Athletic Equestrian Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sally Batton
Navigating the world of collegiate riding is a mystery to most young rider athletes and their families. Sally Batton, a collegiate varsity equestrian coach for over 30 years, interviews coaches, organizations and riders for their insight on what it takes to ride on a collegiate equestrian team. So saddle up and join her as she reveals the inner workings of collegiate equestrian.
Jochen Schleese is a Certified Master Saddler, internationally recognized saddle fitting expert, author, and founder of Schleese Saddlery Service and Saddlefit 4 Life®. After his own riding career was cut short due to his horse suffering saddle-related injuries, Jochen dedicated his life to improving equine welfare through proper saddle fit and ergonomics. For more than 40 years, he has educated riders, trainers, veterinarians, and saddle professionals worldwide, authored bestselling books on saddle fit, and pioneered innovations in adjustable, gender-correct saddle design that have transformed the industry.
Joining the podcast are members of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) equestrian team, fresh off an impressive performance at the IHSA National Championships. Representing the program are Head Coach and Equestrian Director Ashley Henry, Assistant Coach Sammy Perlman, and several standout student-athletes who earned multiple national titles, top-10 finishes, and championship honors across team and individual competition. SCAD continues to showcase the depth, talent, and excellence that have made the program one of the nation's premier collegiate equestrian teams.
The University of Lynchburg, one of the top programs in collegiate equestrian, talks about their recent NCEA National Championship win. Under the leadership of Phillip Williamson, the Hornets have built a nationally recognized program with multiple championship titles. Joining him are standout student-athletes Kristin Palmer, Stella Patenaude, Amaya Bellfield, and Maddy Rubin, all of whom have helped contribute to the Hornets' success through their talent and determination.
is the Head Riding Coach and Associate Professor of Physical Education at Washington and Lee University. With more than 30 years of experience in the equestrian industry, he has coached nationally competitive collegiate riders and programs at Albion College, Randolph College, and Cornell University. A Virginia native, Mitchell has also served as Director of Jumper Programs for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and remains active in collegiate equestrian leadership through the IHSA. In 2025, he received the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the sport.
grew up in Nicaragua, where she trained in Jumpers and Dressage. She went on to compete in the IDA at Otterbein University, earning B.S. degrees in Marketing and Psychology in 2020. After interning with the IEA Marketing Office during college, Montana joined IEA Marketing full-time following graduation. She has since relocated several times and is now based in Denver. She has served as a Youth Board Advisor since 2021 and helped develop the IEA Team Captains Campaign and Region Captains programs.
Carrie grew up at United States Military Academy at West Point, where her father served as Officer in Charge of the Cadet Riding Team. That early connection led to a lifelong relationship with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). After a career in marketing and communications Carrie moved to Wellington, Florida and later founded EQ Media. Today, her firm manages IHSA's communications, marketing, and sponsor relations and also works with W. F. Young on brands including Absorbine.
Rennie Dyball is the author or co-author of more than twenty books, including the award-winning SHOW STRIDES series, GOOD BOY, EDDIE, and THE ADHD FIELD GUIDE FOR ADULTS. She is a freelance editor, a college essay coach, and a lifelong horse lover who competes in the adult hunter and equitation divisions. In college, Rennie rode on the Penn State IHSA equestrian team for four years, serving as captain during her senior year.
Celebrate the 200th episode of the Riding in College Podcast with IHSA founder Bob Cacchione. Follow along as he shares how he started the association with just six schools and a dozen riders and how it expanded in the years since. The concept was simple but revolutionary: eliminate the need for riders to own horses and provide mounts at each competition in a catch-ride format. Honored as one of the 20th Century Most Influential Horsemen, Bob Cacchione is mentioned as a beacon of the industry by most of the podcast guests.
a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Vermont. She began teaching riding at my family's farm in Charlotte, Vermont while she was in high school, and—with the exception of several years dedicated to raising my children— She has been teaching, coaching, and training ever since. Her background is rooted in the hunter/jumper industry, and she holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Education from UVM.
Her role at the University allows her to bring together her formal training as an educator with decades of hands-on experience working with horses and riders. It is a rewarding blend of my passions for teaching, horsemanship, and supporting the next generation of equine professionals.
McColley's tenure with Albion Equestrian began in August 2024. For the last 12 years, McColley, together with her husband, Travis, has been serving as the coach for the McColley Equestrian Team. The McColley Equestrian Team has achieved significant success at both IEA and YEDA competitions. They clinched the 2018 and 2020 YEDA National Champion Senior High Team titles, as well as claiming the 2019 YEDA Reserve National Championship Senior High Team. In addition to team successes, they have coached numerous YEDA individual National and Reserve National Championship riders in horsemanship and ranch riding. Additionally, the team's riders have secured IEA regional championships, high point championships, and national qualifiers. Many of their riders have gone on to compete in NCAA and IHSA collegiate riding. In 2020, the senior high team made history by achieving the highest score to date at the YEDA National Championship show, triumphing by over 10 points. McColley also operates McColley Quarter Horses with her husband at their home in Jonesville. There, she has helped riders and horses achieve significant success, including producing AQHA Level Three and Level Two World, Reserve and Bronze World champions, AQHA Congress and Reserve champions, AQHA Level One champions, PHBA World champions, and numerous year-end high point champions. Nichole holds a bachelor's degree in biology, as well as an Associate's degree in Equestrian Studies from the University of Findlay, where she competed on their equestrian team.
Camryn Lubner, from Southampton, New Jersey (a small town about 40 minutes outside Philly) and graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 2024. She was on their IHSA team for all four years, competing in Open Flat and Fences throughout her career and attending Nationals in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She have been riding and showing horses ever since she could walk and have had the privilege of living on and running a horse farm my entire life. Lubner graduated with a degree in Statistics and Finance and started her career as a Financial Analyst in July of 2024. Lubner still competes regularly and just imported a 5 year old KWPN from Poland in August of 2024, along with dabbling in some AEE/ATOC (Alumni Equestrian Events/Alumni Tournament of Champions) competitions. Lillard Preschlack is a captain of the Skidmore College Riding Team. She began riding as a toddler on her cousin's retired ponies at her grandmother's farm, officially starting lessons at age 8. She competed locally in Illinois until High School, where she successfully began the AA circuit in the junior hunters and equitation at Kentucky and Wellington. Since the pandemic, she has ridden alongside her mom at Buena Vista Farm in Wadsworth, Illinois. Throughout high school, Lillard wasn't sure if she wanted to ride in college, but after visiting Skidmore, she knew it was the perfect fit for her. She loved that Skidmore provided the opportunity to ride at a high level while receiving a top-notch liberal arts education.
Barbara is a United States Dressage Association Bronze Medalist with Distinction, Silver Medalist, and Bronze Freestyle Bar recipient. She is currently pursuing her Silver Freestyle Bar and has one score toward her Gold Medal.
A lifelong equestrian, Barbra earned her B.S. in Equine Studies from Centenary College and holds a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor Certificate from Porlock Vale Equestrian Centre in England. After early experience in hunters and eventing, she dedicated herself to dressage in 1995 and has since competed successfully through Intermediate I, earning numerous local, regional, and national honors. She has trained with many top professionals, including Janet Foy, Heather Blitz, Walter Zettl, and Maryal Barnett.
With over 30 years of experience training horses and riders, Barbra is known for her patient, classical approach to developing confident, successful partnerships. She and her husband, Brian, own Brilliant Reflection Farm in Ortonville, Michigan, where she continues to teach, train, and compete with her Hanoverian gelding Leverado Lauries at Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges.
Samantha Rothman is the Assistant Trainer and Professional Rider at Stonehaven Farms.
She has been coaching the University of Toledo IHSA Team since the 2021-2022 season along with our farm's IEA Team. She graduated from Lake Erie College with an Equine Teacher Trainer Major and showed in Open Fences and Flat for my 4 undergraduate years. During her freshman and junior year she advanced to IHSA Nationals as her region's Cacchione Rider.
Jamey Mroz, a dynamic leader in the field of mental performance and leadership development. Jamey is an Adjunct Instructor at Boston College in the Sports Administration Masters Program teaching Sports Psychology. Outside of teaching Jamey primarily works as an Executive Coach specializing in mental skills, culture and leadership development. Applying sports psychology and performance concepts to business and leadership as the founder of Mroz Leadership Consulting, where he empowers athletes, coaches, and professionals to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose, in and outside of the performance arena. His work supports high performers in navigating pressure, building resilience, and showing up as their best selves in high-stakes environments. Jamey's work experience ranges from the NFL, division 1 athletics, the WWE, all the way to the board room and sales teams, helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through intentional mindset and leadership strategies. You can learn more about his work on Linkedin, Instagram, or at MrozMission.com.
Savannah Mannes grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where she was a working student for Greg Crolick throughout her junior career. As a junior, she competed in the Junior Hunters, Equitation and Jumpers. Savannah then went on to attend Cazenovia College where she was captain on their IHSA equestrian team. Earning top accolades in the Open Divisions and Cacchione Cup standings, such as two Open Flat Regional Championships. After college, she turned professional and most recently worked for Back Country Farm in Greenwich, CT and Wellington, FL. She trained students in all rings and levels to top national standings and top placing at national championships. Now, she has begun her new journey as the NCEA and IHSA head coach at Sewanee.
Michael Lenard is a co-founder of Horse Spot, where he serves as CFO and leads the Sales and Customer Success efforts. With nearly two decades of experience in horse show management, Michael brings a deep understanding of the industry. He has managed USEF competitions, is an experienced show secretary, and recently earned his USEF 'r' Jumper Judge license. He's also a lifelong hunter/jumper competitor, with accomplishments up through the 1.40m level, including notable wins at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and in Wellington, FL.
Michael was the captain of his IHSA collegiate equestrian team, leading them to three consecutive Regional Titles and earning multiple top-10 individual finishes at Nationals, including an Individual National Championship in 2010.
Before diving full-time into equestrian tech, Michael built a distinguished career in public accounting and consulting, ultimately serving as Managing Director at a specialized financial consulting firm. He holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accountancy, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a Certified Forensic Examiner.
Today, he's helping modernize horse shows through Horse Spot — a show management platform that handles entries, schedules, results, payments, and more. If you haven't seen it at your show yet, you likely will soon. It's a game-changer for any organizing horse shows and a breath of fresh air compared to the outdated systems we've all had to deal with.
Ifa Simmonds is an equestrian fitness and performance coach with over a decade of experience. He is the founder of the Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA), created to help riders build strong, balanced bodies in and out of the saddle. He helps equestrians improve core strength, balance, and mobility through functional, rider-specific fitness programs. At the core of his training process are four key pillars: stability, suppleness, strength, and stamina. Each pillar is designed to enhance a rider’s fitness, position, and communication in the saddle. From trail riders to top-level competitors and coaches, he works across English and Western disciplines, including dressage, eventing, reining, hunter/jumper, and western pleasure. Drawing on certifications in functional fitness, yoga, and Pilates, he weaves these disciplines into EFA to help riders move with greater strength, fluidity, and purpose. A sought-after clinician, writer, and presenter, he shares his expertise with equestrian organizations worldwide and has been featured on platforms like IEA and IHSA.
Website: https://ifafit.com/
Contact Ifa today!
Founder of College Ready and a Certified Educational Consultant, helps families secure top-tier college admissions without debt. A bestselling author, international speaker, and host of Parents, Is Your Teen College Ready?, she combines insider admissions knowledge with financial strategy to create clear, personalized plans. With 17+ years of experience and the proven success of guiding her four children through college debt-free, Shellee now empowers high-achieving students and busy professionals worldwide to approach college with confidence and clarity.
Trigger warning: This podcast deals with topics including abuse, slaughter and euthanasia. Listen in as Christina Keim discusses her meticulously researched book and her interviews with industry experts, including veterinarians, lawmakers, welfare advocates, and shelter workers, and reviews published data to help separate unwanted horse facts from fantasy. And perhaps most importantly, she showcases the work of many dedicated individuals and groups who are collectively helping to carve out a new niche for the horse that both honors his heritage and can help to preserve his future.
Started riding at age 5 in Lakewood, WA, and began showing in Hunters and Equitation before discovering a passion for jumpers in middle school. In high school, she competed in a variety of English and Western events but ultimately returned to rated Hunter/Jumper shows. She attended Cazenovia College, competing in Hunter Seat, Western, and Dressage, and later served as Western team captain. After graduating in 2023 and completing a training-focused internship, she became an assistant trainer and now coach for the Keiser University Equestrian Program.
Kate Roncarati Paul is the head coach of the Northeastern University Equestrian Team and has led an IEA team since 2018—both heading to nationals this year.
She began as a working student and competed primarily on the local circuit before studying equine science at Mount Ida College, where she captained the IHSA team.
After college, she worked under her former coach, Julie Chandler (Kelly), and returned to Massachusetts in 2017 to rejoin her at Cranberry Acres in Marshfield, MA—now home to both her teams.
This year marks a milestone, with Northeastern making its first-ever appearance at IHSA Nationals.
Adaline Hanes is a full time student at Johnson and Wales University in her junior year, she is perusing a degree in Equine Business Management with a specialization in Equine Assisted Services. She is also a student assistant at the Johnson and Wales Equestrian Center and serves as a Team Captain of the IHSA Team.
Madison Adams is a senior at Clemson University and a Level I Horsemanship rider on the Clemson Equestrian IHSA team. This is her second year riding for the team, she also serves as the Merchandise and Social Media Chair. She has been riding and showing for over 10 years and has a hunter/jumper mare that she competes on outside of IHSA. She is graduating with a degree in Business Management and Analytics, along with a minor in Psychology.
The Black Hawk College Equestrian Team won the 2025 IHSA Nationals Western Team Championship held in May in Tryon, NC. Head Coach Bekah Irish is joined by her team riders that competed at the 2025 IHSA Nationals.
The Purdue University Equestrian Team won the first IHSA Nationals Hunt Seat Team Championship in their history at the 2025 Nationals held in May in Tryon, NC. Head Coach Kathryn Kraft is joined by both her team and individual riders that competed at the 2025 IHSA Nationals.
Chase Summerville is a junior Business Administration major at St. Andrews University and competes on the school's Western IHSA Team under coach Carla Wennberg. Over his first two years, he has won multiple titles, including three IHSA Semi-Final Champion titles, one National Champion title, and three Reserve National Champion titles. In 2025, he added three more championships at the IHSA Western Semi-Finals. Outside of competition, he promotes equestrian opportunities in the Southeast as a YEDA Promotional Ambassador.
works for EQ Media and is an IHSA Alumni of Alfred University where she graduated in 2014 with her BFA in Photography and Graphic Design with a minor in Equine Studies. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, she continues to ride and compete in the jumper divisions with her horse Terry, when she is not hiking and camping with her husband and dogs.
Reagan is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned a degree in sociology with a double minor in biology and chemistry. During her four years at UNCG, she rediscovered her passion for equestrian sports after a seven-year hiatus, joining the UNC-Greensboro Equestrian Team and competing under the IHSA. In her final year, she served as co-captain, leading the team through the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. Winter is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa, focusing her research on pulmonary function. Alongside her academic pursuits, she owns and operates Winters Riding Academy LLC, where she trains clients and their horses in hunter/jumper riding. Her passion for horses was sparked at a young age by her mother and further nurtured through her studies in Animal Science at Iowa State University. During her time at Iowa State, she was an active member of the equestrian club and gained valuable experience working at the Iowa State horse barns. Balancing her scientific career with her equestrian pursuits is a challenge she embraces with dedication and enthusiasm. Whether in the lab or at the barn, she brings the same level of commitment and passion to all her endeavors.
an experienced rider and coach for over 45 years, specializes in The Alexander Technique and Reiki to help equestrians and non-equestrians improve balance, biomechanics, and overall well-being. After overcoming personal health challenges, she developed a deep understanding of balance and body alignment, which she now shares through her company, Mindfully Mounted & Fit. Tanya works with riders to enhance their connection with their horses and with non-riders seeking greater physical awareness and freedom of movement.
is the Director of Equestrian/Head Western Coach at Alfred University. Prior to that he was at Albion College where he was the Head Coach of the western team. He has his Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Organizational Leadership and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Western Equine Studies and Equine Business Management from the University of Findlay (OH). He also owns Empire Performance Horses in Alfred, NY.
Dr. Erin Cardea is the Dean of Equestrian Studies and the Hunter/Jumper instructor at William Woods University in Fulton, MO. She holds a B.S. in Equestrian Science and a Master's in Equestrian Education from William Woods as well as a Master's in Equine Science from the University of Edinburgh. Most recently, Dr. Cardea earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from Johnson & Wales University. She is a Master Instructor, Certifier, and Lead Site Visitor for the Certified Horsemanship Association and is an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor with PATH International. In her travels around the country and the world working with horses and teaching riding and horsemanship, she gained international credentials through the Bristish Horse Society and the German Equestrian Federation.
is the assistant coach for the Seton Hill Women’s Equestrian team, in Greensburg, PA. Her equestrian career began when she was young where she would ride & show sale horses. From there she attended and graduated from Seton Hill and rode on their equestrian team during her tenure. She enjoys coaching at the collegiate level, and the opportunities the IHSA offer for students to continue their riding careers.
ACHA unites collegiate horsemen of all levels and disciplines through the promotion of leadership, education, service and national affiliations. ACHA hosts a national convention each year to bring student and chapter members together to learn more about the horse industry and develop their leadership skills through tours, panel discussions and other networking opportunities. The organization also recognizes outstanding chapters and students through annual awards. ACHA welcomes students from any four-year or two-year equine programs in the country. If you would like more information about the organization, the benefits of membership or how to start a local chapter, visit our Membership page for more information.
is the Head Coach of the Alvernia Equestrian located in Reading, PA. Eryn has been with Alvernia since their inception and enjoys competing in USHJA Hunter Derbies when she's not coaching the team.
is the Head Coach of the VA Tech Equestrian Team located in Blacksburg, VA. Beth is a VA Tech alum and has also coached at the University of Mary Washington and at Bridgewater College in VA. Beth is the IHSA Zone 4, Region 2 President and is a board member of the VA Horse Industry Board.
is in her third year as Head Coach of the Purdue Equestrian Team. Her equestrian journey began outside of the Indianapolis area showing in the Hunter and Equitation divisions on the “A” circuit. She continued her education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College where she competed on their IHSA team then went on to receive her masters in Athletic Leadership Development and served as the Graduate Assistant for the Equestrian Team at SMWC. During her graduate year, Kathryn earned a National Champion title in IHSA’s Alumni Flat and a Reserve National Champion title in IHSA’s Alumni Fences!
is the Head Equestrian Coach for the South Dakota State Equestrian program in Brookings, South Dakota. Her equestrian journey began in Woodbridge, Virginia competing on ponies which led her to selecting Delaware State University for their equestrian program. She continued her education at South Dakota State to receive her masters in Sport & Recreational Sciences with an Emphasis in Coaching & Teaching which led her to being hired on as the full time Division I Assistant Equestrian Coach for South Dakota State University. She left to continue opportunities at Bridgewater College in Virginia & William Woods University before returning back to South Daktoka State in 2024.
Luke Brock, originally from Franklin, TN, began riding at age 8 at a Quarter Horse breeding farm. He honed his skills breaking colts before joining the IHSA team at Western Kentucky University. Seeking new challenges, Luke moved to Colorado to earn an AAS in Horse Training and Management from Lamar Community College, followed by working with several cow horse trainers out West. Returning to Middle Tennessee, Luke completed a Bachelor's in Animal Science and a Master's in Equine Education from Middle Tennessee State University, where he was active on the IHSA, Stock Horse, and Horse Judging teams. His time at MTSU also included an opportunity to travel to England as an AQHA clinician. Now, as the Head Coach at Morehead State University, he leads the Western and Hunt Seat IHSA teams and has established a ranch horse team. Since returning to MSU, he has coached eight nationally ranked riders, including a 2024 National Champion in Ranch Riding, and secured funding for undergraduate research.
has been riding for 12 years and currently rides for the Hollins University IHSA Hunt Seat team. Originally from Ferndale, Washington, she has ridden, shown, and groomed for various trainers across the US. Cora competed through the 1.10m jumpers and 3'3" Junior Hunters and Equitation on the A Circuit before college. She aims to become a professional rider and instructor after graduating in 2025.
is a sophomore majoring in biomedical science with a minor in chemistry to become a large animal veterinarian. She has been riding for fourteen years and has been showing for ten. Her horse Copper has joined her at college and outside of the barn she is the Executive Board President of my school's Honors College.
She spent a majority of her early horse life driving and she just recently started her transition from a more dressage based riding to hunt seat riding. She currently rides on the SMWC hunt seat team and is looking to compete as her team’s novice rider at IHSA nationals. When she isn’t riding, she is double majoring in Biology and Equine Pre-Vet.
is from Orangeville, Pennsylvania where she grew up riding. She is in her senior year at Emory and Henry College and competes on both the IDA and IHSA teams. She has ridden on the IHSA team for 4 years and IDA for 2 years. At the end of this school year she will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Equine Studies with the goal to become a professor and IHSA/IDA coach.
is a Mental Health Counselor and lifelong equestrian who runs Unbridled Mental Performance. She is a Virginia Intermont alum and currently lives north of Charlotte, NC.
Sisters Melissa, Emily and Mollie Kowalchik grew up riding in Loveland, OH and all competed on their college and university teams: Melissa on the NCEA SMU team, Emily on the IHSA Cornell Equestrian Team and Mollie on the IHSA Mount Holyoke Equestrian Team.
is the LEGIS Operations Manager/ Co-owner. Her journey started in college competing on the Cal Poly Pomona Equestrian Team where she studied Equine Business Management. Outside of work, she competes on the hunter/jumper circuit with her horse, Quantum ETC. In addition to her competition experience, Sarah is licensed as a USEF Technical Delegate for Eventing, a USEF Jumper Judge, and an FEI Eventing Steward
is an incoming junior at Ohio University who is studying journalism. Olivia was recently elected Hunt Seat President of the Ohio University IHSA team which is a club sport. The equestrian team rides out of Stonegate Equine Facility located in Coolville, OH.
from Dripping Springs, TX just finished her first year at the University of Findlay in Findlay, OH. She is majoring in English Equine Studies and hopes to ride on the A-circuit in the future.
from Huntsville, AL recently graduated from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS on the pre-vet track. Isabella was on the IHSA Hunt Seat team, was in a sorority and founded a club on campus that raises future guide dogs.
rode in the 70's in the IHSA for Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA. Taking a long break after college from riding, Catherine returned as a trainer in TX and MA where she coached the Wesleyan College team. She is currently a FEI Eventing Steward and on the faculty at William Woods University in Fulton, MO.
is the Founder and President of Mad Barn, Inc an equine nutrition company focused on horse nutrition research and providing education and support to horse owners. Scott has a Master of Science from University of Guelph in Canada and studied abroad at the University of Queensland, Australia.
Meet 2024 IHSA National Championship Western Team Champions MTSU and Western High Point Rider Jordan Martin, Murfreesboro, TN from MTSU in this podcast episode. The IHSA Nationals were held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC May 3-5, 2024.
Meet 2024 IHSA National Championship Hunt Seat Team Champions SCAD and Cacchione Champion Delani Franklin from Lake Erie College in this podcast episode. The IHSA Nationals were held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC May 3-5, 2024.
Podcast Host Sally Batton's newest book, Equicize, is riding-specific fitness for equestrians looking to up their game, get back in the game, or stay in the game. With sensible, easy-to-implement steps, progressive how-to photographs, and dozens of QR codes to scan and view engaging instructional videos to help readers perform the exercises for the best result, this book is both a superb launch point for ambitious riders looking to grow their abilities and a stable lynchpin for those aiming to stay in the game, and in the saddle, as long as possible.
Margaret Cornwell is originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and grew up competing in local and A rated shows in the Hunters and Equitation divisions. She rode for Ferrum College on the IHSA team from 1997. In 2013 Ferrum College decided to bring the Equestrian team back as an athletic team and that's when she made the transition to coaching Ferrum's team.
received a full ride scholarship to the University to Montana Western where she helped coach their equestrian team to 2 regional championships and was the high point rider three years in a row earning her trips to IHSA nationals her sophomore-senior years. After graduating college in 2012, Amanda moved back to Poulsbo to start her career as head trainer of Sandamar Farm which became Evolution Equestrian. Since then she has brought horses and riders through the 1.20 level and competed through the 1.30s and regional Grand Prix on her horse Spring Fling.
has been an avid horseman and rider since the age of seven. Originally from the Albany, NY area, David has competed as a junior both on the local circuit and at “A” rated shows in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings. Throughout his college years, David worked extensively as part of the IHSA coaching staff at Hartwick College and served as an interim coach at SUNY Oneonta. He has also stepped into the role of Head Coach For the Appalachian State University Equestrian Team, coaching both the hunt seat and dressage teams.
What does it take to become a Collegiate Rider? Sally Batton, 35-year collegiate head coach, discusses what it takes to get recruited and make the roster on a collegiate equestrian team, the differences between the IHSA, the NCEA, and the other groups that make up collegiate riding, and what you can do to improve your chances of riding through college.
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/_lQMlmIACrU
has been with the Connemara Therapeutic Riding program in Cleggan, Ireland for ten years. Listen in to learn about their program and internships available. Jacqueline's family connection to horse breeding can be traced back over 500 years.
is the owner and head trainer at Vermillion Valley Equine Center. She began riding as a child and her love of horses carried into her adult life as she began teaching lessons and training horses. Throughout her career she has led several riders to success at local, and national competitions as well as having several students, including two of her own daughters, compete on National Collegiate Equestrian Association Programs.
is the Founder & CEO of Avenue Equestrian. Her equestrian journey started at 6, riding at a Hunter/Jumper barn in NJ and continued through her collegiate years on the Penn State Equestrian team. Immediately post college, she worked for IBM for 5 years, then a retail company and ecommerce agency before starting Avenue Equestrian. In her business she guides equestrian businesses through strategic clarity, from marketing plans to data-driven financial goals.
is a sophomore at Wake Forest University, double majoring in Religious Studies and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. Prior to joining the IHSA team at Wake Forest University, she had only done Mongolian horse riding before. Throughout this podcast, she discusses how skills, competitions, and even horses differ.
John is a Captain in the United States Air Force, and as an Air Battle Manager he controls medical evacuation, cargo, offensive, and defensive operations flying as aircrew on the E-3. As an officer he has led international teams of up to 30 people in dynamic environments to support strategic surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the United States and NATO. Prior to the military he was a Software Engineer at BAE Systems where he worked on mapping software for the Air Force. John graduated from Rochester Institute of technology in 2016 with a B.S in Computer Science, where he competed as a Western rider for his four years.
graduated from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado with a degree in Finance and earned three certificates from the University of Denver in Petroleum Land Management. From a young age, Wickes was drawn to horses, beginning lessons at the age of 5. After a brief hiatus, she rekindled her passion for equestrian sports by joining the University of Colorado’s Equestrian Team in 2010, contributing to the team's success, including qualifying for nationals both as a team and individually in her junior and senior years. After graduation, she pursued her equestrian ambitions, working towards her higher-level jumper goals.
was raised in the UK, US and Singapore. She is 2022 graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design where she spent her senior year competing on their Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team. Being raised in a horse-loving family in the United Kingdom, she knew from an early age that she wanted to ride horses. During the interview, she discusses differences between UK riding and US riding and her collegiate experience.
Kate grew up riding on her parent’s farm in northeastern Pennsylvania. After a successful junior career in the Big eq and hunters, Kate attended Goucher College and rode in the Open division for 3 years. She graduated in 2003 with a BA in Special Education and was a classroom teacher for 14 years. When she decided it was time for a change, she connected with Kevin Edwards, the owner of Springtime Supplements. Kate has been with Springtime Supplements for over 5 years primarily working in sales and customer service, as well as consulting with the marketing department.
Emily is a part of the Marketing Team at Springtime Supplements, a Maryland based company producing natural supplements for horses, dogs, and people. She began riding at the age of 5 and grew up participating in a local 4-H Club. She graduated in 2010 from Centenary College (now University) in New Jersey, where she received a BS in Equine Business Management and a minor in Business Management.
is a 2nd year student at TUS Midlands Athlone studying Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy and is the vice captain of the equestrian team. When she isn't studying she lives in Connemara with her beloved Kingstown Connemara ponies at Glenbrickeen Farm.
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Connie DeMaio is a lifelong equestrian and professional rider and trainer. She’s a second-generation horsewoman. Connie grew up showing in the hunter/jumper rings and has been backing and training horses since she was a teenager. Connie has taught at several show barns throughout New York and New Jersey, and most recently opened her own private facility at her home in Colts Neck, NJ. Allison Malenfant is a retail merchant and product developer who spent many years in the athletic apparel industry, working with New York brands to develop their active and lifestyle clothing lines. Allison started riding in 2015. When she’s not in Redingote’s office, she loves to trail ride, hunter pace, fox hunt, and take lessons.
Dr. Gary Fraser is currently Associate Dean of the Full Time MBA Program at the Anderson School of Management at the University of California Los Angeles, where he is responsible for admissions, academic affairs, career services and student affairs for all full time MBA students at UCLA Anderson. Most recently (2019-22), he served as Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Jane Dacosta is the Executive Director and Founder of the Metropolitan Equestrian Team (MET). MET has branches in NY, CT, MD, GA, TX, MS and UT. MET’s mission is based on Jane’s belief that quality education and riding opportunities should be available to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status and she has obtained over $1.6 million in college scholarships for MET students. www.meteqteam.org
is the creator of Mane Street Market which is an online marketplace for sales horses and equine services. With decades of experience in brand marketing, India decided to create an app that would instantly connect equestrians and streamline the search and sales process for both horses and services. A life long equestrian - most recently an eventer turned dressage queen earning her bronze medal.
began riding at the age of 11 with DiAnn Langer at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. In a short time, her passion grew and she was competing at the highest levels for juniors. After studying at Pepperdine University, Kathryn knew that horses would always be the major focus in life. With the help of her parents, she founded Sunset Equine Farms. In 2012, Kathryn took on coaching the University of Southern California’s Equestrian Team.
is the owner and head trainer and coach at Tightfit Stables in Baxter, TN. Becky grew up on a family farm in Baxter and graduated in December of 2000 from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. Since graduation, she has been teaching equitation and horsemanship and training horses at her farm. Becky has been the coach of the Equestrian Team at Tennessee Tech since 2001, after riding on the IHSA team as an undergraduate and as an alumni.
was raised in the US and the Netherlands. She is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist as well as USDF “L” program graduate with distinction. For more than thirty years, Madeleine has coached the University of Vermont Equestrian Team, developing it from a tiny seed into a very competitive, nationally ranked team. The team has represented the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association’s Zone 1, one of the most competitive in the country, at the organization's national championships five times. Madeleine resides in Williston, Vermont, with her husband Richard Erdman, the internationally acclaimed sculptor. She has an active training program at her equestrian center, Imajica.
Linnea is the Equine & Farm Animal Care Manager for the Houston SPCA, where she has been an advocate for the humane treatment of animals (particularly horses) for the past seven years. Prior to this she has been involved in various equine assisted learning non-profits throughout the Unites States, Canada, and Belize. She competed on the IHSA team for Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma from 2008-2011, competing at both a regional and national level.
graduated from Mt. Holyoke College in 2008 and was captain of the Hunt Seat Equestrian Team her senior year. Upon graduation, she went to New York City and worked for a marketing agency. Tattie has worked for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Split Rock Jumping Tour and most recently the United States Equestrian Federation in Sponsorship. She is currently at Horse & Country, the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community.
Janelle is a Dartmouth '06 graduate and a practicing veterinarian in Homer, Alaska. Janelle is a recent breast cancer survivor and joins the podcast to encourage all listeners and their families to get yearly screening for breast cancer!
is the President & CEO of The Langer Group which includes the LEG Insurance Solutions (LEGIS) a boutique equine insurance agency, Hansen Dam Horse Park, Hansen Dam Riding School, LEG Shows and Events & LEG Up Media. With a lifetime of experience in the horse industry from show jumping to reining, she wears a lot of hats in the company. Outside of her career you can find her judging horse shows as a USEF “R” judge in Hunters, Equitation, and Jumpers as well as serving on various committees in the USHJA.
is a junior at the University of New Hampshire studying Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology on a pre-dental track. She has been a member of UNH’s IHSA team since she was a freshman, and now serves as junior captain. Last spring she competed at the 2023 IHSA national championships as a limit flat rider, placing ninth in the nation. Prior to riding in college, she rode in IEA & AEL for many years.
is the Head Western Equestrian Coach at Midway University in Midway, KY. Having led the team since 2019, he has helped numerous individuals qualify for IHSA Nationals as well as coaching the team to 3rd place finish in 2023. He knows what it takes to train to win because he won the AQHA/IHSA High Point Rider title at the 2018 IHSA Nationals. In addition to coaching, he is an AQHA level 1 judge.
is the coach of both the Princeton & New York University IHSA teams. Over his twenty year tenure, he’s led both teams to region championships and coached five USEF/Cacchione Cup Finalists. A graduate of Virginia Intermont College, Ashton is the most decorated IHSA Alumni rider in history, having competed at more IHSA National Championships than any other rider.
Ashton co-coaches the Woodland IEA team (previously Essex) in NJ, & is a member of the IEA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion task force.
is her 17th year as the St. Andrew's University western head coach. She has extensive experience as a judge for the AQHA, the NSBA, and the NRHA. In recognition of her years of leadership within the equestrian world, she was presented with the 2008 AQHA Professional Horsewoman Award and the 2019 IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to coaching at St. Andrews, she previously worked at the University of Georgia and Colorado State University.
is an associate Professor at SUNY Cobleskill with primary teaching responsibilities in the equine area, including Coach of the Varsity Hunt Seat Equestrian Team. With over 30 years of faculty service, many students have been supported and encouraged to explore and realize their potential to make equestrian involvement a fulfilling lifetime endeavor.
is owned by Mary Cook & Beth Allen. The Correct Connect™ innovative rein training system was the first product launched. It combines hook-and-loop fastener reins and gloves to ensure a steady contact with your horse’s mouth. Since then, Correct Connect™ has continued to innovate and develop new products.
Improve your riding, improve your horse. Correct Connect offers a wide array of products to educate riders about correct connection and riding position with the welfare and comfort of the horse and rider as the priority.
Kelli is a lifelong equestrian. She grew up in 4-H and showing Appaloosas and then Quarter Horses. She is a graduate from Westfield State University in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, she has been a Massachusetts State Police Dispatcher and First Responder since 2005. Currently, she is a 4-H leader and volunteer, the head western coach at Mount Holyoke College, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Director At Large, AQHA and APHA Professional Horseman, Carded Judge with several associations, and in her spare time, an Animal Control Officer for three towns. Kelli has been enjoying competing in Ranch events with her sons AQHA gelding, Socorro Mercedes.
is the trainer/owner of Oak Hill Farm in Croyden, NH. She graduated with an Associate Degree from Becker College and then her BS in Sports Medicine from Colby-Sawyer College. She trains, boards and teaches lessons at Oak Hill in both Hunter/Jumper and Western Reining. Oak Hill Farm has been a horse provider at hundreds of horse shows in the catch riding format including IHSA, IEA, AEL and NCEA. Deb is also the Vice President of the NHHJA and judges local shows and stewards for IEA and AEL.
is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a speciality in trauma practice and current doctorate student of Sport and Performance Psychology. At 16, Jenny suffered a bad fall while competing and fractured three vertebrae in her back. It was in her recovery that she first met with a therapist and was introduced to the world of sport psychology. After her fall, Jenny found herself struggling to canter over .80m courses without circling, when the years prior she was competing in the 'Big Eq' and 1.15m jumper courses. The mental injury from her fall left her wounded long after she was cleared by doctors to get back in the saddle. As she continued her studies in college and graduate school, she kept riding and showing. And, working on her own mental game. In 2018 she jumped her first National Grand Prix and won 6th place at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in the Amateur Owner Jumpers. She soon realized that there needed to be more mental health professionals in the equine industry. She started her own private therapy practice in 2021. She works solely with equestrians, of all ages and disciplines, to help people manage their mental health and improve performance in the show ring. Jenny still rides and competes when she can, but now she spends a majority of time finishing her doctorate degree and working with riders to persevere through the tough feelings of anxiety and fear that she knows all too well herself.
graduated from Northeastern University in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology, and in 2023 with a M.S. in Biotechnology. Caitlin led the Northeastern Equestrian team as captain for three consecutive seasons and showed for both the IHSA and AEL hunt seat teams, helping to secure the 2021 AEL National Championship Team title, as well as the 2022 IHSA Teresa McDonald Horsemanship Challenge. Currently, Caitlin does protein research in the biotechnology industry, runs Extend Equine Massage, and shows her paint horse Trace on the breed circuit in the all-around events under KrisKel Performance Horses.
is the author of Pound for Pound: A Story of One Woman’s Recovery and the Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life, published by HarperCollins. She holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Pacific University, and has written for CNN, Maria Shriver, The Huffington Post, and more. Her story has been featured on NPR, CNN Turning Points with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Women’s Health, Psychology Today, and in PEOPLE Magazine. She is a member of the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau and regularly speaks on eating disorders and the power of the human-animal connection.
Shannon has worked and volunteered in local animal shelters for more than a decade. After shelter dogs helped to transform Shannon’s life, playing a vital role in her recovery from bulimia and depression, she founded SoulPaws Recovery Project in 2016.
Tricia is is a lifelong equestrian who has been fortunate to make horses her vocation and avocation. Tricia is a U.S. Equestrian Federation R-rated judge and she owns and operates Cameron Green Media LLC and is an award-winning editor, writer and photographer. As the editor of the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s In Stride magazine (2010 to present) and former editor/staff member of The Chronicle of the Horse (1991-2010).
Michelle Bloch is a lifelong equestrian and writer. Both passions were born at nearly the same time at the age of nine. A full-time internship with The Chronicle of the Horse during her junior year at Muhlenberg College taught her it was possible to combine two passions and create a career. After graduating in 1992 with an English major and a Business minor, she started her business, Writer’s Bloch.
is an equestrian performance coach, trainer, and business consultant with a passion for mindfulness and self-awareness. With over 40 years of experience in the equine industry, Lisa has trained hunters and jumpers at various levels, including local and National competitions. Through mindfulness practices, Lisa assists clients in cultivating presence, connecting with their inner selves, and developing their curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Hayley Leasure is a junior from Greensburg, Pennsylvania majoring in Civil Engineering at Penn State. She has been riding her horses her whole life and decided to continue this passion into college. Hayley is the Public Relations Chair of the Penn State Western Equestrian Team and competes in IHSA Horsemanship classes. Abby Kaelin is a sophomore from Butler, Pennsylvania who is attending The Pennsylvania State University. Abby is studying Agribusiness Management with minors in Agronomy and Marketing. She also serves as the Vice President and Captain of the Penn State IHSA Team.
is a current senior at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia majoring in Music with minors in Studio Art and Psychology. As an incoming freshman in 2020, Grace started riding and became involved in the Equestrian Team. She recently competed in the Individual Introductory Equitation class at IHSA Nationals in Lexington, KY.
is a lifelong horseperson who began competing in the hunter/jumper discipline at the age of seven. She went on to represent the intercollegiate team at the University of South Carolina, finishing as reserve champion in the 2001 Cacchione Cup at IHSA National Championships.
Jennifer worked for Olympic show jumpers Anne Kursinski and Margie Engle before entering
into the public relations field in 2004. She has covered many of the major international
equestrian events, including FEI World Cup Finals, FEI World Equestrian Games, and Olympic
Games. Jennifer is a member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists, and she
won the United States Equestrian Federation Pegasus Award for Media, Best Single News
Article, in 2006.
Jennifer is known for her work promoting some of the best equestrian events and companies in
North America through her companies Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. and Jump Media. Jennifer
founded Equestrian Businesswomen in 2018 to connect businesswomen in the equine industry
to provide them with resources and community to foster their professional development and
business opportunities.
is the Director of Sports Medicine at Sweet Briar College. Since 2016, she has been responsible for the care of the College's eight NCAA Division III teams and two competitive equestrian teams. Originally from New York, she holds a Doctorate in Athletic Training from Indiana State University. She is currently a research collaborator with the Equestrian Athlete Initiative at the University of Kentucky and is the co-founder of the Society of Equestrian Athletic Trainers. Dr. Serrano published the first return-to-ride concussion management protocol for equestrian athletes and is currently managing its implementation at other NCAA institutions. In addition to her clinical and research responsibilities, Dr. Serrano has served as a member of the Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association's Central Region Representative and the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association's Virginia representative to the Young Professionals Committee.
Emily is the Founder of The Rising Equestrian Pro, a platform which helps young riders strategically prepare for a professional riding/training career. Having spent many years training and riding for top professionals in the eventing and hunter/jumper worlds, as well as developing her own horses, Emily now runs a successful training and teaching business while also pursuing a PhD at Cornell University.
is the 2023 IHSA Nationals Back on Track High Point Rider. A recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she majored in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication and minored in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. Currently, she and her sisters own and operate Triple E Equine, LLC.
The Middle Tennessee State University won the 2023 IHSA Western Team National Championship under Head Coach Ariel Higgins's leadership. It was a hard-won victory for a team that wanted to win it for their school, but also for someone very special within the IHSA & MTSU!
Lizzie is the 2023 Cacchione Cup champion at IHSA Nationals 2023. She is agraduating senior from Boston University studying Human Physiology. She is originally from Seattle, WA. Elizabeth grew up competing primarily in the Equitation but also Junior Hunters and Jumpers. She qualified for and competed at many of the big eq finals and championships as a junior.
Phyllis Cervelli, along with her husband Frank, owners of Holly Hill Show Stable. Phyllis has been training clients in Hunters, Equitation, Jumpers and the Boston University Equestrian Team out of the Hanover Massachusetts location for 34 years. Phyllis has coached the BU team to 18 Regional Championships and the team was 4th at Nationals in Harrisburg PA in 2018.
Listen in as Odessa and Abby discuss everything Emory & Henry Equestrian including the Equine Studies program, the IHSA, IDA and ANRC teams and their unique Equestrian Performance Scholarship that over 50% of their students receive!
The Skidmore College Equestrian Team won the 2023 IHSA Hunt Seat Team National Championship under Head Coach Belinda Colgan's leadership. Going undefeated throughout the season including the Zone II Finals the team from Saratoga Springs, NY took it all the way to the National Championship.
served as Miss Rodeo South Dakota & currently serves as head coach of Colby Community College's equestrian team. Before joining the coaching staff she was she was recruited to ride for CCC & had a successful tenure competing in IHSA & NCEA. In 2021 she won herself the coveted title of Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2022. She was a representative and spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, agriculture, & the western way of life in South Dakota.
had a successful junior career competing in the Junior Hunters, Equitation and Jumpers where she qualified for the top medal finals in the country. In addition to becoming Captain of the collegiate equestrian team at Cazenovia College, Savannah participated in the Student Rider's Nation Cup, winning the Silver Medal for showjumping. She now works and rides for Back Country Farm in Greenwich, CT and Wellington, FL.
HorseandRiderBooks.com is the storefront for Trafalgar Square Books of North Pomfret, Vermont—a small, privately-owned publisher of fine equestrian books, eBooks, and videos, craft books, and selected other titles. The small publishing company of seven employees still thrives, along with Scottish Highland cattle, on the farm today.
Did you know the podcast is run by host Sally and her three kids?Each person has their role within the podcast to keep it running smoothly! During this episode you will learn about the inner workings of the podcast + bonus content where you hear about how growing up with a collegiate coach shapes them to who they are today!
Cathy is a pioneer in combining yoga, mindfulness, and horsemanship to improve horsemanship from ground to saddle through the use of yoga postures and principles; supporting mindfulness in horsemanship and supporting equestrian wellness. She is the creator of Body, Mind, Equine and author of Yoga for Riders
Listen in as two collegiate riders talk about their experience competing on an IHSA team!
Mia is studying Psychology and Business at the University of Arizona where she has been a member of the equestrian team for the past two years. Before her collegiate career, she was an active competitor in hunter/jumper disciplines. Spending such a large amount of time with horses, it led her to having a great interest in positive reinforcement horse training.
Kyla is a first-year student at Bloomsburg University studying criminal justice. She is a first-year member of Bloomsburg's IHSA hunt seat team. Prior to starting her collegiate career, she competed on the "A" circuit in hunters and equitation.
HMH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to increase awareness, public engagement, funds, and access to programs incorporating horses for mental health and personal growth. To learn more visit www.horsesformentalhealth.org and www.arenasforchange.com
Archie is a top trainer, judge and clinician and our special 100th podcast guest! After a successful junior career on Long Island, Archie competed on the Drew University team where he was an IHSA National Champion. In 1992 he moved to CA where he eventually started his own Brookway Stables in Lakeview Terrace, which has produced hundreds of Champions all over the US.
is the Head Coach of the Marist College Equestrian Team located in Poughkeepsie, NY. Clare received her undergraduate degree from Marist where she competed on the IHSA team. Clare in an active member of many equine related Boards and helps run her family's Crosswinds Farm.
Leah is the CEO, Creative Director, & artist behind Dapplebay, a top-selling equestrian apparel and accessories brand. The creative mind behind Dapplebay’s sassy sayings and unique products, Ms. Kaufmann fully conceives the equine designs for the company's attire and accessories. She not only built Dapplebay into a successful business but also uses the company to celebrate a shared passion for horses between the consumer and herself.
Sherry is the Co-Head Coach of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. Sherry and her husband Peter run the USMA program as well as source and train the ceremonial Army mules. Prior to USMA Sherry spent years travelling up and down the East Coast first as a Standardbred trainer and then training Thoroughbreds for racing.
Francesca is a rider and influencer in her first year at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Growing up in Wellington, FL provided her with numerous opportunities to catch ride and compete. Francesca rides in the Open division in the IHSA and has over 40,000 followers on TikTok.
BHS is a certification program for riders and trainers around the globe. The Stoneleigh Burnham School in Greenfield, MA is offering a new program for riders age 17 and up to get their BHS certification in one year.
Sousa is in 12th season as the Hartwick College head equestrian coach. She has over 40 years of riding & training experience & over 20 years of instructing experience. Sousa's equestrian journey began when she earned a bachelor degree in Equine Studies from Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA where she was a top competitor in the IHSA. After college she was the Hawks' assistant coach for 13 years.
Ryan's passion for Polocrosse began at 8 years old when he was introduced to the sport by his pony club. From pony club polocrosse on small ponies, Ryan began his international travel to the UK in 1996 and started traveling out west playing A grade. While attending college at SMU in Dallas, Ryan played four years with Lone Star. After graduating from college, Ryan moved to North Carolina to play and coach the Carolina Club. After coaching from the start in his teens and moving up the ranks in polocrosse to represent the USA in three World Cups, Ryan started Polocrosse Made Simple, LLC in 2011.
CHA is a 501(c)3 non-profit membership association, founded in 1967. CHA certifies equine professionals, accredits equine facilities and provides resources to programs and equine professionals. The CHA promotes excellence in horsemanship safety and education for the entire horse industry. Jacqueline Tiley is currently the Interim CEO
Claire just completed her final term at Dartmouth College this past fall. At Dartmouth, she was Co-Captain of the equestrian team. In the IHSA she was Zone 1 Region 2 Cacchione Cup Rider in 2019. This past spring, she was on the ECAC All-Tournament Flat & Fences Team, NCEA All-Academic First Team and At-Large Academic All-Ivy Team.
American Equestrian School
gives riders more time to train, travel and
compete + elite academics with
equestrian coursework, character &
leadership training, college & career
quidance, networking & internship
assistance, performance coaching &
personal branding review, nationwide
equestrian meet-ups and and
mentorship from equestrian champions
and experts.
USPC started in 1954 to teach riding and the proper care of horses. It is based on The British Pony Club, which was created in 1929 as a junior branch of the Institute of the Horse. Pony Club's main goal is to promote sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership through horsemanship.
Chris joined the Albion equestrian coaching staff in September '22 after serving as head coach of the Randolph College WildCats in Lynchburg, VA for seven years and, prior to that, a 13-year tenure at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.
Listen in as senior, Hannah, and first year, Lexie, talk about their experience of applying for school and what it is like riding for one of the top level equestrian schools, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
Tammy Cranouski is the National Alumni Director for the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. IHSAA is committed to connecting IHSA graduates, mentoring undergraduate students, offering competition and providing support and sponsorship for the IHSA. Tammy attended Westfield State University where she rode on the IHSA western team. She took on the role of IHSAA director in 2019.
Tammy Cranouski is the National Alumni Director for the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. IHSAA is committed to connecting IHSA graduates, mentoring undergraduate students, offering competition and providing support and sponsorship for the IHSA. Tammy attended Westfield State University where she rode on the IHSA western team. She took on the role of IHSAA director in 2019.
Coagi Long, President and owner of Equine Affaire, Inc. has more than 19 years of experience with the company in a variety of areas. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Findlay. While in college she wont three consecutive IHSA titles and was the 2003 IDA Reserve National Champion. She continues to pursue her competitive career in dressage and trains and breeds Warmbloods at her farm in West Mansfield, OH.
Emma Fass is the Founder of Ringside Pro. She grew up riding and competing in VA and received her undergraduate degree at the University of VIrginia
Heath grew up in Benson, VT in a horsey family and won multiple National and World Appaloosa Championships before becoming a trainer himself. He served as the head trainer at Midway University in Midway, KY since 2014 and became the Hunt Seat Head Coach in 2018.
Mandee is the Founder & host of the Leadline Podcast. It is a podcast for equestrian entrepreneurs and shares some "outside the box" equestrian professions. She hosts multiple equine business related networking events around the country.
Mandee is the Founder & host of the Leadline Podcast. It is a podcast for equestrian entrepreneurs and shares some "outside the box" equestrian professions. She hosts multiple equine business related networking events around the country.
Ariel has been the Director of Equestrian Programs and coach of the Middle Tennessee State University Equestrian Team since 2017. She has led the college team to many titles in the region, zone & nationally. Ariel began her riding career showing quarter horses earning World Championship titles. She has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Horse Science from MTSU.
Ariel has been the Director of Equestrian Programs and coach of the Middle Tennessee State University Equestrian Team since 2017. She has led the college team to many titles in the region, zone & nationally. Ariel began her riding career showing quarter horses earning World Championship titles. She has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Horse Science from MTSU.
Emma from Worcester State University Club Equestrian Team talks about her experiences riding and running a club team. She also shares that she’s now teaching in a vocational/technical high school that also offers agricultural tracks including equine management!
Emma from Worcester State University Club Equestrian Team talks about her experiences riding and running a club team. She also shares that she’s now teaching in a vocational/technical high school that also offers agricultural tracks including equine management!
The Rider's Closet mission is to ensure that riding apparel is accessible to scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs, equine charities and individual riders in need. They work closely together with the EQUUS Foundation. Listen in as Sally talks with Christine Fitzgerald & Valerie Angeli.
The Rider's Closet mission is to ensure that riding apparel is accessible to scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs, equine charities and individual riders in need. They work closely together with the EQUUS Foundation. Listen in as Sally talks with Christine Fitzgerald & Valerie Angeli.
Julianna Empie is a rising senior at Penn State who is pursuing a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science. She is on the Penn State Equestrian Team and recently won the 2022 IHSA Cacchione Cup.
Julianna Empie is a rising senior at Penn State who is pursuing a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science. She is on the Penn State Equestrian Team and recently won the 2022 IHSA Cacchione Cup.
Kate McComas is the IHSA coach for the California State Polytechnic University of Pomona. She is a graduate of the University of California San Diego and an IHSA alumni. In addition to running her hunter/jumper barn, she is a Licensed Vet Tech out of Temecula in Southern California.
Kate McComas is the IHSA coach for the California State Polytechnic University of Pomona. She is a graduate of the University of California San Diego and an IHSA alumni. In addition to running her hunter/jumper barn, she is a Licensed Vet Tech out of Temecula in Southern California.
Ashley rode for Sally on the Dartmouth College Varsity Equestrian team. Upon graduating, Ashley continued the pursuit of her dreams by attending Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a practicing small animal veterinarian in the San Francisco Bay Area today. Her hospital, which she built from the ground up, celebrated it's 4-year-anniversary earlier this year. Horses continue to hold a central place in Ashley's life: she spends much of her free time developing young event horses and competing them on the West Coast 3-day eventing circuit.
Michaela Scanlon is the only head coach in the history of the Brown varsity equestrian program, entering her 27th season. As a club team they have been able to qualify for IHSA National Championships and take home multiple individual ribbons. The team trains at Warren’s Windswept Farm.
Daphne Maniatis is a 3rd year student at Brown studying Mathematical Physics. This will be her second year as a captain of the Equestrian Team, where she also competes in Limit Flat and Fences.
Michaela Scanlon is the only head coach in the history of the Brown varsity equestrian program, entering her 27th season. As a club team they have been able to qualify for IHSA National Championships and take home multiple individual ribbons. The team trains at Warren’s Windswept Farm.
Daphne Maniatis is a 3rd year student at Brown studying Mathematical Physics. This will be her second year as a captain of the Equestrian Team, where she also competes in Limit Flat and Fences.
Ali Hartman is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a deep rooted passion with a deep rooted passion for equestrian athletes. She is the managing partner of Pro-Activity North Carolina and founder of EQFit - a brand dedicated to health, fitness, and performance for equestrian athletes.
Lindsay Yinger has been the head coach of the Otterbein College Equestrian Team since 2010. She has led the college team to many titles in the region, zone & nationally. Lindsay began her teaching career in 2002, while earning her degree in Veterinary Technology. She currently owns and operates Lindsay Yinger Show Stables
Megan Martin has been the head coach of the Endicott equestrian team since 2021. Prior to joining the program, she led many students and programs at top horse shows around the country. She is a Skidmore College graduate and was a top competitor in the IHSA show ring.The Endicott Equestrian team rides out of Turning Point Show Stables, where Megan is also a trainer and rider.
Aria Morgan will be graduating from Albion College in Albion, MI in 2024. Aria's entertaining podcast covers her high school career riding in YEDA in Western Horsemanship and Reining. She also discusses her recruitment to Albion College.
Heather Pinnick is the Head Coach for the Miami University equestrian team located in Ohio. She is a graduate from The University of Findlay with a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Science and Biology in 2003 and her Masters of Education degree in 2005. Since taking over the team in 2005, she has coached numerous riders to National Championships and most recently her team was Reserve Champions at the 2022 IHSA Nationals.
Amy Center is the chair of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program. It was created to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their horsemanship education and riding skills. Amy is the Owner/Trainer at Cavallo Farms as well as a USEF ‘R’ Judge
Andi Bill is the University of Wisconsin-Madison head coach and co-owns Sugar Creek Stables LLC teaching both hunt seat and dressage lessons. She started her equestrian career showing ponies then moving up to the 3’6” equitation. She attended Mount Holyoke College and competed on their IHSA team, serving as captain her junior and senior years. Joining her is a member of the UWM equestrian team, Jamie Fortunato.
David Silver is the founder and Executive Director of Detroit Horse Power, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches urban youth valuable life lessons through riding and caring for horses. David grew up as a competitive horseback rider in Westchester, NY and graduated from Dartmouth College in 2012. He moved to Detroit through Teach For America and taught 4th and 5th grade on the west side of Detroit from 2012-14. Now in its seventh year of operations, Detroit Horse Power has brought hundreds of students from the city to partnering horse barns outside Detroit.
Ifa Simmonds is a certified equestrian performance coach and creator of The Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA). EFA is the premier fitness coaching program for equestrians in english and western disciplines looking to improve their athleticism. His online program serves busy riders who want to continue strengthening their core and partnership with his signature 4 core pillars. His core mission is to transform competitors into champions.
The focus switches to the horses on this podcast featuring Jim Masterson of the Masterson Method. The Masterson Method is integrated equine performance bodywork that is an interactive process which results in a visible release of tension. Listen in to find out more about helping your equine partner.
www.mastersonmethod.com
The Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) is a program for 4th-12th grade Western riders that encourages development of skills, exposure to scholarships and offers connections with collegiate programs. Listen in as co-founders Laura Smith and Ric Weitzel discuss the benefits of YEDA for youth riders.
Adam is the Western Head Coach at Albion College in Albion, MI. He has his BS and MBA from the University of Findlay and owns Empire Performance Horses. Listen in as Adam discusses the varsity teams at Albion and their success in the IHSA.
Cindy Halle is a lifelong polo player who is a representative for the United States Polo Association Intercollegiate Program. Being a collegiate polo player herself she earned four National Women’s Intercollegiate Championship titles then after college competed around the world. Cindy is also a USPA Certified Polo Instructor as a Certifier/Instructor as well as being a Certified Umpire.
Anna Zygadlo graduated in 2019 from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. As a junior, Anna competed in the equitation and continued to groom throughout college. Anna is actively pursuing her career as a Sustainability Consultant for the equestrian industry.
Green Is the New Blue is a non-profit organization working to reduce the environmental impact of horse shows and educate equestrians.
Amanda graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2020 with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Equine Studies. She spent 4 years on the UNH IHSA Team, and was a Captain both her Junior and Senior year. Amanda now works for EquiFit, as a Special Account Manager.
Phillip Williamson is Director of Equestrian and Head Coach at the University of Lynchburg. In this role he oversees both the IHSA and NCEA teams.
Williamson gradrated in 2016 with a equine studies degree from Centenary College (now University) in Hackettstown, N.J., Williamson was an accomplished rider for the Centenary program in his own right which contributed to his variety of experiences in the equestrian world. After graduation he served as a riding instructor and assistant team coach at Sweet Briar College from 2018 -2020, where he mentored two IHSA Zone 4 Region 4 championship teams. Besides being the head coach for University of Lynchburg, he holds a U.S. Equestrian Federation “r” judge’s card and is a United States Hunter Jumper Association Certified Trainer. He also completed a master's degree in coaching and sport leadership from Randolph College in 2021.
Dr. Toree Williams is the Michigan State University IHSA Western Coach and teaches in the MSU Animal Sciences Department located in East Lansing, MI. Listen in as Toree discusses the various teams offered at MSU as well as the exciting programs offered. Toree has her BS and Master's from Missouri State and her Ph.D in Equine Nutrition from Mississippi State.
Tabatha is the Head Coach for the Hunter Seat and Western Equestrian Teams at Saint Mary of the Woods College (SMWC). As an alumni of West Texas A&M University (B.S. ’12) and Oklahoma State University (M.S. ’15), Taylor began her journey at The Woods in the fall of 2015 as an instructor in the Equine Department and the hunter seat equestrian coach at SMWC. She transitioned to head coach for both disciplines in the fall of 2020. The team has excelled under her guidance garnering many awards. During the off-season Taylor facilitates and teaches horse camps, and works as a horse show judge, a catch rider, and a clinician.
Rob Jacobs is a trainer, judge and clinician based in Seattle. Rob has his BA and MBA from St Andrews University and takes the listeners through his journey from his college search through his current position as assistant trainer at Aleron Training Stables and the development of his organization that provides clinics to all riders regardless of financial
Dana Lesesne is a lifelong equestrian who started in Pony Club and worked her way up . up tp 1* level and recieved her Pony Club "A" rating. She has a BA in English from Sweet Briar College and studied Mass Communications and Public Relations at the University of South Carolina. She worked in PR before accepting the position as the Director of the Randolph-Macon College Equine Program in Ashland, VA.
Lily Rhodes is a Junior at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. Listen in as she takes us on a journey from an accident when she was 14 to riding Para-Dressage to where she is today as a Hunter Seat Equitation rider in the IHSA.
Leslie Threlkeld is the Chair of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Committee and lives in NC. Leslie discusses the origins of collegiate eventing and how it has grown and progressed through the years to over 2500 riders today.
Daniel Stewart joins the podcast for part two of his interview on equestrian sport psychology, athletics and performance. In this episode Daniel enlightens the listeners on developing motivational playlists, "mojo mantras" and how to pressure proof their riding.
We are celebrating the 50th episode with special guest Coach Daniel Stewart. Daniel has been coaching for the past 25 years, is an acclaimed author of four books and is one of the world's leading experts on equestrian sport psychology, athletics and performance.
Dr. Elizabeth James is the founder of Equine Career Coach which helps students and clients achieve their dream careers. Elizabeth earned her BS from the U. of Nebraska, her MA from U. of CA Davis and her PhD from the U. of KY. Elizabeth also discusses the ins and outs of running Double Dan Horsemanship and the founding of the International Liberty Horse Association.
Marin Gilliland from Honolulu, Hawaii is in her first year as a Division I student athlete for the Univ. of CA Davis NCEA Equestrian Team. Listen in as Marin describes what it's like to ride in Hawaii and what it took to be the first junior rider from Hawaii to compete in the Maclay and Dover Equitation Finals.
Listen in as Stanford Coach Vanessa Bartsch interviews podcast host Sally Batton about raising children in the equine industry, the state of equine programs today and the pros & cons of the IHSA and NCEA. www.athleticequestrian.com
The tables are turned on podcast host Sally Batton as she's interviewed by Stanford Head Coach Vanessa Bartsch. Listen in to this episode as Sally discusses her new book The Athletic Equestrian as well as some insight into Sally's teaching style. www.athleticequestrian.com
Randi Heathman is the Founder of The Equestrian College Advisor and has her BA from Albion College and her MA from Spring Arbor University. She is an independent educational consultant who helps families navigate the waters of their collegiate search.
www.equestriancollegeadvisor.com
The Athletic Equestrian Riding in College series podcast has just won the 2021 Best Educational Podcast Winnie Award from the Equus Film & Arts Festival. Founder and Director Lisa Diersen discusses the origin of the Film & Arts Festival and its growth to where it is today.
www.equusfilmfestival.net www.mustangdiscovery.com
As a Division I Equestrian athlete and a two-time Paralympian, Staci Mannella has proven that her dreams are limitless regardless of her Achromatopsia, a genetic eye condition that has caused her to be legally blind. Staci discusses her road to her B.A. degree from Dartmouth, her M.Sc from the U. of British Columbia and her current doctorate work and offers some tips on sports psychology.
In 2018 Weisinger was named the head coach of then newly formed UC Davis equestrian team. In the 3 years since she was named head coach she has grown the team to consist of 3 coaches, 27 horses and 35 student-athletes. Today UCD remains the youngest Dual Discipline Team. Prior to her success at UC Davis, Weisinger led Texas A&M's horsemanship squad. During that time, the Aggies captured the 2017 NCEA championship, becoming the first team ever to win a national title without the benefit of a first-round bye.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Weisinger spent more than three years as an assistant trainer at the Guynn Training Center in Berthoud, Colorado. During that stint, she formed the Rocky Mountain Wranglers, a middle/high school team that competed in the IEA.
Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, the former Jessie Highfill lettered at Texas A&M from 1999 to 2002. She was one of the original members of the school's equestrian program as well as a member of its first national championship in 2002.
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) is the oldest collegiate riding organization in the country at 72 years old! NIRA Commissioner Roger Walters joins the podcast to discuss the 130 schools and over 3500 athletes currently competing across the US. He clarifies the various disciplines offered including Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Bull Riding for the men and Roping, Goat Tying, and Barrel Racing for the women.
Brittany Veninger Friesner is the Head Coach of the University of Findlay's IHSA Hunt Seat Team located in Findlay, OH and the Hunter/Jumper instructor for Findlay's Equestrian Studies program. Listen in as Brittany discusses the amazing riding opportunities offered at Findlay, including the opportunity to back young horses as well as ride seasoned veterans. Brittany has both her BS and MBA from the University of Findlay.
veningerb@findlay.edu
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is an organization which allows 4th-12th graders the opportunity to compete in a catch-ride format and is celebrating its 20th year. Listen in as Co-Founder and Executive Director Roxane Durant and Equine Sales Rep Megan Taylor talk about the history of the IEA as well as where it is today. www.rideiea.com
Steve Shank is the Equestrian Program Director for Alfred University located in Alfred, NY and is also the Western IHSA Team Head Coach. Steve discusses the various tracks available to students at the school as well as the various varsity teams including Western, Hunt Seat and Dressage team. Steve has his BBA and MBA from Niagara University in Lewiston, NY. shank@alfred.edu
Rachel Salera Kay graduated from Delaware Valley University in 2016 with a degree in Media and Communication and a minor in Equine Management. Rachel works as a Product Manager for Schneider's Saddlery and is also the Assistant Coach of the IHSA Hunt Seat Team at Del Val.
Listen in as the tables are turned on podcast host Sally Batton and she's interviewed about the Athletic Equestrian League, a riding league for 1st-12th graders and adults. AEL coach and Ferrum College Head Coach Margaret Cornwell talks to Sally about how the AEL started and where it's at today and how the league prepares student athletes for riding in college.
Dirk Fogg is the Head Coach of the Johnson & Wales University Varsity IHSA team located in Providence, RI. Dirk has his BA from Skidmore College and his MBA from Johnson & Wales. He has been on the faculty of the Johnson & Wales Equine Department for 18 years and has been on the IHSA Board of Directors for 15 years as a Regional President.
dirk.fogg@jwu.edu
Amy Sherrick-von Schiller is an Associate Professor of Equine Business Management and Head Coach of the Cazenovia College IHSA Team located in Cazenovia, NY. Amy has her BA from Hamilton College and her MBA from Averett College and has been at Cazenovia since 2005. Amy has coached the Caz team to numerous Regional, Zone and National placings as well as numerous individual IHSA National Championships. Amy has been a member of the Hunter Seat Horse Selection Committee at the IHSA National Championships since 2013.
Equitana USA celebrates the horse through education, entertainment and a trade fair at the Kentucky Horse Park Oct 1st through 3rd in Lexington, KY. The Equitana Event Director Meghan Margewicz discusses some of the booths, seminars, clinics and entertainment that will be offered at Equitana, including three sessions by podcast host Sally Batton: a mounted Equicize clinic, a seminar on Riding in College and a seminar on The Athletic Equestrian! Meghan also discusses how her degree in Marketing from the University of CT prepared her for her current position.
www.equitanausa.com
Ginger Henderson is the President of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) and is the Chair of the Equestrian Studies department at Averett University in Danville, VA. She is a graduate of Averett University and has her Master’s from Lynchburg University. Ginger is the Head Coach of the Averett IDA team which won the IDA National Championships in 2017 and she was named the 2011 IDA Coach of the Year and was inducted into the IDA Hall of Fame in 2016.
vhenderson@averett.edu
Boo Major enters her 24th year as the Head Coach of the University of South Carolina (USC) NCEA Equestrian Team. Boo has both her BA and MA from the University of South Carolina and was named the NCEA Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Boo has led the USC team to three NCEA Overall Championships and three consecutive NCEA Jumper Seat Championships.
fsmajor@sc.edu
Jen Smith is the Equestrian Director and IHSA Head Coach at Goucher College located in Baltimore, MD. Jen graduated from Lynchburg College and has been working at Goucher since
2007 where she started her career as the Assistant Director of Riding before becoming the Director in 2013. Jen is the IHSA Zone IV, Region I President and serves as the Intercollegiate Chair of the ANRC.
jennifer.smith@goucher.edu
Lizzie Fisch is the Associate Director, Head IHSA Coach and Assistant NCEA Coach of the Sweet Briar College Equestrian Program in Sweet Briar, VA. Lizzie is a graduate of Randolph-Macon College and had a varied background working in various Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing barns before coming to Sweet Briar. The Sweet Briar IHSA team has won numerous Regional Championships and in 2021 their NCEA team won the NCEA Single Discipline National Championship.
lfisch@sbc.edu
Ollie has built a successful career based on developing World Champions within the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Ollie conducts Reining and horsemanship clinics in Australia, Europe, South America and the United States. On top of clinics he is also an NRHA, AQHA, USEF and FEI judge which has taken him all over the world to judge top competitions. He has had the honor of judging the NRHA Reining Futurity 8 times, the European Championships
and numerous other top level competitions, working in all areas of the NRHA judging programs. When he isn’t judging he is coaching top riders to the winners circle. Under his guidance he has coached 13 NRHA World Champions, multiple reserve World
Champions and numerous top ten qualifiers. He also has led The Ohio State University Western Equestrian Team to 10 National Team Championships, 7 Reserve National Team Championships and 20+ individual National Champions within the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association.
Patte Zumbrun is the chair of the American National Riding Commission (ANRC) which promotes the American system of forward riding within schools, colleges, universities, and public or private riding establishments. Patte is a graduate of Averett College in VA and was the Goucher College Equestrian Director, located in Baltimore, MD for 26 years.
www.anrc.org
Kaelyn Kennedy is the owner and creative director of TKEQ The Shop. Kaelyn is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Canada and started TKEQ when she was only 17. TKEQ is based in Calgary, Alberta and produces equestrian-inspired graphic tees & pullovers as well as activewear. Kaelyn takes the listeners through her journey as a young rider athlete and competitor in Canada right up through the founding of her company in 2017. Listen in to be inspired by this young equestrian entrepreneur.
Ashley Duda is the Head Coach of the St Andrews University IHSA team located in Laurinburg, NC. Ashley is also an Assistant Professor in the Equine Studies program and coaches the ANRC and the outside showing teams. Ashley has her BS from Virginia Tech and her MA from Kansas State University.
Belinda Colgan is the Head Coach of the Skidmore College Varsity Equestrian Team located in Saratoga Springs, NY. After graduating from Skidmore College in 2004 she stayed on as the barn manager then assistant coach. In 2019 she was named Head Coach of the varsity equestrian team.
Chloe Kerschl was born and raised in Lexington, Virginia and was soon introduced to her first pony by her horse-loving mother. She has always had a love for horses which is why after a couple years of doing only ballet, she finally returned to the barn. She began riding again at her godmothers therapeutic riding center which sparked an even deeper love for horses. After the countless hours she has put in and out the saddle (and many a moments on the ground), from pony club to barn help to IEA, she has now found herself as co-team captain and open rider for Sweet Briar College’s IHSA team as well as a budding future equestrian professional.
Jim Arrigon is the Director and Founder of the Equestrian Talent Search (ETS) and the Collegiate Tournament of Champions. ETS weekends allow young athletes to be taught, evaluated and recruited by college coaches in intensive weekend instructional and competition clinics. Jim was an IHSA coach for over 30 years and received the 2005 IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.
www.rideincollege.com
Jane Dacosta is the Executive Director and Founder of the Metropolitan Equestrian Team (MET). MET has branches in NY, CT, MD, GA, TX, MS and UT. MET’s mission is based on Jane’s belief that quality education and riding opportunities should be available to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status and she has obtained over $1.6 million in college scholarships for MET students.
www.meteqteam.org
Joanna Novakovic is the Head Coach of the Cornell University Varsity Equestrian Team located in Ithaca, NY. Joanna has her B.S. from Cornell and her M.A. from Syracuse University. During her six years as Head Coach, Joanna has led the team to four Ivy League Championships, five Regional Championships and two Zone Reserve Championships.
jfg24@cornell.edu
Vanessa Bartsch is the Head Coach of the Stanford Equestrian Team located in Stanford, CA and is the Executive Director of the University’s Red Barn and is the Regional President of the IHSA Zone 8, Region 1. Vanessa has coached Stanford to 14 consecutive IHSA Regional and Zone Championships as well as placing in the Top Three at the last three IHSA National Championships. Vanessa graduated from Stanford University where she was Captain of the team and competed in both Hunt Seat and Western.
vbartsch@gmail.com
Tana McKay is the Head Coach of the Texas A&M Equestrian Team located in College Station, TX. Tana has led her team to twelve NCEA titles in her 22 years as Head Coach. Tana graduated from Colorado State University and has her M.A. in Equine Behavior from Texas A & M. Tana was the chair of the NCEA Competition Committee for two years and is an active reining competitor.
tmckay@athletics.tamu.edu
Mary and Sarah join the podcast to talk about the Equine Studies major and teams at Lake Erie College located in Painesville, OH. Mary Pardee is the Director of Riding and an Assistant Professor of Equine Studies. She has her B.A. from the University of KY and her Master of Education from Lake Erie College. Sarah Dwyer is the Head Coach of the LEC IHSA Equestrian Team. Sarah has both her Equine Studies degree and her M.B.A. from Lake Erie and is a certified PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
mpardee@lec.edu
sdwyer@lec.edu
Sherri West is the Director of Riding and Head Coach of the Hollins University Equestrian Team located in Roanoke, VA. Sherri also currently serves as the organization’s National Steward. Sherri talks about the ins and outs of the Equestrian Team as well as the other opportunities to ride at Hollins.
Daisy Freund & Olivia Champ
As past competitors on the varsity Dartmouth College Equestrian Team, Daisy and Olivia share their experiences both on the team and during their collegiate search. Daisy Freund received her B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Dartmouth in 2008 and also received her Master of Food Culture & Communication in Pollenzo, Italy. Daisy currently is the Vice President of Farm Animal Welfare for the ASPCA. Olivia received her B.A. in Art History from Dartmouth in 2019 and this fall will enter the Harvard Graduate School of Design for her Master’s in Architecture. Both Daisy and Olivia were Dartmouth Equestrian Co-Captains and both represented Dartmouth in the prestigious Cacchione Cup at IHSA National Championships.
Larry Sanchez has been leading the Oklahoma State Equestrian program as its Head Coach for twenty years. Under his guidance, Oklahoma State Equestrian, located in Stillwater, OK, has won the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) National Championships six times and has coached numerous All-American and All-Big 12 selections. Larry has his B.S. from Colorado State University and his M.A. from New Mexico State University and is an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) carded judge, breeder and competitor.
larry.sanchez@okstate.edu
Kelly Francfort has been the IHSA Vice President since 2017 and won the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. She has coached the Rutgers University Equestrian Team, New Brunswick, NJ for over 20 years and has had numerous athletes qualify for the IHSA National Championships. Kelly is also oversees the IHSA Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation, an organization that awards scholarships to deserving collegiate equestrians.
klfrancfort@gmail.com
Peter Cashman is the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Executive Director and was awarded the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. For more than 30 years, he and his wife Sherry have trained cadets and managed operations at Morgan Farm at West Point Military Academy in West Point, NY.Peter.c.cashman.naf@mail.mil
Lindsay Martin is the President of the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI), a program that allows young equestrians in grades 8-12 to explore the collegiate equestrian experience. Since Lindsay purchased the CPI in 2014, the program has grown to include CPI Florida and CPI New Jersey and offers young riders the opportunity to clinic and compete in front of collegiate coaches from around the country.
lindsay@cpihorseshow.com
Dr. Piper Klemm
is the owner and publisher of The Plaid Horse and is the host of The Plaidcast, both covering the USEF/USHJA horse showing world and other horse related topics. She also owns a fleet of lease ponies for the horse show circuit, Stonewall Ponies. Piper has her PhD from the University of California, Berkely and uses her educational and equestrian backgrounds to teach college-level courses on the horse industry. She will offer three summer online courses through Clarkson University which include: Business and Bias in the Equestrian Industry; Grit, Toughness and Contemporary Equestrian Coaching; and, English Riding: History, Culture and Industry Evolution.
piper@theplaidhorse.com
www.theplaidhorse.com/college
Cory Kieschnick
The Associate Professor and Chair of Equine Science and Management at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, PA. She also serves as the Director of Equestrian Teams, overseeing the IHSA Hunt Seat and Western Teams and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association Team. She has a M.S. in Education and is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership. She has been the DelVal IHSA Hunt Seat Head Coach since 2002 and has led her team to numerous Regional Championships and her team was the 2019 Zone Champion and earned a 4th place finish at the IHSA National Championships.
Amanda Love Ellis
Amanda Love Ellis is the Head Coach of Hunt Seat and Western and Instructor of Equine Science at West Texas A & M University in Canyon, TX. She has her B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Agriculture from West Texas A & M and has led the teams there since 2007. Amanda has coached 27 Individual Champion and Reserve Champions in the IHSA National Championships and in 2013 led the team to the IHSA Western Team National Championship.
aellis@wtamu.edu
Dr. Leah Holland Fiorentino
Leah Fiorentino is the Executive Director of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA). Leah is a graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Adelphi University and Teachers College, Columbia University. "Doc" guides the listeners through the history of the NCEA and explains that it is the ruling body for the twenty-six schools in the NCAA emerging sport of Equestrian.
director@collegiateequestrian.com
Tenley Stuhs is the Director of Riding and Head Coach of the Dartmouth College IHSA Team in Hanover, NH. Tenley received her undergraduate and M.B.A. degree in Equine Business and Facility Management from Otterbein University in Ohio. Tenley was the Head Coach of the Otterbein IHSA team for five years after graduation and then was the Assistant Executive Director at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala before coming to Dartmouth in 2019.
tenley.w.struhs@dartmouth.edu
Michael Dowling has been the Head Co-Coach of the Centenary University IHSA Team and an Assistant Professor of Equine Studies for 20 years. Centenary is located in Hackettstown, NJ
and Michael is also the owner of Windham Hill in Far Hills, NJ and Wellington and Ocala, FL. Michael also is a horse show manager, judge, steward and course designer. Michael has his B.A. from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT and a diploma in International Relations at the University of Lancaster, England. Michael.dowling@centenaryuniversity.edu
Ashley Henry has been the Head Coach of the Savannah College of Art and Design(SCAD) in Savannah, GA for 15 years. She led the SCAD “Bees” to three IHSA National Championship titles and her athletes have won 85 National and Reserve National Champion titles. In addition to her IHSA success, Ashley guided the team to seven Tournament of Champions Series titles and was the Frances Wong Coach of the Year four times. Ashley is a graduate of SCAD with a degree in Metals and Jewelry.
akelley@scad.edu
CJ Law has been the Director of Intercollegiate Coaching and Head Coach of the Mount Holyoke IHSA Equestrian Team in South Hadley, MA for 37 years. CJ has guided the Mount Holyoke team to three IHSA National Championships, with 26 of her athletes bringing home individual National Championships and 3 Cacchione Cup winners. CJ is on the Board of the IHSA and received the IHSA Lifetime Achievement award in 1998. CJ received her B.A. in Equestrian Studies from Averett University. cjlaw@mtholyoke.edu
Bob Cacchione, Fairfield, CT, founded the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association(IHSA) in 1967 while still a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. The IHSA now has over 400 colleges and universities and over 10,000 collegiate riders. Bob was the Executive Director of the IHSA for 52 years and in addition to receiving numerous awards from the USEF and USHJA was inducted into the inaugural class of the IHSA Hall of Fame. recihsa@aol.com
Christina Keim
Chris Keim is the Senior Lecturer and Head Coach of theUniversity of NH IHSA Team in Durham, NH. She is also the Principal Horseman at Cold Moon Farm in Rochester, NH. Chris
is an HA graduate of the United States Pony Club, is on the IHSA Board of Directors and is a USDF and USEF judge. Chris holds her B.S., M.Ed and M.F.A. from the University of NH.
christinakeim@unh.edu
Navigating the world of collegiate riding is a mystery to most young rider athletes and their families. Sally Batton, a collegiate varsity equestrian coach for over 30 years, interviews coaches, organizations and riders for their insight on what it takes to ride on a collegiate equestrian team. So saddle up and join her as she reveals the inner workings of collegiate equestrian.