EUGENIA SNYDER

Eugenia Snyder is the founder and President of Equine Affaire, Inc. and serves as Executive Producer of all Equine Affaire expositions.  She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from St. Lawrence University in 1974 where she graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She subsequently pursued her doctorate in psychology at the University of Maryland while working as a research assistant in avian communication at the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. Eugenia's professional career has been quite diverse and has included working as a statistical analyst for a prominent Washington law firm, writing as a freelance journalist, providing marketing services for a variety of clients, working in the printing industry, and developing and producing a major traditional music festival. She has had a passion for and been involved with horses all of her life and had the privilege of enjoying a wide variety of horse breeds and disciplines. Her most recent equestrian accomplishments include training and showing Arabian horses to multiple regional and national titles including two Legion of Honor awards and one Legion of Supreme Honor.

TERRI L. SHARP

Terri Sharp joined Equine Affaire in July of 1997. As Vice President of Equine Affaire, Inc., she leads the event production and trade show teams, coordinates the sponsorship program, and serves as Office Manager of the corporate office. Terri came to Equine Affaire with a strong equestrian and management background having attended the University of Findlay's Equestrian Studies program and having been employed for several years in the equine industry. In addition, she served on the Board of the National Reining Horse Association and for more than ten years was involved in all aspects of the production of NRHA's major events. After enjoying showing and training horses in multiple disciplines for more than fifteen years, Terri now trains and competes in the sport of dog agility with her double-registered Australian Shepherds. When not conducting Equine Affaire business or competing, Terri and her husband enjoy spending leisure time on their farm.

DEBBIE PUTNAM

Debbie Putnam is the Breed Coordinator for the Equine Affaires in Ohio, Massachusetts, and California, for which she develops the Breed Pavilion and coordinates the breed demonstrations scheduled throughout each of these events. In addition, she coordinates the Horse & Farm Exhibits areas at both the Ohio and Massachusetts expositions. As a member of the Pfizer Fantasia production team, she solicits and organizes the breed-related performances included in the special evening shows in Ohio and Massachusetts. Debbie received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from St. Lawrence University in 1974 and was subsequently employed in various positions within the banking and retail industries. She has been involved with horses throughout her life—from riding with her family as a child growing up in southern California, to riding on a regular basis at St. Lawrence University’s equestrian facility, to pleasure riding “cross country” during a four-year residence in Galway, Ireland. She has been a valued member of the Equine Affaire production team since 1995.

BRIANNE A. MATHEWS
Brianne Mathews joined Equine Affaire, Inc. as a Trade Show Associate in August of 2007. Her responsibilities include working with commercial exhibitors involved in the Massachusetts, California, and Ohio events. She is a proud Buckeye and recent alumna of The Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Agribusiness & Applied Economics. Brianne was President of the OSU Horsemen's Association, where she led the club throughout many projects and activities, including volunteering at Equine Affaire and working at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. She was also a member of The Ohio State Equestrian Team and participated in intercollegiate horse judging contests. Brianne was very involved in 4-H as a youth, and still volunteers at both the county and state level. In addition, she currently serves on the Ohio State Buckskin Association Board of Directors. Brianne and her home-bred gelding, Gimmethebigbucks ("Cash"), compete at International Buckskin Horse Association and open shows in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana in amateur all-around events.

COAGI A. LONG
Coagi Long joined Equine Affaire, Inc. in July of 2003 as a member of the Marketing Department, where she facilitated numerous promotional projects. She currently serves as Program Director, coordinating the full schedule of presentations at each Equine Affaire event.  In addition, Coagi contributes to the company’s Web site as a member of the Web design team and by maintaining pages detailing the event’s educational content on the site. Coagi graduated summa cum laude from The University of Findlay, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in marketing and equestrian studies and a minor in operations and logistics management. With a love for riding and training since her early childhood, she has primarily concentrated on dressage and hunt seat. Throughout college she earned several awards including three consecutive Intercollegiate Hunt Seat National Championship titles and was the 2003 Intercollegiate Dressage Association Reserve National Champion. Coagi is a member of the United States Dressage Federation and the United States Equestrian Federation. She continues to pursue her competitive career in dressage, and trains and breeds Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds at her farm in West Mansfield, OH.

KARIN E. BRENNAN
Karin Brennan, who joined Equine Affaire in April of 2002, and as the Youth Programs & Advertising Coordinator she currently coordinates the Youth Pavilion, Celebrity Horse Showcase, and Horse Judging Contests for Equine Affaire. She also manages advertising sales in Equine Affaire's official event programs, coordinates the advertising schedule, and assists in other promotional capacities—including updating content on the company’s Web site. Karin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University with a major in animal science and a minor in agribusiness. During her years at OSU she served as Vice President of the Horsemen's Association, was a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team, and competed on The Ohio State Equestrian Team-all while she worked in the equine retail industry. Before joining Equine Affaire, Inc., Karin put her business background to use as a Human Resources Assistant at Capitol Manufacturing in West Jefferson, Ohio. Growing up in a military family, she first began her career with horses in South Dakota. In her spare time Karin actively shows her paint/pinto geldings, Watch Me From Jafar and The Complete Asset. Karin is a current member of the American Paint Horse Association, Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc., and the American Quarter Horse Association.

LORI B. HELSEL
Lori Helsel began working at Equine Affaire, Inc. in August of 2007. She brought with her more than 18 years of professional experience providing administrative support on various government and commercial projects. Her most recent employment was with Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, OH, where her responsibilities included supporting multi-million dollar programs. Lori currently serves Equine Affaire, Inc. as the Human Resources & Business Manager, handling personnel and business matters for the company. In addition, she continues to be involved with marketing projects including the company’s direct mailing campaigns and attendee database management. A life-long horse lover, Lori and her husband currently own three Quarter Horses and a Paint gelding. She enjoys pleasure and trail riding and also supports her daughter’s 4-H and open horse show activities. Lori is a member of both the American Quarter Horse Association and the Ohio Horseman’s Council.

MELISSA S. RUPPERT

Melissa Ruppert joined Equine Affaire’s Trade Show Department in March of 2005. She currently serves as Volunteer, Travel & Hospitality Coordinator, scheduling and working with the extensive group of volunteers at each Equine Affaire. As a member of the Attendee Services Department, her responsibilities also include coordinating travel arrangements, hospitality, and the Diner’s Guide, as well as assisting with ticket sales and Equine Affaire Host Hotel relations. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University with a major in Mass Communications and Social Issues. During her years at OSU, she was an active promoter of the Pork Industry and coordinated her county’s annual banquet and queen’s pageant for more than five years. Before joining Equine Affaire, Melissa completed several internships at companies including Clear Channel, United Way, and America Online. She began showing horses at a young age through 4-H and continues to ride in her spare time. She also announces horse shows at venues throughout the state for several associations. Melissa and her family currently operate a hog and horse farm and are actively involved in the Ohio Girls Barrel Racing Association and International Barrel Racing Association.