY.

MSEDA: When did you begin riding?
DH: I started riding when I was 4 years old, but I took several years off. I got back into it 2 1/2 years ago. I'm 12 now.

MSEDA: How long have you been competing?
DH: I have been competing for 6 months.

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?
DH: I got my first horse 2 years ago. His name was Drayko and I only had him for 6 months because he was a very grumpy Arabian. 

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?
DH: I have one horse now, his name is Mac, but his show name is Made Ya’ Look. He is an Irish Thoroughbred.

MSEDA: How did you get Mac?
DH: My parents bought Mac for me because he was available and he was much better than Drayko. Mac was above my level when I first got him, but he and I have learned a lot together.

MSEDA: Do you compete Mac?
DH: I do. Mac and I compete in eventing. My first event was Champagne Run this past summer.

MSEDA: What division do you compete in?
DH: I compete in Beginner Novice.

MSEDA: What is your favorite event so far?
DH: My favorite event is Octoberfest because it was my first Beginner Novice show and Mac was super good--we ended up getting second!

MSEDA: What is Mac’s favorite treat?
DH: His favorite treats are carrots; he gets so excited about them he’ll smile and bow to me so I’ll give them to him.

MSEDA: Where do you go to school?
DH: I go to school at Kentucky Country Day School.

MSEDA: What are your favorite brands?
DH: My favorite equestrian brands are Dover, Ariat and SmartPak.

MSEDA: What are your horse’s quirks?
DH: My horse is a Thoroughbred, so some of his quirks are getting excited in cross country, only sometimes, most times not. And he gets a little speedy when galloping, he likes to relive his racehorse days!

MSEDA: What is your goal for 2017?
DH: My goal this year is to get something other than second in an event because the past four times I’ve gotten second, so I’d like to change that.

MSEDA: Who do you ride with?
DH: I ride with Piper Uhl at Emily Ragan’s Farm. Piper is my trainer and when I move up, I’ll train with Emily. At events, sometimes Piper will go with me, but mostly Emily will. They are both really good trainers and I like riding with them. 

MSEDA: Where do you ride?
DH: I ride at Glen Ayre Equestrian Centre.  

MSEDA: What is your favorite part about your barn?
DH: I have two favorite parts! One is at my boarding stable in the summer, sometimes we’ll take our horses swimming in the pond, and in the winter sometimes we’ll go sledding behind them if there’s snow. The second one is all my friends are out there. Some girls are in high school, some are in middle school and some are in elementary school, and we're all good friends. We all help each other and we all care about each other.

MSEDA: What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
DH: The biggest obstacle I’ve overcome is probably being able to balance Mac. Mac is built downhill and has a low-set neck, which makes it really hard for him to pick himself up and balance. I used to not be able to get his head up at all because he didn’t have enough muscle to keep himself up. Now he has that muscle and carries himself nicely.

MSEDA: Describe your horse in 10 words.
DH: Super cute, fun, sometimes sassy, sometimes naughty, most times perfect. 

MSEDA: What is your favorite horsey memory?
DH: When Daniel Stewart came for a clinic, I hadn’t been riding Mac for very long, so I was pretty nervous he was going to be bad. But, he was actually very well behaved, which was really good because our entire barn was watching us! It was really hard, but I loved it. I learned a lot from Mr. Stewart and it was fun. My trainer, Piper, still makes us do the drills we learned from the clinic.

MSEDA: Do you have any other animals?
DH: I have two Blue Great Danes named Buck and Teddy, and two cats named Boots and Lulu.

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com 

By Sarah E Coleman

MSEDA: Where are you from?
Kassandra Hickey: Alberta, Canada. My father’s employment brought us here.

MSEDA: When did you begin riding?
KH: As soon as I could walk I was on top of a horse!

MSEDA: How long have you been competing?
KH: 9 years

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?
KH: When I was 5.

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?
KH: I currently own all Thoroughbreds.

MSEDA: How did you get him/her?
KH: They are all off the track.

MSEDA:  What horses do you compete (and what do you compete in?)
KH: I ride Hidden Glitter in the hunter/jumpers, Bubblin Brew in hunters and dressage, and Nacho Man in eventing.

MSEDA: How long have you been a MSEDA member?
KH: Two years.

MSEDA: What is your favorite event? Why?
KH: I love Jump Start Horse Trials--the atmosphere is always so friendly and inviting.

MSEDA: What level do you compete?
KH: I ride Nacho Man in Novice.

MSEDA: What are your horse's favorite treats?
KH: Green peppermints!

MSEDA: What is your favorite show? Why?
KH: I enjoy competing at River Glen Horse Trials. It’s always a tough competition!

MSEDA: What do you?
KH: I currently attend Otterbein University and am studying equine business management. I love the hands-on experience there.

MSEDA: What are your favorite equestrian brands?
KH: HKM Lauria Garrelli line and Equine Couture

MSEDA: What are your horse's quirks?
KH: During feeding he sticks his tongue out and shakes his head “yes!”

MSEDA: What is your goal this year?
KH: To have consistent scores in Novice as we've just moved up.

MSEDA:  Who do you ride with?
KH: Jeri Matheny

MSEDA: Where do you ride?
KH: Wind Ridge Farm out of Campbellsburg, KY

MSEDA: What is your favorite part of your barn/trainer/boarding stable?
KH: She's made me part of her family and welcomed me with open arms. She is a very patient teacher!

MSEDA: What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome with your horse?
KH: It's hard to pick just one as he wasn't able to jump through a grid without having a mental breakdown and stay relaxed in the dressage ring!

MSEDA:  Describe your horse in 10 words.
KH: Physically and emotionally sensitive with the heart of a lion.

MSEDA: What is your favorite memory?
KH: Skipping my senior prom and going to Ocala, Fla., and being a groom to my trainer.

MSEDA: What other animals do you own?
KH: A dog and a cat.

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com 

By Sarah E Coleman

A passionate proponent of equestrian endeavors, Megan Carr can be seen throughout the state at events and dressage shows of every caliber. Heavily involved in multiple state and regional associations, Carr gives back in every way she can to the horses and the people who love them. Read on to find out how she fits it all in!

MSEDA: Where are you from?
Megan Carr: I was born in Chicago but raised in Lexington, Ky.

MSEDA: What brought you here?
MC: My father got a job offer up here when we were living in South Florida in 1988. The horses moved up here before we did!

MSEDA: When did you begin riding? 
MC: In the womb! My mother was a dressage rider. I also took my first “formal” lesson when I was 4 with Julie Congleton, who at the time was at Midway College. It was on a really cool HUGE grey horse named Wexford. He as so cool.

Mom (Laura) and Sister (Katie), Benjamin aka No Worries and I at Training Championships, Greater Dayton. 5^th place. 1998

MSEDA: How long have you been competing?
MC: Although I have not competed much in recent years, I showed a lot when I was younger. I started in leadline, then moved to Pony Club and then competed several horses at Training Level and one in JYOP.

MSEDA: How long have you been a MSEDA member? 
MC: My family and I have been members of MSEDA since we moved here in the early 90s.

MSEDA: You have a very active role in the eventing community here in Kentucky -- can you tell me a bit about it?
MC: I am a Licensed MSEDA Dressage and Eventing Judge. I officiate at about 12-20 shows each year. I am also a MSEDA board member, on the Education committee and chair of the Rules and Bylaws committee.  I also serve on the board of Louisville Dressage Association, am the state rep for the Western Dressage Association of America and run the vet box at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. I try to volunteer at local shows when I am not officiating. I am also excited to start Part 1 of the USDF L judges program late this year and hope to finish it early next year.

MSEDA: How did you become interested in these roles?
MC: I know this sounds cheesy, but I really just have a huge passion for this sport. It has given both myself and my family many amazing memories (and a few memories by father calls “a good learning experience!”). While I am too busy to compete (and having physical issues), I tried to think up ways that I could keep in the eventing/dressage community without being a rider, so I started the MSEDA judges program in 2008 and finished in 2010. Judging expanded my knowledge of the sport and also expanded my opportunities, including a role on the board of Kentucky Dressage Association (membership chair) and roles with MSEDA, Louisville Dressage Society, Rolex Kentucky and WDAA.

MSEDA: What is your favorite event? Why?
MC: Although it is a lot of hard work, I would have to say Rolex Kentucky.  I started out roping the galloping lanes when I was 5 and have volunteered there ever since. I have worked with awards, in control with Nigel and Allie Casserley, and have been running the vet box since 2011. Over the years, I have gathered a great core crew of amazing volunteers to help everything run as smoothly as possible!

PC Lisa Dean/L to R: Tammy Makela, Jeri Matheny, Laura Corsentino, Emily Macauley, myself, Stephanie Roethke and Shannon Riley.

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?

MC: I got my first pony, Hokey Pokey, for my sixth birthday. She was a little brat, but really taught me how to ride and the value of patience J

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?
MC: I currently only have one horse, Jonathan, who also goes by With Ease. He is retired and living with Cyndi, Nicholas and Michael Greathouse, who have become family through our shared love of this special horse.

MSEDA: How did you get Jonathan?
MC: Jonathan was a Christmas present from a family friend, Kathy Anderson, DVM. I had leased his brother, Benjamin (aka No Worries) from her after he had gone to DeBroke Prelim Championships with Amanda Warrington. Benjamin and I competed through Training level eventing and were placed 11^th with USCTA in the Jr Training Division. We retired Benjamin early and Kathy gave me Jonathan for Christmas my junior year of high school. Jonathan and I went up to Prelim and qualified for the CCI* (long format back in 2003) and got invited to DeBroke Championships (AEC’s predecessor). We also focused a lot on dressage and were schooling 4^th level.

MSEDA: What are Jonathan’s favorite treats?
MC: McDonald’s French fries, doughnuts and potato chips. He really is a junk food junkie, but he’s only allowed to have them on special occasions!

MSEDA: What do you do full time? Do you enjoy it?
MC:  I work at a structural engineering firm in Louisville, Ky. I have been here since I graduated from University of Louisville. I really do enjoy my job and luckily it allows me to be as active as I am in the horse community, also.

MSEDA: How did you get into this job?

MC: I met my boss’s wife while we both were riding at Stone Place Stables in Prospect, Ky. She fell in love with my Jonathan and ended up half leasing him from me while I was busy with school. We have been best friends ever since. It is amazing how many great people this have come into my life because of this special horse.

MSEDA: What is your goal this year?
MC: My goal is to finish the USDF “L” Program Part 1 in 2017 and to learn as much as I can from it.  I am really excited to get the opportunity to do this awesome program, which is the USDF Learner Judges program that covers all aspects dressage.

MSEDA: Describe your horse in 10 words. Horse of a lifetime.  Although we may have never made it to Rolex, this horse was the first one that I was able to work with for an extended period of time (I leased a lot before landing him), train myself from the ground up, and then he, in turn, has taught more than half a dozen kids the ropes of eventing and dressage. His brother (No Worries) really taught me to ride, and now, he is honoring his brother by doing the same.

MSEDA: What other animals do you own?
MC: I have one dog. She is a 10-year-old red and white female Basenji named Urbi (Or-bee). She is still full of spunk and on occasions, attends horse shows with me.

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com 

By Sarah E Coleman

Vanessa Coleman, Director of Competition for Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI), the entity that hosts the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, has been passionate about horses since she first moved to the Bluegrass at 4 years old. After dabbling in the hunters as a child, she began eventing, and has been enjoying it ever since. The ability to combine her passion for the sport with her unique role at EEI has made Vanessa even more appreciative of everything that goes into producing the only four-star event in North America.

MSEDA: Where are you from? If you're not from KY, what brought you here?
VC: I was born in St. Louis, MO and my father’s work brought us to Lexington. I moved away during college, but returned to the area in 2008.

 

MSEDA: When did you begin riding?

VC: When I was 4, after we moved to Georgetown.

MSEDA: How long have you been competing?

VC: I started competing a bit in hunters, then switched to eventing when I was about 11 or 12.

 

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?

VC: The first horse I owned was a Welsh Pony named Clancy, whom I got when I was 11.

 

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?

VC: I own Lily, a 19-year-old OTTB that is retired and Rooster (Arcturus) a 9-year-old OTTB that I would like to event more if I could find the time!

 

MSEDA: How did you get Rooster?

VC: I was casually looking for a new horse and a client of Jim Graham’s had a few for sale—Rooster being one of them. She had gotten him directly off the track a few months prior to our introduction.

MSEDA: Where do you ride?

VC: Rooster lives at Antebellum Farm. It is super convenient to work and home, and I really enjoy everyone there. 

 

MSEDA: Do you and Rooster compete?
VC: I have only managed to compete him a few times, but I hope that changes soon!

MSEDA: What is your goal this year?

VC: To ride as much as possible!

MSEDA: What is your favorite show? Why?
VC: Rolex Kentucky is my favorite show!

MSEDA: Do you have any good luck rituals? If so, what are they?

VC: I used to have lucky boot socks but I lost them!

MSEDA: What are your horse's quirks?

VC: He is a goofball and loves attention. When I got him, he was indifferent to everything and everyone, and did not really engage. Now, he has more personality than he probably needs and is a joy to work with. He knows I keep a treat or two in my pocket, so he is always checking it out. One odd thing he does is in the wash rack he loves to have me spray the concrete while he licks it! Ironically, it seems that almost every picture I take of Rooster his tongue is sticking out!

 

 MSEDA: What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome with your horse?

 VC: His tension.

MSEDA: What are your horse's favorite treats? 

VC: Carrots and Mrs. Pastures Cookies.

 

MSEDA: How long have you been a MSEDA member?
VC: I became a member right after moving back to Kentucky in 2008/2009.

 

MSEDA: You work with EEI, the entity that hosts Rolex. How long have you been with this organization?

I was a volunteer from the mid-1980s until 2008.  In late 2008, Jane Atkinson asked me to help out in the office through the event and I have been here ever since.  I have held a few different positions: Director of Ticketing, Director of Development and now Director of Competition.

 

MSEDA: What does that entail?

As Director of Competition, I am responsible for and oversee everything related to the competition including: the budget; hiring all officials, veterinarians, contractors, announcers and seasonal staff; oversight of all competition pieces, including the horse inspection, dressage, cross-country, show jumping, awards, etc.; all paperwork with governing bodies; processing all entries; coordinating international entries and isolation barn; all competition items in the official event program; all volunteers; scheduling, scoring and results; credentialing; necessary equipment; and lots more!

There is a lot to my job, but there is no way I could do it without the AMAZING team of staff and volunteers who do their parts so very well and with unending dedication!  It is next to impossible to truly express how much EEI and I appreciate what they give to this event!

 

MSEDA: What changes have you seen as Rolex has evolved?  

VC: There have been so many changes over the years!  The most obvious are not just Rolex Kentucky-related. The sport has changed and is still changing; WEG 2010 brought a tremendous change to and awareness of the Kentucky Horse Park. With technological advancements and social media, we now have the ability to engage a vast number of people for a fraction of the cost for more-traditional advertising.

MSEDA: What is your favorite part of your job?

VC: I enjoy almost every aspect of my job, but there is no feeling that can compare to the first horse starting and finishing on cross-country--and then the excitement on Sunday when the last horse jumps and the winner is known! 

MSEDA: What is the hardest part of your job?

VC: Staying organized!

MSEDA: Is it hard to balance your role with EEI and riding?

VC: It is quite difficult from January through mid-May. There aren’t enough hours in the day to answer all of the emails and keep up with the daily tasks, and then have time to ride. I suppose there would be time if I didn’t sleep at all!

 

MSEDA: Do you have kids? Do they ride?

VC: I have a 21-year-old daughter named Alexa. She rode some when she was younger, but doesn’t anymore, which is too bad--she has a real natural talent!

 

MSEDA: What other animals do you own?

VC: Lily the 19-year-old OTTB; Sammy, a 14-year-old Jack Russell; and Abby, a 9- or 10-year-old Black Lab. I just recently lost Scotty, who was my daughter’s pony--he was somewhere in his 30s and we had him for 15 years. I also lost Karalaika, retired event horse Thoroughbred/Trakehner who was one month shy of 31 when he died--I had him for almost 28 years.

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com

By Sarah E. Coleman

Where are you from?

I was born in Dearborn, MI, and I grew up in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  I attended Hope College in Holland, MI and studied French at University of Grenoble, France. I also have an MBA.

 

What brought you to Kentucky?

I was a Kmart General Manager for 20 years and I moved 12 times in 20 years, so every time that I moved, I had a new horse experience. I was downsized in 1994 and then became Festival Coordinator for the United States Pony Club.

What do you do full time? Do you enjoy it? 

For my full-time job, I am a financial advisor for Cetera Financial Specialists. I have an office in Ft. Mitchell, Ky., and I am licensed in 15 states.

What other activities do you enjoy?
In the past, I played violin in symphony orchestras and quartets. I have also had art exhibited at Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

When did you begin riding? 

I started taking lessons when I was 6 years old, but I had been crawling on every horse I saw since I was a toddler. I began with western lessons for 3 years, then switched to English.

In the past, I rode hunter/jumpers, did a 50-mile endurance race, exercised racing Arabian horses, rode in the hills of West Virginia, trained in dressage with Teri Foley, Carol Grant and Theo Wilkinson, and helped on a Clydesdale breeding operation.

How long have you been a MSEDA member?

I have been a MSEDA member for over 15 years and am a past member of the Board of Directors

You’re a Technical Delegate (TD) for the United States Equestrian Federation. In which disciplines?

I am a USEF Technical Delegate in:

Eventing "r"

Dressage "R"

Vaulting "r"

I am a FEI Level 1 Steward in:  Eventing, Dressage, Vaulting and Reining

How did you become interested in that role?
After I became Chief of Fence Judges for Rolex Lexington Three-Day Event CCI ****, I was looking for a way to help the sport. With my management background, being a Technical Delegate seemed to fit. My last store I managed for Kmart was $15 million in volume and I had 250 employees and 18 managers.

What does being a TD entail?
A TD helps the organizers, the competitors and the judges with rule interpretation, but our main role is to protect the horse and help keep a level playing field. A TD also promotes safety at horse shows.

You are heavily involved in helping multiple horse trials and shows. Can you tell us what your role at these events entail?
I coordinate volunteers (jump judges, communicators, stopping stewards and interior crossing guards) for 8 and or 9 horse trials, and one dressage show, a year--this includes the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** . I was also a Chief Fence Judge for the 1987 Pan Am Games and  coordinated for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. I fence judged at Rolex for many years and became Chief of Fence Judges in 1992.

What other horse-related endeavors have you been involved in?

I have been President of the Kentucky Horse Council and Area Steward for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Do you own a horse?
My horse foundered from the Cushings, and Dr. Ric Redden saved him. “Be Tough Willie” taught the vets that little veins  and arteries can regrow in the hoof wall capsule, so he was in Dr. Redden's lectures to veterinarians and farriers for many years.

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com

By Sarah E. Coleman

Photo by Lesleyward.com

Where are you from?
Kent, Washington

What brought you here? 

My husband, Remi Bellocq’s, job. We moved here from Southern California in 2001 when he took a job as the executive director of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time, with a 2-1/2-year-old son.

When did you begin riding?
When I was 6. I never had my own horse until I was 12, when I could pay for it myself from babysitting money.

When did you get your first horse? 

When I was 12. It was my 4-H leader's daughter's old show horse, a "Quarab" (although we didn't call them that at the time), named Mi Misty Dawn. She was a dapple grey mare.

How long have you been competing?  

Since I was 12, at little 4-H shows. I completed mostly western, bareback, trail. etc. Then after high school, I didn't ride for about 20 years. I got back into it in my late 30s in Kentucky by taking weekly lessons on school horses, then in 2011, I leased and evented a Quarter Horse. Next I leased and evented an Irish Sport Horse for two years, and decided to finally get my own.

What horses do you own now?
I own a 5-year-old, bay OTTB gelding named Be More Bullish. I adopted him in October of 2014. He’s a super sweet boy!!

How did you get him?
Through New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. My husband really admires what they do and has wanted us to adopt an OTTB for years, but I never wanted to, thinking they were all too wild for me. But then we found "Beau.” He's perfect.

What horses do you compete and what do you compete in?
I event, but my horse is also suited to the hunters. I've taken him to a few dressage shows, and he's done well for a greenie, and a hunter show or two, and he does well there, too. I like to mix it up.

How long have you been a MSEDA member?

Since 2011

Photo by Lesleyward.com

What level do you compete in (if you compete)?
Starter / Green horse / Training dressage

What are your horse's favorite treats?
Carrots. It took him forever to eat treats, but he finally caved on carrots. He still doesn't like mints or apples—he just spits them out.

What is your favorite show and why?
I’ve only done a few shows, so I can't say I have a favorite yet. I guess any where I'm not super nervous (which is none).

Do you have any good luck rituals?
I try to remember my husband's advice he got from an old racehorse trainer: "Don't lose your head, 'cause your a** is sure to follow.” Sage advice.

What are your goals for this year?

Maybe do a one-day event, a couple more hunter shows, the New Vocations / TIP show in the fall, a hunter pace, a combined test, maybe a show at KHP.

Who do you ride with?
Lynn Miles

Where do you ride?
I board at Bittersweet Acres Farm in Lexington. It's multidisciplinary, so I always have a riding friend or two, no matter what we're doing.

What is your favorite part of your barn/trainer/boarding stable?
Bittersweet is in close proximity to my house and I have awesome fellow boarders. It’s low stress and not competitive; the farm owners are wonderful, and it’s close to both Masterson Station Park and the Kentucky Horse Park.  

What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome with your horse?
My horse popped a splint last year right as we were gearing up for show season. That sidelined us for weeks, a lot more than I hoped, but in the end it was for the best. I just took it slow with him and it's paid off.

Describe your horse in 10 words.
Shiny, handsome, baby, fast-learner, athletic, opinionated, mellow, lazy, pleaser.

What other animals do you own?
I have a 16-year-old beagle mix.

What are your favorite equestrian brands?
Irideon, Kerrits and Ariat

Do you have a job outside of the horses? Do you enjoy it?
I'm the office manager at an acupuncture clinic in Lexington (for people, not animals). I really enjoy it; I work three days a week, so that leaves more time for the barn (plus I get free acupuncture).

How did you get into this job?
I wanted something part-time. I was actually a patient at the clinic two years before working there.

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com

Photo by Xpress Foto

Where are you from?
I am originally from St. Matthews, Ky (aka Louisville). My family moved to Shelbyville, Ky., when I was 7.

 When did you begin riding?
I began riding with my twin sister Morgan when we were 8 years old at Harrington Mill Farm in Shelbyville. Harrington Mill is run by Mary Fike.

How long have you been competing?
I went to my first competition at Champagne Run farm when I was 10 on a lesson pony named Nate--and we got second place! 

When did you get your first horse?
The first horse we had was actually a birthday present on our 10th birthday. He was a 16-year-old Thoroughbred named Heart. Sadly we lost him later that year to a broken leg.

What horses do you own now?
I own one horse now named Bethel Park, also known as Spiderman. He’s a now 10-year-old Thoroughbred that was given to me in 2009 by Dr. Stuart and the late Christine Brown. He had a tieback surgery in February.

What horses do you compete? 

Quite a few! Bethel Park, Ashbourne's Boss, Ashbourne's Cooper, Chapel Hill and Ruud Striker. I just started a new OTTB sales project named Holdupwaitaminute! The horses compete in a range of levels from starter to preliminary. I also fox hunt with the Long Run Hounds, with three of the hunt horses on the farm (Ashbourne Farms).

Photo by JJ Sillman

How long have you been part of MSEDA?

A little over 10 years.

What are your horse’s favorite treats? 

Spiderman has always been a carrot lover, but his guilty pleasure has become Red Vines.

What are your horse’s quirks?
Spiderman constantly makes this funny face like he's using his tongue to get something out of his teeth. He also likes to grunt during his daily work like everything I ask is so hard and he'd rather be napping.

Describe your horse in 10 words.
Big, honest, talented, athletic, challenging, handsome, powerful, skittish, cocky and goofy!

What is your favorite show and why?
My favorite horse show has always been Team Challenge--I look forward to it every year. I love the costume ideas and the team names people come up with, as well as the team aspect of getting to be competitive with your friends, not having to ride against them! It has always been the most fun and a great way to end the season.

Do you have any good luck rituals?
I don't, but I love to listen to my music and go over my test or course in my head.

What is your full-time job?
My full-time job is happily training eventers and fox hunters! I love what I do; it pushes me mentally and physically in ways most non-horse people don't understand, and it's very satisfying to bring along all the amazing horses I get to ride. I don't think I chose this path, but it chose me. I am not what you would call a brave person; I am shy and don't always know what to say to people. Horses have made me strong, independent and it's defiantly a conversation starter.

How did you get into this job?
I have to give the majority of the credit to my first heart horse, Sunny Weather (my only other being Spiderman). He and I shared a 15-year-long partnership that put me on this path of the job I love.  

photo by Xpress Foto

What are your favorite equestrian brands?
I love SmartPak anything! Fast shipping and returns is the key to many a girl’s heart.

What is your goal this year?
HH: To compete in the 1* at Team Challenge.  

With whom do you ride?
Before moving to La Grange, Ky., to start my job working at Ashbourne Farms training Janie and Austin Mussleman's horses, I was being coached by Mary Fike (who owns Sunny Weather). Now that I'm out in La Grange, I get coached my Martha Lambert whose farm in happily and coincidentally across the street!

Where do you ride?
I have worked for Janie and Austin Ashbourne for just over two years. I used to help exercise their horses in 2012, and in the winter of 2013, I was offered a full-time position. I love working at Ashbourne Farms because it is over 1,800 acres of beautiful landscape to ride on and some truly awesome horses to bring along!

What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome with your horse?
Honestly just learning how to ride Spiderman has been the biggest obstacle. He is so talented, but far, far from easy. He is by far the hardest horse I've ridden, but the feeling of accomplishment when we get it right trumps all the hard times.

What is your favorite memory?
I have had so many great memories over the years but I have two favorites: Winning Kentucky Classique on Sunny, and winning Team Challenge on Spiderman. They are my favorite because the feeling I had crossing the finish line was the same for both: It wasn't about coming home with the blue ribbon, but I was just so proud of how far the both of them had come and that both times I got to share it with my friends and family who have always supported me. Winning was just icing on the cake. I love my support team. I won't name names, but they know who they are; they are who I go to or call if I’m nervous or upset, and they know just what to say to give me confidence.

Do you own any other animals?
I own the best dog in the world, Percy Jackson. I like to think he is a chocolate lab/Australian Shepherd mix. He goes to work with me every day and goes on all my rides. I'm pretty sure he thinks he's a horse! 

By Sarah E Coleman

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseenterprise@gmail.com

MSEDA: Where are you from?

ES: My wife, Jill, and I live in Westfield, IN, just north of Indianapolis. We've been here exactly 20 years this week, and lived on our farm for the last 11. We came to Indiana for Jill's job as an elephant trainer. She's been with the Indianapolis Zoo elephants ever since.

 

Jill with Zahara, one of the six African elephant calves born at the Indianapolis Zoo

MSEDA: When did you begin riding?

ES: I started, um, later in life than most people. I was 34 or so when I first sat on a horse. But then I saw a video of eventing (Dorothy Crowell, riding Molokai at The Hague) and thought "this is something I have to try."

 

MSEDA: How long have you been competing?

ES: This year I am hoping to compete in my first-ever recognized horse trials. I've been competing at schooling shows the last 4 or 5 years.

 

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?

ES: Ah, Monty the Morgan. The perfect first horse was purchased in the late 90s. He was 17 years old at the time and had the patience of a saint.

 

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?

ES: We have three horses at home now. Elvis, the wonder horse, a Thoroughbred who, at 24 years old, regards anything lower and slower than training level as insulting. Tardis, my 7-year-old OTTB who is really starting to learn his new job, even if he hasn't found his brave just yet. And Doc, my 31-year-old Dutch cross, who is truly enjoying retirement.

Celebrating a clear starter XC round with little Tardis. Photo by Lee Ann Zobbe, used with permission.

MSEDA: How did you get your horses? What horses do you compete (and what do you compete in?)

ES: Elvis came to us permanently a little more than a year ago, after we leased him for a while. His owner, the wonderful Mary Tinder, made the difficult decision to get out of horse ownership, and astoundingly picked our barn as this remarkable horse's final home. To say we are honored is a profound understatement. Elvis now has the unenviable task of getting me to my first recognized horse trials. Tardis came to me by way of one of my all-time favorite professionals, Sharon White.

Eric and Elvis compete in the Derby to raise funds for the new Indiana Eventing Association's water complex at the Hoosier Horse Park. Photo by Lee Ann Zobbe, used with permission.

MSEADA: What are your horse's favorite treats?

ES: Anything, pretty much. Both Thoroughbreds are total treat hounds.

MSEDA: What do you do full time? Do you enjoy it?

ES: So, my full-time job is as the journals manager for the American Statistical Association (ASA, the second-oldest nonprofit scientific association in the United States.). I manage all of the Association's peer-reviewed journals. It's a perfect job for me and allows me to work from home.

My second job, and how I came to the MSEDA, is as a horse show announcer working primarily eventing and dressage shows. I've never competed in an MSEDA show, but members might recognize my voice from Spring Bay, the Kentucky Classique and Team Challenge.

Eric announcing cross-country at the Kentucky Horse Park, with JJ Johnson (left) and Karen Winn. Photo by Leigh Anne Robertson, used with permission.

I love my announcing job, especially when working at the Kentucky Horse Park. It really is special---and I'm always a bit awestruck---driving past the statue of Man O' War as I'm going to work. I also announce in Georgia, Texas, Indiana and Illinois. I currently serve on the MSEDA Board of Directors, representing the northern part of Area VIII. I also serve on the board of the Indiana Eventing Association.

MSEDA: How did you get into this job?

ES: I've been working for the ASA for … a very long time! I got into announcing first by volunteering at dressage shows, and it morphed into something really unique and fun. I owe fellow announcer Cyndi Kurth (who also works at MSEDA shows) a real debt for patiently mentoring me on how to announce and how to best help the show organizers.

 

MSEDA: What are your goals for the 2016 season and with whom do you ride?

ES: My goal this year is to ride Novice at a recognized show. My second goal is to have Tardis competing Beginner Novice at schooling shows. I have the BEST coach, Lee Ann Zobbe, in Sheridan, IN, at Come Again Farm. I try to take two or three lessons a week, splitting them between the two horses. And it is through Lee Ann that I've been able to ride in clinics and eventing camps with Dorothy Crowell, Lauren Lambert, Leslie Law, Leslie Grant-Law, Sharon White and others. It's been an amazing journey.

 

MSEDA: What are your favorite brands?
ES: Mavorite eventing store is IndyEquestrian (https://www.indyequestrian.com/). Amanda and Brian are the best---they know the sport and what riders need.

 

MSEDA: What is your favorite part of you’re the barn where you lesson?

ES: I love riding at Come Again Farm, and trailer up there (20 minutes--I am spoiled!) a few times a week. The people at CAF have become sort of a second family for us, and we love the facility and schooling shows that are held about once a month during show season.

 

MSEDA: What other animals do you own?

ES: Just two barn cats and a house cat … between the horses and elephants, we enjoy a lot of critter company!

 

MSEDA: Is there anything unusual about your horses now?

ES: All three of my horses seem to possess an over-abundance of personality. I am fortunate that Elvis is a benevolent dictator and manages the herd firmly, but (for the most part) gently.

By Sarah E. Coleman

MSEDA: Where are you from?
RE: I am from Huntington, W. Va., but I travel to Kentucky for shows and coaching.

 

MSEDA: When did you begin riding? 

RE: I started riding a Tennessee Walking Horse with my mother and begged her to get me horseback riding lessons. I started taking lessons when I was 10. The only person in the area who taught lessons was Pam Watts. I took lessons with her for eight years; she taught English with an emphasis on eventing.  

 

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?
RE: I got my first horse when I was 12; his name was Western Artist and he was from Midway University. Pam took us in the middle in the night (because that’s when eventers do things) to look at a horse. She got on this horse without a saddle or bridle--he was such a good boy she said “we are taking this on home!” I later got him on Christmas day.

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?

RE: I own Kranos, a 7-year-old OTTB. I also have a 14-year-old Thoroughbred that I have competed in dressage. His name is Crown Select.  

 

MSEDA: Who do you train with?
RE: My coach for the past 18 years is Maggie Wright of Champagne Run Farm. She coached me at my first Intermediate and held my hand at during all my three-days. She saw Karanos "Indy" at her farm and thought of me. He was very quiet and, after having a child, I needed a dependable, quiet ride.

 

MSEDA: Do you compete your horses?
RE: I have only competed Kranos in Beginner Novice and Novice.  I am hoping to compete Novice this spring and see how he does before I decide if we can do Training. I competed Crown Select in Training and completed the Training level three-day in 2010.  He is for sale, but I might try to compete him in second level dressage this spring.  

MSEDA: Do your horses have any quirks?

RE: Indy has a lot of quirks. He cribs, weaves and is a brat on the ground, but he is the exact opposite when you get on his back. I let my 4-year-old ride him all the time. And he gets spanked with a whip all the time for being lazy!  

MSEDA: Do you have children?
RE: I have two kids, a 4-year-old girl, Vera, and 5-month-old Parker. Vera comes to the barn with me every day and has been at horse shows with me since she was 6 months old. I hope she catches the eventing bug.    

MSEDA: What do you do for a living?

RE: I work at the Equine Medical Center in Chesapeake, Ohio. I work part-time and teach lessons part-time, and own a full-time boarding barn. I have been coaching and teaching lessons in Milton, W. Va., for the past 15 years. I have had students from Starter to Prelim.  

 

MSEDA: What is your favorite show and why?
RE: My favorite show is probably Champagne Run at the Park. Maggie Wright, my trainer, organizes the show and all her students pitch in to help, so it’s a huge party for everyone at the Park.  

 

MSEDA: Do you have any good luck rituals?

RE: When I was younger, I wore the same socks for all my events. I almost refuse to wear white breeches on cross country for fear of falling off and staining them. I also have a belt with my two-star horse’s name on it (Cyrano, whom I put down in 2010), that I wear on cross country to keep him with me.

 

MSEDA: How long have you been a MSEDA member?

RE: I think I have been a MSEDA member for 22-24 years. I haven't missed a Rolex for probably 25 years.