Clinicians and Speakers

We have a terrific lineup of clinicians planned for this inaugural Extravaganza at the Meadow Event Park! The following clinicians and speakers are scheduled to participate in this year's event.  Clinicians are subject to change without notice. 

Seminar Stage Sponsored by Southern States

More clinicians will be added over the next few months, so be sure to check back.

Equine Extravaganza 2010 Clinicians
Brock Griffith Rough Stock a Equine Etiquette	Brock Griffith, General Training Brock is a talented Horseman, Trainer, and Clinician with a pleasant mild manner towards both equines and their human partners. Nine years ago, Brock Griffith traded a bull riding career to pursue his dream of working with horses. He immersed himself in the study and practice of natural horsemanship, gaining valuable knowledge and skills in this methodology and confidence in its application. His unique style is inspired by a variety of influences, personal experience, and an open mind. Brock is a talented horseman, trainer and clinician with an extraordinary ability to communicate effectively with both horses and their human partners. In 2008, Brock Griffith won the North Carolina Equine Extravaganza Trainer's Challenge and went on to win the finals at the VA Equine Extravaganza. In 2009, Brock placed 11th in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Murfreesboro, TN. Back to List
Caroline Rider Rider Horsemanship Trainer Challenge Contestant	Caroline Rider: Caroline Rider Horsemanship. Caroline has spent her entire life around horses, beginning with her first lesson at the age of 4. As a young girl she showed and worked locally for a riding instructor while taking care of her beloved, backyard equine Brandy. It was during this time that her view of being, and working with horses began to shift, motivating her to seek a more harmonious way in which to be with them and communicate her requests when training and working. As an early teen, Caroline spent much of her time observing horses and sketching them in her journals. She attributes her passion for drawing and painting to being inspired by nature, especially the horse in all its magnificence. Her desire to learn prompted her to question the purpose of all things and there interrelatedness to one another. Caroline’s craving for more knowledge led her to seek out many different philosophies on horsemanship, levels of consciousness and spirituality. Two of the most influential readings for her were the Black Stallion Series and books she found at the library on Taoism: an Eastern Philosophy that teaches the many depths of spiritual authenticity through living in the present and with consciousness. Between reading, sketching, observing horses, and spending all day with her own horse in the summer months, Caroline was soon on her way to discovering what she knows and teaches today – mutual trust and acceptance are the keys to acquiring true partnership and leadership with our horses. It wasn’t until her early thirties that Caroline was able to support her enthusiasm for horses and re-enter the equine industry, specifically the very well publicized world of Natural Horsemanship. She felt a kinship to the teachings of many of the well-known and leading clinicians and spent much of her time absorbed in their practices while cultivating her own style and approach to Being and doing with horses. Caroline’s Tao of Horsemanship™ Approach to Being and doing with horses is what separates her today from most natural horsemanship clinicians. This approach combines 3 core foundations to horsemanship: natural horsemanship beliefs and techniques, classical dressage principles and Taoism – a way of being and interacting with horses mindfully. Caroline’s method helps to identify awareness’s within us that allow for all possibilities with our horses. With awareness comes the opportunity to identify “where we need to be for our horse, when we are needed (timing) and why.” This is crucial to creating and nurturing deep levels of acceptance, trust, connection, communication, partnership and leadership with our horses. Back to List
Charles and Michele Pellham Cornerstone Horsemanship	Charles and Michelle Pellham, Cornerstone Horsemanship Charles and Michele Pellham established Cornerstone Horsemanship with the goals of giving young horses a solid start under saddle, teaching horsemanship to riders of all disciplines, and incorporating horsemanship methods into the show world.  With over 35 years combined experience, Charles and Michele have the depth of knowledge needed for training horses and teaching people.  Though they specialize in starting horses under saddle, ranch versatility, and cutting horses, students and horses that have gone through the Cornerstone Program have won many local, state, and national championships in events that also include hunter/jumpers, dressage, reining, and western pleasure. Charles is one of the premier trainers on the East Coast, with a gift for starting colts and working with problem horses.  He has a natural ability to teach people, and is an outstanding clinician, combining education with entertainment.  His accomplishments include the 2009 American Ranch Horse Association World Champion 2 Year Old Stallion, 2007 ARHA World Champion Working Ranch Horse, and 2006 Open Cutting World Champion, and the 2006 ARHA Junior Ranch Trail World Champion. Michele exhibits versatility in a trainer.  She trains and shows cutting horses, as well as dressage and barrel racing, puts the finishing touches on young horses, and has a gift for working with young or inexperienced riders.  Michele is a 2X ARHA reserve World Champion with the stallion, Heza Classy Chic. For more information go to www.cornerstonehorsemanship.com. Back to List
Colleen Kelly Rider Biomechanics	Colleen Kelly - Rider Biomechanics, Dressage Colleen Kelly started her career in exercise physiology in injury and cardiac rehabilitation gymnasiums. Now, 25 years later, she is one of the world's most sought after keynote speakers, having been invited to speak for Official Equestrian Federations around the world at the Grand Prix (Olympic Level) Judge’s Conference. Her world lecture tour includes Official Equestrian Federations throughout the world, FEI Level Judge’s Clinics & world class conferences such as Horse World Expo, Equitana, Equinexpo, Sporthorse and Equine Extravaganza. Colleen was elected spokeswoman for the WorkCover Authority of NSW and she has a keen interest in OH&S, seat & posture in the workplace and is the founder of the Kidsafety School Posture Program. Although Colleen is well known for judging at many State, National and Royal Championships, and for receiving a remarkable 100% in her Official Dressage Judge’s Exam, it's her ‘Irish Sense of Humor’ that keeps audiences around the world smiling. Colleen has also received 3 separate awards for her work with Riding for Disabled. Back to List
Dave Robart Reining, General Training	Dave Robart World Champion, Dave Robart, owns and operates Robart Training Center in Hookerton, NC. He has been featured in many articles in leading equine publications and on Best of America by Horseback. Robart’s training practices using his patented ‘Pinchless Bits’ and methods of positive reinforcement have provided an answer to what other trainers have labeled ‘problem horses’.  His passion for horses began at 11 years old, exercising race horses in California and continued through his teen years when he began breaking horses with his father, a trainer of Roy Roger’s horses. It was in 1985 that Robart opened his first training facility. Through the years of training the un-trainable, Robart, realized many of the problems could be traced back to the horse’s mouth, and thus, the ‘Pinchless Bit’ was born. These bits prevents and eliminates mouth behavior problems such as gapping, head tossing, excessive mouth movement, dropping shoulders, heavy on the forehand and many others. Robart also developed the patented “Precision Bit” to allow better communication and correction such as shoulder control and specific movements needed. Robart’s many years of experience are now available to the novice horse owners and riders through clinics where he educates them on bits, biting, training techniques, and tracing behavior problems. The most popular portion of Robart’s clinics involves a lesson on understanding body language where he uses his patented products to show cause and effect. Back to List
Debi Metcalfe Stolen Horse International	Debi Metcalfe Often referred to as the “John Walsh” of the horse industry, Debi Metcalfe is perhaps the most recognized expert in the field of horse recovery, theft prevention and horse identification. Cases first brought to the public by Stolen Horse International have been featured on the TV shows America’s Most Wanted and The Maury Show.  More than just a pasture fence was broken when thieves took Idaho, from Debi Metcalfe’s husband in Shelby, North Carolina, in 1997. When she realized local law enforcement considered her family’s loss a minor matter, she took action.   Metcalfe and her husband Harold began what would prove to be one incredible journey. Along the way she discovered unexpected allies and recovered Idaho in a church parking lot 51 weeks later in Tennessee.   She didn’t see it coming but Stolen Horse International had started forming itself as soon as she sent out her first plea on the Internet by email to anyone who would listen. Little by little people joined this unnamed group linked together by big hearts, kind hearts and broken hearts.  Stolen Horse International, Inc., located at www.netposse.com, sometimes referred to as NetPosse or SHI, is a one-of-a-kind, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with hundreds of thousands of visitors to the website each year and is the reason for many recoveries. Information ranging from stolen horse listings to theft protection, from recovery tips to disaster planning and much more are on website. NetPosse, a volunteer group of people who forward IDAHO ALERTS for missing horses via email, print flyers and post in their communities, and watch for stolen horses at auctions, numbers into the thousands and is responsible for many of the recoveries.  Stolen Horse International, Inc. has been featured in many international magazine articles such as America’s Horse, Dressage Today, Horse and Rider, Paint Horse Journal, Equus, Practical Horseman, Western Horseman as well as television newscast and shows. Metcalfe, has been on RFDTV on Best of America by Horseback and Horse City TV’s In the Barn series. As a speaker/lecturer she has presented programs at all the Equine Affaires, Equine Extravaganza’s and many more throughout the US. Metcalfe has been a contributing columnist for news and magazines and a guest on many radio talk shows. Metcalfe is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and lives on a farm in North Carolina with her husband, Harold. Metcalfe’s first book, Horse Theft: Been There, Done That, is a must read addition to every horse owner’s library. Metcalfe received the North Carolina Horse Council Education Grant in 2010 and is a recipient of the National Collegiate Kappa Delta Sorority's Awe Inspiring Woman over 50 Award.
Doug Sloan: Trick horses, Trick Training, Horsemanship	Doug Sloan - Movie Horses Hobo and Diablo Doug Sloan Film veteran, stunt man and horse trainer, Doug Sloan and his string of stunt/trick horses have to their credit such movies as The Last Samurai, Gods and Generals, Buffalo Soldiers, Gettysburg and the HBO mini-series, John Adams.  He has worked on movies across the continental US, Canada, Argentina and New Zealand.  Doug has more recently been known as the co-host on the weekly RFD-TV series, Best of America by Horseback. Now Doug is sharing his special horses and training techniques through live performances, educational clinics and videos which are entertaining and informative for all of today's equine disciplines.  When not on a movie set, Doug teaches people and their horses the horsemanship techniques he has learned from working in a variety of films.  These techniques have proven to be successful in establishing a lasting foundation of trust, respect and performance between horse and rider in any discipline. It is Doug's goal to inspire people to work with their own horses with a new purpose which will produce the results and confidence that both horse and rider are looking for. DIABLO An American Quarter Horse, Diablo is 15.2 hands and 18 years old.  He was born in Missouri, where he caught the eye of owner, Doug Sloan, who purchased him when he was 6 months old.  Diablo is one of Doug's best movie horses and has been in over 40 films and commercials. HOBO An American Paint Horse, Hobo is 15 hands and 10 years old.  Doug found Hobo at a riding school in 2002 , where he had developed a devilish reputation.  Doug saw his potential and gave him a second chance.  He is now one of Doug's favorite mounts and future trick horse. Back to List
Elizabeth Graves Gaited Horses	Elizabeth Graves Elizabeth Graves has spent her lifetime to date within the horse industry growing up with her mother who what a successful trainer in her own right. Elizabeth’s foundation started in none gaited breeds and expanded to gaited horses in 1978. She has shown non gaited horses since 1965 and various gaited breeds since 1978. She has shown to local, state and national championships in a variety of breeds and disciplines through the years. Elizabeth has over 30 years of experience and a multie licensed judge through out the untied states and Canada. Elizabeth now spends much of her time conducting clinics nationally and internationally, completing over 450 to date. She specializes in Biomechanics and locomotion of all breeds of horses, teaching natural development with out gimmicks.  Elizabeth’s mission statement:  “Teaching horses and people humanly and peacefully.” For Elizabeth it is all about sharing and bringing a higher standard of horsemanship to all with the desire. Elizabeth also owns Elizabeth Graves Productions, a video production company producing well known videos such as “A Gathering of Gaits”, “Icelandic Horse Gathering”, “How Structure Related to gait”, and her newest release, “A Bit About Bits”. She owns and resides at Shades Of Oak Ranch LLC in Spring Valley, MN were she still teaches horses and riders, conducts workshops and spends her relaxing time writing articles and painting.
Eric Haydt, RAS, VP, Sales & Marketing Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc. Presentation Sponsored by	Eric Haydt, RAS Eric graduated in 1977 from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Accounting, but went immediately in a different direction.  Since graduating he has worked in all areas of the feed industry exclusively, including manufacturing, sales, marketing and management primarily in the equine environment.  He is currently Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Triple Crown Nutrition and has been involved from the inception in the Triple Crown feed line, and is a member of the American Association of Professional Animal Scientists.  Eric and Triple Crown are dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of equine nutrition to provide the newest innovations and the healthiest diets for our equine companions. Back to List
Everett Alexander Insurance	Everett Alexander Back to List
International Side Saddle Association Side Saddle	International Side Saddle Association, Victorian Ladies Aside - Side Saddle Sanctioned by ISSO, Victorian Ladies Aside was formed in the early 1990's by a group of ladies with an interest in recreating an elegant vision of the lost art of riding in a sidesaddle.  Utilizing historically correct 1860's period attire these ladies perform demonstrations at Civil War reenactments and other clinics and shows.  Led by Janet Brown of Bumpass, VA, every attempt has been made to accurately portray a proper lady of the 1860's. The International Side Saddle Organization (www.sidesaddle.com), also known as ISSO, is a group dedicated to the art of side saddle riding.  Whether you are a side saddle rider who rides for her own enjoyment or if you are a rider who loves to compete we are here for you.  Our members, at present, run the gamut from trail riders to third level Dressage riders, to ladies who participate in reining, Western Pleasure, Saddle Seat and parades and everything in between.  Back to List
Jose Mendez: Classical Dressage	Jose Mendez: Classical Dressage Former Rider and Trainer of The Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, Spain, Jose Mendez, is an artist on horseback.  His riding embodies all aspects of the art dressage yet his clinics are practical  and relevant, combining basic dressage principles with a touch of classical dressage. Jose’s skill of horsemanship is highly respected throughout the Equestrian world. He has successfully trained and competed at an International Level in Dressage up to and including Grand prix. Spanish born Jose Mendez started his training in classical dressage at an early age of 12 at the famous Riding School of Equestrian Art (the Royal School in Spain) where he gained extensive knowledge and training in all aspects of classical dressage including airs above the ground (haute ecole).  Jose competes and trains a magnificent team of horses, including many National Champion stallions, and has been selected to represent Australia internationally at Grand Prix.  He is an Official Coach Educator for the Equestrian Federation and one of only 3 ISRB Level 3 coaches world-wide.  His starring roles in performances at gala evening shows have always left audiences spell-bound, and his in-hand and long rein work shows a remarkable level of expertise and lightness that delight us all.   In hand/piaffe lessons are his specialty, but he is a master at helping students at any level establish a strong basic foundation upon which to build.
Julie Goodnight The Horse Master Sponsored by Nutramax Labs/Cosequin	Julie Goodnight - Goodnight Horsemanship You know Julie Goodnight as The Horse Master on her award-winning RFD-TV television show. Through her varied background—riding and training horses in dressage, jumping, racing, reining, colt-starting, versatility ranch work, and wilderness riding—Julie has discovered the underlying principles important to any type of riding. She teaches "Classic Skills for a Natural Ride" and communicates clearly with horses and riders in any discipline and at any level. Julie travels coast-to-coast—and beyond—throughout much of the year to help horses and riders at horse expos, conferences, clinics, and while filming for her television “makeover” show. Julie has been featured in the top equestrian publications, including The Trail Rider, Horse & Rider --where she's a member of Team Horse & Rider-- and America’s Horse. Her syndicated columns appear in over 15 regional publications throughout North America. Her interactive websites: juliegoodnight.com, horsemaster.tv, and her channel on youtube.com reaches an even wider audience. Julie is also the Spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association, a non-profit organization that promotes safety and excellence in horsemanship. In 2008 she was named Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator--one of only three awards ever given. Julie resides near Salida, Colorado, at her private horse ranch with her husband, Rich Moorhead, who manages Monarch Mountain  ski resort. Back to List
Kenny Harlow Training with Trust	Kenny Harlow, Training with Trust   Kenny Harlow is a true horseman sharing his “Training with Trust” methods with horses and students alike, gaining astounding results.  He is a graduate of John Lyons very first certification program and has continued his education training under top trainers in the disciplines of dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, and reining.  He has been featured on national television shows including Hard Copy, NBC weekend and the Today show. Many newspapers and horse publications such as Horse World magazine, Equine Journal, and Chronicle of the Horse have featured articles on Kenny’s Training Methods. His specialty is working with problem horses and starting unbrokes.  He proves that clear communication and patience is the key to solving the most difficult of problems.   Kenny resides in Cumberland VA, and continues to teach a year long certification program, apprenticeship programs, horses and rider training vacations, as well as traveling the east coast teaching 5 day riding clinics.  Together with his paint gelding “Dozer” they continue to encourage horses and students alike to become partners through safe, effective techniques bearing results.  His revamped exercises make training faster, and allow a solid understanding of a firm training foundation. Back to List
Karen Scholl Horsemanship for Women Trainer Challenge Contestant	Karen Scholl - Horsemanship for Women With a background of almost 20 years teaching how to shape the behavior of horses using equine psychology, Karen Scholl has developed a safe, fun and effective format that has a special appeal for women.  Horsemanship for Women addresses the three most common issues many people experience when it comes to horses:  Establishing leadership, building confidence and gaining mutual trust with horses.  Women are especially challenged when it comes to establishing the leadership position with a horse.  By understanding the culture of herd dynamics, the horses can teach us the difference between aggressive versus assertive, being kind versus being a wimp, and the ultimate bond horses naturally form when they recognize the qualities of leadership in us.  The base of study is in Karen’s video series that has been recognized as one of the better explanations of both herd psychology and effective techniques with horses.  Hands-on courses are also offered throughout the United States and Canada to accelerate the learning process, and her highly educational website, www.karenscholl.com features Karen’s ‘virtual tour’ where she personally explains various aspects of her method on short video segments.    Accessing a method designed to instantly expand those qualities horses understand and are naturally attracted to can strengthen the bond with any horse in any given situation - even the unexpected.  And with Karen’s outstanding explanations, you’ll be able to do it yourself... guaranteed! Back to List
Laura Stopper, PAS Presentation Sponsored by	Laura Stopper, PAS  Laura works as a Regional Equine Specialist for Southern States Cooperative.  Her focus is on nutrition and health.  Her territory includes eastern and northern VA and eastern NC.   Laura has her undergraduate degree from UNC and is a certified Advanced Equine Feedmaster.  She is recognized as an Equine Professional Animal Scientist by the ARPAS registry. Back to List
Leisha Griffith Barrel Racing	Leisha Griffith Leisha Griffith is an accomplished horsewoman, with a long history in ranching and rodeo. She specializes in barrel racing, equitation, and performance horses. Her passion is not only to continue her development as a student of the horse, but to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. Leisha is an insightful, entertaining, inspirational clinician and horsemanship instructor.   Back to List
Lorrie Bracaloni Equine Therapies	Lorrie Bracaloni: Pain Point Release Application(Equine Therapies, Pain Release) Lorrie Bracaloni has self published a DVD and workbook, "How to Release Your Horse's Pain Points". She has helped horses be sound and healthy for over 10 years. Lorrie is also an Animal B.E.S.T. (Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique) Certified Practitioner with the Morter Health System. Pain Point Release Application Lorrie Bracaloni a Certified Holistic Equine Practitioner shows you what  to look for on the horse's body, where the pain points are and what you as a horse owner can do about them. She will teach easy application methods anyone can do to release them. You will see a difference in your horse if his pain points are misaligned. This method will save the horse owner money and time with their horse health care needs. Plus your horse will love you for it.   Back to List
Dr. Martin Adams Presentation Sponsored by	Dr. Martin Adams Dr. Martin Adams is the equine nutritionist and horse feed manager for Southern States since 1999, based in Richmond, Virginia.  He writes equine nutrition articles for EquuSSource, a magazine for horse owners published quarterly by Southern States.  Dr. Adams was team coordinator of equine nutrition research for Cooperative Research Farms for 5 years, an organization that Southern States is a member.  Presently he serves on the CRF Equine Nutrition Research team as the Southern States member.   Before coming to Southern States he was equine nutritionist for Seminole Feed in Ocala, Florida.  Dr. Adams has also served on the animal science faculty at Louisiana Tech University.  He holds two undergraduate degrees from Southwest Missouri State University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Science (Nutrition) from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has a professional animal scientist (PAS Equine) certification.  Back to List
Megan Taylor Presentation Sponsored by	Megan Taylor   Megan was raised in a suburb of Louisville Kentucky where she worked on 2 local dairy farms and showed dairy cattle in 4-H.  Megan attended the University of Kentucky for her BS and MS degrees in Animal Science with a dairy production emphasis.  She then attended Virginia Tech and earned a  PhD in dairy nutrition;  her research was focused on Ca and P metabolism from bone in early lactation.  Upon graduation, Megan moved back to Kentucky and has been employed with Alltech since 2007. Back to List
Melisa Pearce Touched by a Horse	Melisa Pearce - Touched by a Horse These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe Melisa. She has a background in Psychotherapy, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University, and is certified in Gestalt Therapy. As a highly successful entrepreneur, business and personal coach, and motivational speaker, she and her coaching staff, work with a wide variety of business owners, athletes, executives, sales personnel and entrepreneurs. Her leadership skills have taken her one of the top positions in a direct sales company. She is often a keynote speaker, emcee and corporate trainer. Aside from her many business ventures, Melisa is a highly accomplished horsewoman. Her love of horses began as a small child and she has devoted her life to raising championship APHA Paint horses on their Lil Bit North Ranch, which is nestled along the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. She competes on both the Regional and World levels in a variety of categories. Her pride and joy is her gorgeous 3 time World Championship stallion, Go Robin Bar, who has sired many other champions in the making. Raising horses has been a long and productive endeavor. For most of her adult years she has also hosted boarders at two of her large facilities and been active in the horse community overall. Inspired by the relationship with horses as well as her background in psychotherapy, the event Touched by a Horse™ was born. The program incorporates time with the horses and deep personal exploration. As the equine partner mirrors the person's traits and emotions, the process unfolds. The feedback and communication from the participants following their "Touched by a Horse" experience has been truly inspirational. As one past participant stated "the unique nature of the program allowed me to recognize various behavior patterns that have limited me. This new level of awareness has increased my capacity in both my business and personal life. Thank you Melisa." Back to List
Randy Abernathy	Randy Abernathy - General Training Randy Abernathy has over 20 years experience working with horses. He grew up on a small farm in Virginia where his family farmed, raised cattle and horses. He has been riding since the age of 10. Randy has been very fortunate to be able to study under and learn from some of the best horsemen in the world. Randy conducts clinics in the US as well as Europe. He has performed at expo’s and has been helping people with their horses for many years. He tries to help people think about their horses differently. He knows that once a horse’s owner changes the way he or she thinks about horses, that improves the horse’s life forever. Trying to understand the way horses think and their language has been a lifelong pursuit of Randy’s. Now, not only is Randy becoming recognized and respected as a horseman but as a spiritual teacher as well. He realized along time ago that your horse is merrily a reflection of what you know and understand about them. When you change the way you think, it changes every aspect of your life from how you get along with horses to how you get along with people. Randy was selected as one of the trainers for the 2006 East Coast Trainer Challenge. www.randyabernathy.com Back to List
Richard Shrake Resistance Free Training	Richard Shrake (Western Riding, General Training)   Richard Shrake is known as the Trainer's Trainer, Master of Horsemanship. Why do some horse people succeed, while others fail? There are a number of reasons. Among them, the presence of someone you can model yourself after. A teacher whose professional capabilities and personal qualities are worthy of respect. A teacher who has already achieved and gives people the tools to succeed themselves. Unfortunately, role models are few and far between, that's why Richard Shrake fills all the needs of the goal oriented horse person. It is not hard to understand why Richard is such a phenomenal success. He is considered by his peers as the "Trainer's Trainer", and shares his extensive knowledge and humane training techniques to all who know him. The Richard Shrake method of teaching allows all who follow his riding and training methods to gain the greatest possible insight into their horse's minds and their riding ability. His gift of being able to break down each problem into a very solvable situation is what makes his teaching far above all other trainer's methods. As you can see, if you want to excel in your riding and training skills, you've got to have a mastery of fundamentals and be aware of your talents. You must have the teacher who has the credentials to take you to the level you want to reach. Richard has devoted his life to training horses and instructs people to reach their top goals, and he did this by reaching the top in the professional horse business himself. By watching his flawless teaching techniques, you can see why he has earned the title "The Master of Horsemanship". He has written three top selling books: Resistance Free™ Riding, Western Horsemanship and Resistance Free™ Training. Richard Shrake is the world renowned horse trainer, instructor and judge from Sunriver, Oregon. He resides there with his wife, Lee Ann, and their son, Justin. They own and operate A Winning Way, Ltd., the company that produces the Richard Shrake video series. This is the most extensive equine video series on the market today, featuring 18 titles. All videos are in an easy to follow, step-by-step lesson format. He has conducted demonstrations and lectures at Horse Expos, Fairs & events in all 50 states, Europe and Canada. Some of these being: the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Horse World Expo, Equitana USA and Equine Affaire. Shrake has conducted over 1400 clinics in every state in the USA, Germany, Switzerland & Sweden with hands-on instruction for horse and rider. These clinics are attended by riders with horses and spectators. Richard Shrake is the designer of the "Richard Shrake Resistance Free Bit Collection", which consists of nine bits for Western and English. He has also designed a series of saddles, the "Resistance Free Saddle Series". He has judged all the major breeds' World & National Shows several times. Some of these are AQHA, APHA, AHSA, IAHA, ApHA. To date, Shrake's judging career has spanned a 37 year period. His background as a professional horseman started 39 years ago. He has a background in Western, English and Dressage disciplines and an extensive field of knowledge from which to draw from, both in his training and in his teaching of riders. He trains all breeds and teaches all disciplines. His expertise covers a complete range from training and instructing programs for beginning riders to fine tuning top show riders. Shrake has instructed over 40 riders to World Championships and trained numerous World Championship horses. Back to List
Scott Purdum Advantage Horsemanship	Scott Purdum - Advantage Horsemanship Scott has ridden, owned, and worked around horses all his life. He was riding by age 3 and immediately his parents recognized his love and natural abilities towards these animals. A few months after he had been taking lessons under the guidance of his trainer Jill Price, Scott became anxious to get his own horse. After a brief search Scott picked out his first horse which his parents purchased for him. Scott began his show career at age 6 and has continued riding and showing hunters and pleasure horses since. He attended the University of MD for 1 year as a student in their Equine Management Program. He also worked as an intern with top rated Quarter Horse trainer Ken Adkins in West Virginia , whom Scott also has assisted at the Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio . Scott has recently dedicated himself to bringing horses and people together through mutual respect and trust. Scott works primarily by giving individual, customized attention to students, teaching private or small group lessons to his clients. He also maintains approximately 12 horses for full training or breaking. Some of his work includes breaking and training BLM Mustangs, Sport Horses, Quarter Horses, ex-race horses to make hunters, and he has broken 2 year olds for the track. He travels to people's homes or farms to teach trailer loading sessions to clients and their horses. In his spare time, he shows Western Pleasure at both local and AQHA shows with either his own horses or his client's horses. Back to List
Steuart Pittman Retired Racehorse Retraining Project	Steuart Pittman, Jr. (Retired Racehorse Training Project) - is based at Dodon Farm in Davidsonville, MD, where he breeds and trains horses primarily for eventing. He is best known as the owner and rider of America's only living Thoroughbred stallion to have evented successfully at the Advanced level. This stallion, Salute the Truth, is a retired racehorse and now a very popular sire of sport horses. Steuart grew up riding retired racehorses and was able to become a professional by selling horses that he acquired from Mid-Atlantic tracks. In recent years demand for Steuart as a clinician has grown to the point that he has turned to large venues where he can educate and entertain audiences who are eager to hear the training methods of a professional eventer put into language that fascinates even non-riders. He was a lead clinician at the major expos last year in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. Steuart also uses his energy, vision and  ability to inspire people as President of the Maryland Horse Council. Steuart is married to Erin Pittman, who heads the Equine Program at the University of Maryland's Institute of Applied Agriculture and is father to Jesse Pittman who is away at college. Steuart and Erin became very proud parents of twin boys, Sam and Andy, on August 13 of this year. They already have rocking horses. Back to List
Tara Jones General Training, Colt Starting, Instruction	Tara Jones A native of Pennsylvania, Tara Jones has ridden horses and ponies since she was a little girl. In her early twenties she decided she wanted to learn more about the dynamics of how to train horses and became intrigued by many different trainers. She began her journey seeking out the best and most sought after horseman in the industry. In 2005 she graduated from Kenny Harlow’s year long certification program where upon graduation she was hired as his assistant trainer, and teacher. Now residing in Virginia. Tara spends her time  starting young horses under saddle, finding solutions for problem horses , and fine tuning upper level horses. She is also a riding instructor for many different riding disciplines, and all levels of riders. She is the creator of ‘Pieceful Solutions’ riding and training system.  Her strength lies in finding the missing pieces to the puzzling aspects of training. She shines under saddle where she is constantly striving to better her riding to help influence and enhance the horse’s performance. Her passion is teaching, and she dedicates her time to constant education to become a better trainer for her students.  Over the years Tara has worked with some of the industry’s best including John & Josh Lyons, Ken McNabb, Kathy Huggins, Tommie Turvey, Colleen Kelly, and Jose Mendez. When she is not training Tara spends her time writing. She has finished four training manuals which she wrote for Kenny Harlow, and is now beginning her series of books due to be released by the end of this year. Back to List
Tom Seay     The Best of America by Horseback Executive Producer/Host/Trailmaster	Tom Seay     Executive Producer/Host/Trailmaster   Tom has had horses since he was 5 years old. He traveled America, taking people on overnight horseback vacations for nineteen years as a professional horseback outfitter. His largest accomplishment, as an outfitter, was organizing and leading “The American Transcontinental Trail Ride” in 1995. Pursuing a longtime dream, and after a year of logistical planning, Tom successfully lead a group of horseback riders and wagons from Savannah, Georgia, on the Atlantic Ocean, to San Diego, California on the Pacific Ocean, every step of the way on horseback, over 3,000 miles. The trip took four and a half months. Tom was hosted by 83 towns with 256 riders participating on parts of the trip, including Mayors, Chiefs of Police and the Texas Rangers. Former President Jimmy Carter taught the group Sunday School, as the trail ride passed through Plains, Georgia. One of Tom’s past careers included owning three cable television stations during the infancy of the cable industry. He hosted, directed and produced television programs for twelve years, specializing in outdoor sports programs. His experience in television and his love for traveling with horses and trail riding all over the country lead to his current television series Best of America by Horseback. Tom is a graduate of the University of Richmond. Besides producing the Best of America by Horseback television series, Tom is a full time farmer in Virginia. While his years as an outdoorsman are well known, it is unknown to the public that Tom played a key role in back channel negotiations on the international stage. His genuine "down home" farm boy personality and great sense of humor makes you feel like you’ve known him for years.
Tony DeCosta Horses in Motion Official Event Photographer	Tony DeCosta Tony DeCosta’s action photos of horse spots demonstrate his aptitude for being in the right place at just the right moment.  For nearly 30 years, the Nashua, NH, resident has been spanning dramatic shots at such competitions as the 1996 World Equestrian Games, multiple Budweiser Jumping World Cup competitions, the annual US Equestrian Federation Festival of Champions, and other top contests around North America and in Europe.  His work has earned him membership in highly selective International Alliance of Equine Journalists.  Many of his stunning shots have gone on to adorn posters or calendars featuring the stars of dressage, driving, eventing, endurance, or jumping (his specialty).  For equine “portrait” photography, Mr. DeCosta likes to sit down first with the client to explore in depth the horse-and-human relationship, looking to capture that special bond that exists between horse and rider.
Victoria Sherry Moore Riding for Beginners, From the Ground UP!	Vicki Sherry Moore Vicki Sherry Moore is the founder of Safe Start Equine. A dynamic speaker, for twenty five years, Victoria has been instructing students in horseback riding. She specializes in the beginner horse enthusiast.   Victoria received her instruction in Equestrian Science at William Woods University, Fulton, Missouri and is well qualified in coaching both adults and children who wish to begin their experience with horses. She maintains a quiet calm and emphasizes safe handling of the horse and rider. Her experience includes western disciplines, recreational riding, hunt seat, dressage, driving and English pleasure. Victoria currently competes in the open show arenas in her area in halter, showmanship, trail, and western pleasure.  Her love of horses has led her to coaching all types of students from 4H groups to being an adjunct professor for Thomas Nelson Community College. Her motto is “In God, All Things Are Possible.” You may contact Victoria Sherry Moore at vswp140@gmail.com Back to List