The Presenters at Equine Affaire®

Craig Cameron believes that one of the keys to training horses is to first train horse people. His engaging, motivational speaking style focuses on the training principles of patience and understanding as does his four-video collection and line of training products. A life-long rancher, working cowboy, and horse trainer, Mr. Cameron has just about done it all from stocker operations to custom hay-baling to capturing wild cattle for fellow ranchers. After years of bull riding on the professional rodeo circuit and successfully operating his cattle business, Mr. Cameron decided it was horses and horse training to which he really wanted to devote his time and talents. He wanted to give something back to the horse, thus he honed his horsemanship skills and began conducting clinics throughout North America and abroad. His work has earned him the prestigious American Cowboy Culture Working Cowboy of the Year award. Currently Mr. Cameron can be found hosting a horse training program as well as his Extreme Cowboy Races on RFD-TV and at equine venues throughout the country and working on his Double Horn Ranches in Bluff Dale, TX.

Though he grew up riding Quarter Horses in Australia, Warwick Schiller has called the United States home for almost thirty years. An accomplished reining competitor, Mr. Schiller has multiple championship titles in the United States and Australia, including being a member of the 2010 and 2018 Australian Reining Teams at the World Equestrian Games. In addition to training his own horses, Mr. Schiller is passionate about working with riders from all disciplines to help them improve their communication with their horse and create deep, authentic relationships that result in relaxed, connected and present horses and humans. He does this through his online video library, his YouTube videos and his Journey On Podcast. Since beginning his YouTube channel in 2011, Mr. Schiller has become a worldwide horse training educator. The Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship Online Video Library now hosts more than 500 videos and 300 hours of training footage with more than 20 million views. Though his home base is in Hollister, CA, Mr. Schiller spends a lot of time on the road, as he conducts clinics throughout North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Mr. Schiller is excited to be with you here at Equine Affaire.

For 50 years, Lynn Palm has championed the partnership of horse and rider. An international clinician, she travels extensively from her facilities at Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, FL, where she and her husband, Cyril Pittion-Rossillon, teach the fundamentals of their Palm Equestrian Academy. She is an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) judge and holds her USEF “R” Western Dressage judges license. Continuing to compete in both United States Dressage Federation and Western Dressage Association of America shows, her competition record is second to none. Palm was a special guest performer at the 1996 Olympics and was named 2000 AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation. In 2003, she received Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award, and in 2007, she became AQHA Horsewoman of the Year. In 2010, she presented at the World Equestrian Games as a clinician and entertainer, and di the same at the 2017 FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, NE. Ms. Palm frequently contributes articles to leading equine publications along with maintaining an active online community. Her extensive educational library of DVDs and books can be found online at lynnpalm.com.

Like many trainers, Jonath Robles grew up with a passion for horses and horse training. Though he put that on hold to attend the University of Oregon, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, his education ultimately influenced his training methods. Mr. Robles researched why certain people were more successful in life than others—namely due to opportunity, education, and having the right connections—and implemented those ideas in the world of horses. Out of his J. R. Horse Training in Newberg, OR, Mr. Robles specializes in colt starting, western dressage, reining, and working with “problem” horses. After being exposed to horse trainers that used a lot of old school cowboy training methods, which seemed more cruel than effective in his eyes, while growing up, Mr. Robles became fascinated with natural horsemanship, and uses it as the driving teaching method in his training. When he’s not training or teaching clinics, Mr. Robles enjoys competing in colt starting competitions. He has seen great success in that arena, including being named Colt Starting Reserve Champion during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2016.

Though Jim Thomas has spent his entire life surrounded by horses, it was not until his retirement from the U. S. Army in 2007 that he was able to start training full-time. That same year, he competed in his first Extreme Mustang Makeover, which became a pivotal point in his horsemanship journey. After training his first mustang, Mr. Thomas earned a reputation for being able to work with wild or difficult horses. He has trained almost 100 mustangs since then and continues to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover every year. Outside of working with horses and riders of all disciplines on his ranch in Pittsboro, NC, Mr. Thomas conducts clinics, has written articles for Southeast Equine and Carolina Hoofbeats, and is currently working on a book. He has also served in various positions as a North Carolina Horse Council Executive Board Member and is a member of the Chatham County Equine Advisory Board.

Jeff Cook, of Sisters, OR, is a veteran of the Grand Prix show jumping circuit who has successfully trained hunters and jumpers since 1979. Throughout his career, he has coached, ridden, and trained horses and riders for all divisions, from low hunters to Grand Prix jumpers. Mr. Cook has worked for some of the sport’s greats, including as an assistant trainer for the United States Equestrian Team Coach, George Morris, from 1986 to 1991 and again from 1998 to 2003. Over the years, Mr. Cook’s horses and riders have won classes and championships at major shows throughout the United States, including Palm Beach, Devon, Lake Placid, and South Hampton, as well as at Spruce Meadows and international competitions in Italy and Mexico. In addition to his accomplishments in the ring, Mr. Cook has written numerous articles for equine publications, including a 28-month series for Practical Horseman. Though he currently lives in Oregon with his wife and children, Mr. Cook continues to travel throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada to teach clinics and train at horse shows.

Kevin Oliver of Snaffle Bit Quarter Horses in Canyon, TX, teaches horses from the perspective of a working cowboy. His approach to training teaches patience and understanding to build a successful partnership between horse and rider. Mr. Oliver has placed 3rd and 4th at the National Reined Cow Horse Association World Championships and been in the top ten for the Ranch Pleasure Division at the American Quarter Horse Association World Championships. Kevin Oliver holds a Bachelor of Science in ranch management from West Texas State University, is an American Quarter Horse Association judge specializing in ranch horse versatility, an active member of the National Reining Horse Association and National Reined Cow Horse Association, and a past board member of the Panhandle Golden Spread Quarter Horse Association. He is a contributor to the American Quarter Horse Association Journal, Farnam’s Life With Horses, and the “Walk in Our Boots” video program for Horse & Rider magazine.

Liz Austin has been competing in dressage since she was just five years old. She got her start riding horses through her mother, Madeline Austin, and eventually began riding and training sales horses for her. Ms. Austin competed in her first Prix St. Georges at sixteen, and by twenty-two, she was competing in Europe on a horse she trained herself. Her career highlights include being an individual silver medalist at the North American Young Rider Championships, winning the U.S. Equestrian “Brentina Cup” National Championship two times, and being named the reserve rider for the 2011 FEI World Cup Final. In addition to competing and training her own horses, Ms. Austin enjoys working with other dressage riders through lessons, clinics, and expositions. Outside of the arena, Ms. Austin has contributed articles to numerous publications, including The Chronicle of the Horse, Dressage Today, Dressage Daily, and Dressage Unlimited. She also helped develop the FITS clothing line, a collection of equestrian competition and training attire.

Growing up around Quarter Horses, due to the family business of racing them, Kristin Weaver-Brown got her start riding in local gymkhanas and all-around events. Soon, she turned her focus to reining and working cow horse events, winning three American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championships in the disciplines. Though she continued to focus on reining as a teenager, Ms. Weaver-Brown expanded her repertoire and began competing in barrel racing and cutting classes. Her barrel racing career took off after becoming the 1998 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Reserve World Champion in Senior Barrel Racing. Her accomplishments since then are too lengthy to name, but include being the first woman to win the Big Four Award, which is awarded to the top finisher of four rodeos in the Pacific Northwest, and being the only barrel racer to win AQHA world titles in reining and working cow horse, in addition to titles in barrel racing. Ms. Weaver-Brown now operates her training business, Quarter Moon Quarter Horses, out of Temecula, CA.

Hunter/jumper professional trainer Michael Burnett is dedicated to horse training and education, believing “it is the way up for all riders.” Based in Lebanon, Indiana, at Burnett Farms, Mr. Burnett coaches his students to top finishes in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation. He focuses on improving the rider’s position as a way to make jumping easier for the horse, and views demonstration for the student as a valuable part of his teaching methods. His program concentrates on providing one-on-one training for both horses and riders. Mr. Burnett divides his time between his farm in Indiana and competing among elite riders in Wellington, Florida. He has earned multiple top-3 finishes at the highly acclaimed Spruce Meadows Tournaments in Calgary, Canada, as well as winning numerous Welcome Stakes and Open Jumper Classics. In 2021, Mr. Burnett added eight grand prix victories to his resume along with 14 top-three grand prix placings. Mr. Burnett continues to bring his horses up the ranks, earning close to a million dollars in jumper money to date.

British dressage rider Stephen Hayes is based at Perfect Harmony Dressage in Wellington, Florida in the winter and The Hamptons, New York in the summer where he competes and trains riders and horses of all levels as well as importing upper-level horses from Europe to resell in the US market. Mr. Hayes was born in Britain and dabbled in numerous equine disciplines including working as an exercise rider of Thoroughbred racehorses. He eventually narrowed his focus on dressage and began riding at Two Mills Sport Horses, owned by Mike Jones, an accomplished British dressage rider and trainer. Mr. Hayes transitioned to a position at Villa Equus in Spain, where he trained under the tutelage of three-time Olympian Beatriz Ferrer-Salat. Known for his enthusiastic and positive teaching style Stephen holds clinics throughout the world including the United States, Europe, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and even Cape Town South Africa. Not only does he connect with the adult amateur with his simplistic and effective methods, but he also is known for being the trainer of many trainers. He has a very large following of over 100,000 followers across many social media platforms (Stephen Hayes Dressage) including Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram.

Bob Giles is an accomplished driving horse trainer, competitor, and clinician who has been deeply involved in the sport of driving for more than 60 years. Mr. Giles trains and teaches safe harnessing, hitching, and driving at Winter Hill Driving Center in Morriston, FL, and is recognized in the world of combined driving both for his enthusiasm and determination. In addition to his stature as a driving competitor, Mr. Giles is a veteran of the Vietnam War who received not one, but two, purple hearts and has dedicated his life to remembering the thousands of men and women who did not make it back from the war. Through his military service in Vietnam, Mr. Giles lost 90% of his hearing and has a fused elbow and only partial use of his right hand. Not one to let physical challenges stop him, in 2014 Mr. Giles competed in the World Driving Championships in Sandringham, England as part of the USEF Para-Equestrian Driving Team, where he drove to a second place finish. In addition to competing and teaching clinics on a regular basis, Mr. Giles judges several draft, carriage, and driven dressage shows each year.

Luke Gingerich is an accomplished horseman with more than fourteen years of experience in the industry. Mr. Gingerich has a long competition record in reining and ranch versatility classes. He was the reserve champion in Non-Pro Freestyle Reining at the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress and a Top Three Finalist in Open Reining at the 2018 Congress. He is also a familiar face at Equine Affaire, having competed in several Versatile Horse and Rider Competitions, and was named reserve champion in 2017. Mr. Gingerich has also participated in liberty and bridleless freestyle reining with his horses. Through his Luke Gingerich Horsemanship, operated out of Plain City, OH, Mr. Gingerich conducts clinics, demos, lessons, and online video coaching to help riders utilize effective communication and establish strong relationships with their horses.

Simon Cocozza is an experienced horseman with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. After growing up in Italy, Mr. Cocozza traveled to England to receive formal instruction in equine training. He first obtained his British Horse Society Assistant Instructor qualification before earning an Advanced National Certificate in Equine Business Management at Warwickshire College of Equine Studies. After spending several years as a trainer in England, Mr. Cocozza moved back to mainland Europe and became increasingly interested in studying the biomechanics of horses and how to utilize it as a basis for training. After setting up a stable in Normandy, France, Mr. Cocozza became the first non-French national to earn the Brevet Professionnel title, a French program that certifies equestrian trainers and coaches. Mr. Cocozza now works as a trainer and examiner for the French Riding Federation. Outside of training, Mr. Cocozza wrote the book Core Conditioning for Horses, which was published in 2019. He has also contributed articles on training and coaching to numerous magazines, including The Equine Chronicle and The American Trakehner Magazine.

From his home at Windswept Stables in Brodhead, KY, Gary Lane specializes in helping the owners of easy gaited horses "find the magic" in their horses. During the course of his extensive career, Mr. Lane has worked with virtually all easy gaited breeds from Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters to Paso Finos and lcelandics. His definition of horse training is "the art of influencing and directing your horse to obtain his willing obedience in the accomplishment of a task," and he works with both novice and professional gaited horse riders to develop free going horses with smooth easy-going gaits. As a result of his experience as a military commander in Desert Storm and a Kentucky police detective, Mr. Lane believes that leadership has an important role in training any horse and that step-by-step structure is an important teaching tool for both horses and riders. He shares his training program through a best-selling book titled Training the Gaited Horse, From the Trail to the Rail, and three training videos/DVDs on understanding and training gaited horses.

Stephanie Lockhart-Hayes is working equitation clinician, trainer, and competitor who has spent more than two decades teaching dressage fundamentals, jumping, and natural horsemanship principles throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Though she got her start in the equine industry in dressage and eventing, Ms. Lockhart-Hayes shifted focus in 2017 to the sport of working equitation, which combined her interests in the principles of natural horsemanship with classical dressage. She is the only licensed USA Working Equitation Coach in the eastern part of the country and has been awarded national and regional honors in working equitation with multiple horses. Out of her home base in Johnston, VT, Ms. Lockhart-Hayes founded two equine-related nonprofit organizations, including New England Working Equitation, which works to promote working equitation in the Northeastern United States. In addition to running her nonprofits, teaching, and training horses, she contributes to the digital publishing platform “Horse Network.”

Veteran Jerry Paulsen—an entrepreneur, former United States Army non-commissioned officer, and retired law enforcement officer—has combined his business and armed forces experience to create the non-profit organization Operation Horses and Heroes. Out of his home base in Elgin, IL, he works as the founder, president, and executive director of the organization, which runs a ground-oriented equine assisted therapy program assisting military families, active duty personnel, and veterans coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and social and emotional challenges, as well as those learning to use prosthetics. Established in 2014, the organization has grown so large that it now has facilities in Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio and Idaho, with several more locations in the works. In addition to running the non-profit, Mr. Paulsen is also president and CEO of Paulsen Productions, a professional development corporation with locations in the United States, Brazil, China, and Guam.

Out of his Medina, TX, ranch, Paul Garrison’s Mulemanship and Training business aims to help mules and their often frustrated owners communicate better. Mr. Garrison first became interested in mules after working with one on his friend’s ranch, and soon began picking up mules from the auction and training them for riding. Since then, his business has expanded to train mules for riding, driving, and packing, as well as hosting clinics, trail rides, and pack trips. Through his clinics, Mr. Garrison works diligently to help owners better communicate with their mule and position themselves as stronger leaders in the relationship. Using his experience with mules, Mr. Garrison developed the Garrison Mulemanship and Training Mule Saddle, which is now bring produced by Bronco Saddlery in San Antonio, TX. He also created a mule headstall that works specifically with the Myler Combination bit, a piece of tack Mr. Garrison has found works very well with mules.

Jenny Vidbel is a third-generation circus animal trainer. She grew up on a family farm in the Catskill Mountains, watching in awe as her grandfather communicated with many different species of animals on the farm. Ms. Vidbel has traveled the country with her group of ponies and dogs, performing in theaters, fairs, and New York City’s Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden, as well as the Big Apple Circus, the Ringling Brothers, and the Circus World Museum. Today, she lives on the Vidbel Mountain Homestead and enjoys sharing her amazing bond with her animals with visitors who come to the farm.

Maggie Herlensky is the President of the American Sidesaddle Association, an organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of riding aside in the United States. The Association has more than 250 members and 18 regional clubs throughout the country. Ms. Herlensky has been riding for more than 40 years in many disciplines, including competitive trail, hunt seat, western, and sidesaddle. She became a sidesaddle instructor thirty years ago and became involved in the American Sidesaddle Association from its beginning in 2008. In addition to instructing students in sidesaddle riding out of her home base in Bainbridge, OH, Ms. Herlensky also travels throughout the United States hosting clinics and participating in other educational programs to promote aside riding.

An attorney from Clifton, NJ, and a passionate equestrian, Fred Win is a model for amateur and para-equestrian riders everywhere. Originally from Myanmar, Mr. Win was born with only part of his right leg. He never let that hold him back though, as he won championships in ancient combat mounted technique, show jumping, and riot control mounted parade competitions. In his early twenties Mr. Win decided to pursue a legal career and moved to the United States, where he discovered a passion for reining. He has won multiple freestyle reining championships at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, The Run for a Million invitational, and the National Reining Horse Association’s futurity invitational. An undefeated U.S. Equestrian national champion in reining, Mr. Win is also an International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and U.S. Dressage Federation dressage champion. Outside of reining and dressage competition, Mr. Win practices liberty, polo, and the art of Spanish dressage.

With a team of mostly milk-white horses, the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band and the 6th Ohio Mounted Buglers aim to bring the sounds and sights of the American Civil War to the modern day. This group of musicians uses original Civil War-era brass instruments, original Civil War band music, and reproduction horse tack and bandsmen uniforms to transport audiences back in time. Appealing to horsemen, bandsmen, and military alike, the group utilizes unique skills and a shared love of history to educate and entertain crowds at a variety of venues and events. Along with participating in Civil War reenactments, the group has performed at the St. Patrick’s and 4th of July Parades in Dublin, OH; West Virginia Strawberry and State Forest Festival Parades; Breyerfest at the Kentucky Horse Park; Hoosier Horse Fair in Indiana, and the Gettysburg Remembrance Day Parade.

Known as The Daring Horseman, equestrian artist Caleb Carinci-Asch grew up on the road. Originally from Gulfport, Florida, Mr. Carinci-Asch has been working with horses in show business for twenty-one years. Together with his horses, Mr. Carinci-Asch has been featured in such shows as Arabian Nights, Cavalia, the Big Apple Circus and the feature film, The Greatest Showman. Mr. Carinci-Asch and his herd have even flown to Peru to perform in the world-renowned Circo La Tarumba for two seasons. Although Mr. Carinci-Asch has performed dressage, liberty, Roman riding and team driving, he loves the circus art of rosinback riding. Mr. Carinci-Asch and his wife are raising a family with three horses and six ponies, and he says his horses are never more than ten feet from his door.

Harold Rainwater founded, directs, and manages the Equine Program at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY. Mr. Rainwater holds a Bachelor’s degree in physical education from Asbury College and a Master’s in recreation from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1998 he launched the Equine Studies Program at Asbury University which has now grown to over 120 students in the areas of Equine Management and Equine Facilitated Wellness. Mr. Rainwater also works with his students to train horses for mounted police roles with 28 horses placed in full time service with police departments to date. Harold has served on several boards and organizations in the horse industry and is certified as an instructor by OK Corral and the Christian Camp Horsemanship International (CCHI), and has been a Regional Director for CCHI since 2004. In 2007 he was nominated as one of the Top 50 Instructors by the American Riding Instructor Association. He has served as Mayor of Wilmore since 1976 and on boards of various organizations of service and ministry. Mr. Rainwater and his wife, Shari, reside in Wilmore, KY.

Founded 12 years ago by Barbara Claus, the Mini Doves Team is a group of volunteer youth equestrians, ages 10-15, who perform with miniature horses in-hand at charitable fundraisers and in horse expo showcases. As a service project the Mini Doves foster, train ,and perform with mini rescues and are the only youth approved as trainers for rescue miniature horses by the Indiana Horse Rescue. Miniature horses are often used as service animals, and as such the Mini Dove horses are house broken and trained for visits to schools, daycares, and heath care facilities. While Ms. Claus owns all horses on the team, each Mini Dove team member is assigned a miniature horse as their partner to train and perform with. Based in Fortville, Indiana, the Mini Doves are the only volunteer youth leadership miniature horse equestrian team in public service, and the largest team of performance miniature horses in the country.

The Young Guns Equestrian Drill Team is a group of 4H equestrians ranging in age from 9 to 18 and 4H alumnae. A diverse group, the Young Guns formed in 1999 and have touched the lives of more than 350 youth in Northern Kentucky. While the drill team participants ride in western equipment and attire, the riders come from all backgrounds and riding disciplines as well as skill levels. The Young Guns compete in drill team competitions throughout the Midwest, enjoy demonstrating their talents in exhibitions, and look out for their neighbors by committing to public service projects. This highly skilled team has also been featured in Equine Affaire’s Fantasia show in both Ohio and Massachusetts.

An avid supporter of natural horsemanship and a lifelong horsewoman who loves to learn, Pamela Allen-LeBlanc got her start with horses as a young child riding in Pony Club. Wanting to develop a deeper relationship with her horses, she studied natural horsemanship, Reiki, animal communication, animal Reiki, and essential oils, and worked with several prolific trainers in the industry. Eventually she opened her own operation, Hidden Brook Farm in Durham Bridge, New Brunswick, Canada, where she works with horses and horse lovers on horsemanship, animal communication, and Reiki. She also developed her own line of essential oils for horses and humans. Ms. Allen-LeBlanc is a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, a centered riding instructor, a licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training, and a contributing author to Reiki News magazine, Reiki for Animals book, and the ICRT Animal Reiki course. She is also the host of the popular “Reiki from the Farm™" podcast. In addition to teaching out of Hidden Brook Farm and teaching online, Ms. Allen-LeBlanc travels throughout North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom to teach horse enthusiasts about the benefits of animal communication, Reiki, and essential oil use, and how these methods can improve their relationship with their horses.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (CESMT), Beverly Brady got her start apprenticing with Dr. Mark Haverkos, the founder of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and later interned for Dr. Nancy Nicholson, a renowned dressage expert who specializes in equine biomechanics. At the urging of Dr. Haverkos, Ms. Brady began teaching her equine massage and rehabilitation therapies, called the Amassage Method™, in 2006. Her program aims to help horses “ReConnect, ReBalance, and ReBuild,” both on the ground and under saddle. Though Ms. Brady is based out of Milan, IN, her company, Midwest Natural Healing for Animals, offers online and in-person courses in Indiana, Wyoming, Tennessee, and Connecticut. She has written the book “The Ultimate Go-To-Guide for Finding the Best CESMT for You or Your Horse.”

Bryan Cassill is a Research and Development Technologist at Buckeye Nutrition, a subsidiary of Mars Horsecare, in Dalton, OH. Mr. Cassill grew up breeding and showing Quarter Horses on his family’s farm in Southern Ohio. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University, he worked as a biologist in an Ohio research laboratory before moving to Kentucky to complete his Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Kentucky (UK). After completing this degree, he worked as the Animal Resources Manager at UK’s Maine Chance Equine Campus for ten years, where he was responsible for everything from teaching courses to conducting research to the nutritional management of the facility’s horses. In July 2018, Mr. Cassill took on his current role with Buckeye Nutrition, where he works on the development of new equine feed products.

As the Eastern State Regional Manager for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, the nation’s largest donkey rescue, Kimberly Clark manages the Virginia-based division of the rescue and 12 satellite adoption centers across the Eastern time zone. In this role, Ms. Clark has 150 donkeys under her care and manages rescue cases, handling the intake and quarantine process to rehabilitating and placing the donkeys in adoptive homes. She also assists the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue headquarters in Texas with special projects and large-scale rescue cases. Outside of working directly with rescue donkeys, Ms. Clark is a passionate advocate for the animals, hosting a two-day donkey immersion course for new and potential donkey owners and a biennial three-day donkey care symposium. She is also the organizer of Donktoberfest, the largest donkey festival on the East Coast, and is writing a book, “Saving Serendipity,” about life in the rescue business.

Julie Copper is the founder and executive director of Copper Horse Crusade, a non-profit organization that rescues slaughter-bound horses and helps them find good homes. Based out of Massillon, OH, Ms. Copper has spent more than 20 years working with all breeds and disciplines. She holds an associates degree in business management and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in religion and philosophy from Muskingum University. Ms. Copper has spoken about her work at events around the Midwest and has contributed to Sport and Trail, NRHA Reiner, and Tractor Supply’s Out Here magazines.

With a Master’s degree in elementary education from Slippery Rock University in Butler County, PA, Jenn Currie spent more than two decades as a teacher and was almost ready to try a different career until she discovered educational neuroscience—the study of how people learn and process content. With an invigorated passion for teaching from this newfound knowledge, Ms. Currie began writing articles and books utilizing lessons she learned from educational neuroscience, including her first book “U-Turn Teaching: Strategies to Accelerate Learning and Transform Middle School Achievement.” In addition to teaching, Ms. Currie returned to riding after a 20-year hiatus and currently competes in mountain and trail horse challenges. Combining her background in teaching with her love for horses, Ms. Currie runs an educational consulting company, Horse of a Different Color: The Leading Edge of Education, out of Greenville, PA, where she helps teachers, riding instructors, and others learn to effectively teach their students for optimal learning. As an Equine Education Specialist and Master Teacher, Ms. Currie brings a totally unique perspective to the arena by basing her teachings on the principles of brain-based learning. After nearly two decades of studying brain research, she now has the science to back up her methods and understandings as she interacts, competes and trains her horses. Using what she has learned about teaching humans as a guide, she has successfully translated that information into the equine world. Her passion is palpable in her clinics as she teaches participants the horse brain/human brain connection; where stronger partnerships begin.

A horse owner for more than four decades and equine professional for almost 20 years, Ann Frederick is passionate about training horses and helping riders better connect with them. Out of her Ann’s Five Acres Farm, located in Cleves, OH, Ms. Frederick trains horses, gives riding lessons, and runs an equine transportation service. Before opening her own business, Ms. Frederick worked as a Thoroughbred farm manager and professional trainer, specializing in “problem” horses. When she is not working with horses and riders at her farm, Ms. Frederick is heavily involved in her community. She has conducted clinics for many groups, including the Cincinnati Mounted Police, Walnut Creek Pony Club, and SPCA Cincinnati. She is also an advisor to the Diamond Oaks Career Campus’ Equine Science and Management Program and President of the Hamilton County Horseman’s Council. Additionally, Ms. Frederick has written for American Farrier Journal, Horsemen’s Corral, and Stable Management magazines, and has produced a DVD, titled “Your First Horse.”

Erin Gaul is the owner of Equine Detailing in Hope, Rhode Island, and leads a team of professional body clippers. Ms. Gaul has spent her entire life with horses and chose at a young age to spend her life working with them. Before starting Equine Detailing, she gathered hands-on horse experience in a variety of jobs, from stall cleaner to groom to assistant trainer to barn manager, and has worked with many competitive hunter/jumpers and dressage horses. Ms. Gaul graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2008 with a degree in equine business management and riding. She has been featured on the Pro Equine Grooms podcast as well as the Stall & Stable podcast and also works as an elite educator for Wahl Animal. As a professional body clipper, Ms. Gaul focuses on helping owners keep their horses looking and feeling their best. Her passion is to provide show-quality services and positive experiences to every horse, pony or donkey.

Dr. Richard Godbee is the founder of Equi-University, an education-based website dedicated to improving horses’ lives through owner education. Dr. Godbee received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and Master of Science in ruminant nutrition from the University of Georgia. In 1978 he completed his doctoral degree in animal nutrition and nutritional biochemistry with an emphasis in equine at Colorado State University. During his professional career, Dr. Godbee has served as a faculty or adjunct faculty member and has been a member of the graduate committees for master and doctoral candidates for several universities. He has numerous publications in both peer-reviewed journals and popular press on multiple species and has been invited to present in a variety of venues. His research interest has most recently included the effect of nutrition on immunity and inflammation. He is Board Certified in Animal Nutrition by the American College of Animal Science and has achieved Professional Animal Scientist status in the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists with a specialty in horses. Dr. Godbee is not only a nutrition specialist, but also an avid horseman and competitor in the cutting horse arena.

Joyce Harman is retired from a holistic equine practice in Virginia where she treated all types of horses from backyards to Olympic caliber. She has served on many boards of directors, is past president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and of the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association. She has written on all aspects of holistic medicine in textbooks, research papers and articles for horse publications. Dr. Harman has published numerous books including two books about saddle fitting: The Horse's Pain Free Back and the Saddle Fit Book. She has also published The First Aid Guide to Homeopathy for Horses to provide horse owners with an introduction to homeopathic practices. She is currently working an online course to provide natural medicine training to veterinarians and horse owners. She is a hiker, master naturalist and overlands in her Jeep for fun, and to help with her nature photography side profession.

Steve Hebrock, a Certified Master Hoof Care Professional, began his hoof care odyssey in 1993 after acquiring his first horse. He soon became frustrated by what he perceived to be illogical ideas and practices that dominate traditional hoof care, and his engineering background prompted him to begin an intense study of trimming, shoeing, and movement theory. Mr. Hebrock spent many years as a member of the faculty at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, where he taught hoof care and farriery; equine marketing and facilities management; and a number of engineering and technical classes. Mr. Hebrock now focuses his time and energy on his hoof care practice, on-going hoof research, and his educational outreach efforts via “Enlightened Equine”, a blog dedicated to bringing science to horse management and hoof care. Mr. Hebrock is a certified hoof care professional and booting specialist in the Association for the Advancement of Horse Care Practices (AAHCP) and in Liberated Horsemanship. He was also a certification exam instructor, workshop leader, and field instructor for the AANHCP, and is currently an advanced trimming instructor and field instructor for Liberated Horsemanship.

Jennifer Hemphill of Rolling Thunder Farm in Jamestown, Ohio is a trainer, instructor and coach. During her thirty years’ experience in horses and competing, Ms. Hemphill has won world, national and state titles in the Clydesdale and Shire breeds. At Rolling Thunder Farm, Ms. Hemphill focuses on draft horse and draft cross breeds, and has been training those horses in driving and riding for over a decade. She is a member of the American Shire Horse Association and the Clydesdale Breeders of USA. Ms. Hemphill is also the head advisor of one of the largest 4-H horse clubs in Greene County, the Jeans and Jodhpurs.

Carole Herder is President and founder of Cavallo Horse & Rider, Inc. a company based in Roberts Creek, British Columbia that specializes in developing and distributing innovative comfort and protection products for horses and riders. Ms. Herder holds a degree in business administration from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, and has taken courses in hoof anatomy with an emphasis on function and physics. She possesses a true passion studying and promoting the comfort of horses and believes that caring for hooves naturally and keeping horses barefoot is best. Ms. Herder developed the line of Cavallo Horse Boots to meet the needs of horses ridden on terrain that the bare hoof is not conditioned to and designed the Total Comfort System Saddle Pads to address the backs of horses ridden under saddle. She presents clinics worldwide and strives to educate horse owners while also identifying, designing, and manufacturing new products for horses and the people who care for them. Carole Herder won the Royal Bank of Canada Western Trail Blazer Woman Entrepreneur of The Year Award. She is the co-author of The Cavallo Barefoot Trim, and the author of Hoofprints on the Journey, and the international bestseller There are No Horseshoes in Heaven. In her spare time, she enjoys barrel racing and trail riding on her Quarter Horse mare.

Born and raised in Montana, Dr. Elizabeth James developed her lifelong passion for horses at an early age by riding horses and working cattle. She pursued her passion for horses through education, earning a bachelor’s in animal science, a master’s in equine reproduction specializing in genetics, and a doctorate in experiential education. In 2005, she started her career as an equine instructor at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, WY, where she taught colt starting and various training classes. Later, she worked as an equine instructor alongside Chris McCarron at the North American Racing Academy, then spent more than ten years as a full-time instructor at the University of Kentucky. Dr. James has over 15 years of experience helping students achieve their dream careers. She left the University of Kentucky in 2018 to launch Equine Career Coach, which offers resources, advice, coaching, and career services to entrepreneurs. Today, Dr. James is the COO for Double Dan Horsemanship and co-owner of the Australian Equine Performance Center with her husband, Dan James. Dan and Elizabeth also founded the International Liberty Horse Association in 2019. Dr. James currently resides in Midway, KY, with Dan and their daughter, Isabella, and son, Jesse.

Amber Krotky is a Quality and Development Specialist for Buckeye Nutrition, a subsidiary of Mars Horsecare, in Dalton, OH. After growing up around horses, she attended Oklahoma State University for her bachelor’s and graduate programs, eventually earning a Master of Science degree in Animal Science with a focus on equine nutrition. She then worked for The Ohio State University as an Equine Extension Specialist for several years, managing the state’s 4-H Horse Program, teaching equine courses, and advising the Collegiate Horsemen's Association and the Horse Judging Team, before joining Buckeye Nutrition. Ms. Krotky is a certified Professional Animal Scientist by the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists and currently sits on the organization’s ethics committee. She is also a member of the American Feed Industry Association Equine Committee and is a Board Member for the American Youth Horse Council.

Twain Lockhart’s experience in raising and handling chickens began with his time in 4-H and FFA as a child and has spanned more than 40 years. He also has almost 20 years of experience working as a feed store owner, specializing in poultry feed and nutrition. Currently Twain Lockhart is a poultry specialist for Nutrena Feeds who loves to educate people about all types of fowl, including turkey, duck, quail, and of course, chickens. He also contributes to Nutrena and Cargill Animal Nutrition’s blog, Scoop From The Coop, where he writes about everything from avian diseases to nutrition. Out of his home base near Janesville, WI, Mr. Lockhart travels extensively to participate in workshops, seminars, and videos and teach others how they can get started raising chickens and solve common problems that can affect a flock.

Olivia Martin is the manager of Performance Feeding Inc., an independent equine nutrition consulting firm located in Brewster, NY. A lifelong equestrian, she spent time managing and riding professionally for a large show stable before turning her interests elsewhere. After earning her bachelor’s degree in animal science and pathobiology at the University of Connecticut, she took a position at the Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where she was involved in testing for diseases such as Lyme and West Nile Virus. Ms. Martin then moved on to work for another veterinary practice, where she supported veterinarians who specialized in working with elite equine athletes. While there, Ms. Martin worked with resident veterinarian Christopher Miller to develop Performance Feeding. She now focuses her efforts on helping owners feed their horses as effectively as possible.

Dr. Melissa Milligan is an accomplished equine veterinarian who has worked with horses her entire life. She grew up raising Quarter Horses and Belgian Drafts in Iowa and before completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2002. She then completed a private practice internship at Equine Medical Associates in Edmond, OK before beginning a three-year residency at Kansas State University in 2004. During her residency, she also worked towards a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences from the University. Following completion of her surgical residency, Dr. Milligan joined the staff at the Equine Specialty Hospital in Burton, OH. A year later, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Milligan went on to become a business partner at Equine Specialty Hospital and, as of 2014, is the practice’s owner.

Growing up in Wisconsin farm country, Shannon Mueller always had a passion for animals. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin in 2013, she started working in the probiotics and nutraceutical industry, developing many of the top probiotic and enzyme products on the market for humans and animals. She formulated the #1-rated probiotics for horses, dogs, cats, and birds, and co-developed the #1-rated probiotics for humans on Amazon. A few years ago, Ms. Mueller joined her current employer, Equa Holistics, as president. Based out of Germantown, WI, Equa Holistics specializes in creating supplements for horses, dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Ms. Mueller’s current work focuses on developing probiotics, prebiotics, and other supplements by sourcing raw, natural materials to create the highest quality product.

Based in Ocala, FL, Bryan Owen has more than 25 years of experience in the equine industry as a horse owner and competitor. Using experiences gained from working with his own horses, Mr. Owen started exploring alternative therapies to help horses that have chronic, ongoing lameness and body issues that have not been resolved using other methods. He specializes in energy work to balance the body through several channels, including the acupoint meridians, muscle and fascia connection, and emotional relief. In addition to bodywork, Mr. Owen is an applied equine podiatrist and incorporates proper foot balance for optimal health into his work. In 2009, he co-founded Photonic Health, LLC, a light emitting frequency technology company dedicated to making health and healing easy for horse owners. He developed the standard handheld light, multi light, Pro Gen II Light, and the Pain Free Pad System. Mr. Owen is also co-author of three books: “Light Therapy for Horses,” “Red Light Therapy for Dogs,” and “Light Therapy for People.”

Dr. Frank Reilly has practiced exclusively equine medicine and surgery for more than 30 years. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in both biology and veterinary science in 1983 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 from the University of Illinois. During his veterinary career Dr. Reilly has worked at multiple racehorse tracks in Florida, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and his patients have included six world-record holders and multiple track-record holders. He is a member of the AAEP, AVMA, NEAEP, and a board member of the American Association of Professional Farriers. He is also a board member of Ryerss Farm, the oldest horse retirement farm in the USA since 1888. Dr. Reilly currently serves as the senior veterinarian at Equine Medical & Surgical Associates, Inc. in West Chester, PA. His primary research interests include insulin resistance, COPD, laminitis, joint problems, canker, and vitamin E.

Erin Wilson, DVM, is an Equine Nutrition Consultant for Cargill Animal Nutrition, representing Nutrena and ProElite feeds and Progressive Nutrition products in the Midwest, as well as a practicing equine veterinarian in central Indiana with 14 years’ experience. A graduate of Purdue University, she received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2004 and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2008 with highest honors, specializing in equine medicine. She is a lifetime horse enthusiast with a strong passion for the equine industry and a commitment to promoting optimal equine health and client education. Her special practice interests include equine nutrition, performance horse medicine and lameness and internal medicine. Dr. Wilson professionally consults on equine nutrition with equine veterinarians, farm managers, trainers and horse owners, and has been a guest speaker at industry events, veterinary conferences and veterinary schools. She is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners, and American Veterinary Medical Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Wilson resides in Atlanta, IN, with her husband and sons, on a farm where they have acreage in hay production, enjoy western performance Quarter Horses and spending time as a family doing a variety of outdoor activities.

Cathy Woods, author of “Yoga for Riders,” has been teaching yoga to horse lovers and non-equestrians for almost thirty years. From her home base in the Smoky Mountains, NC, Ms. Woods teaches yoga classes and plans workshops and retreats around the country. With her background in horses, Ms. Woods combined her passions of yoga and horsemanship to create her “Body, Mind, Equine™” program. Held at ranches around the country, this program is not about doing yoga on the back of a horse, but rather how to use yoga principles to improve horsemanship from ground to saddle and become a more aware, mindful equestrian. Ms. Woods’ one of a kind “Body, Mind, Equine™” program has reached national acclaim with features in Forbes.com, Horsecity.com, Equitrekking, Western Horse & Gun magazine, and Yoga Digest.