Speaker Bios

Floor Plan

Wind Rider Challenge

Speaker Information and Biographies - 2008 (alphabetical order)

Please check back in January for our 2009 show info.

Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, 5pm, Seminar Hall A
Saturday, 11am, Seminar Hall A

Erik Anthony  (Disaster Preparedness) - has been a Large Animal Rescue co-instructor for Days End Farm Horse Rescue for 3 years and has responded to over 20 in field emergencies. He is 2nd in command for Days End's national Rescuing Equines in Disaster team and the local Emergency Response Team.

Appearance Schedule:
Friday, 6pm, Seminar Hall 

Denny Burns (Vacationing With Your Horse) is a Research Technician in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University. He was born, raised and later operated a dairy farm in Central PA. After marriage, horses became a part of the farm operation for pleasure and profit, operating a boarding stable and breeding quarter horses. He and his wife have spent several years trail riding and camping in the mountains of PA. They have assisted and supported the 4-H competitive trail riding program. Trail riding and camping has become their passion and almost all of their free time is spent in the mountains enjoying what Pennsylvania has to offer. The years of riding and camping have taught them how to make the experiences rewarding and enjoyable. Many weekends find them enjoying the great outdoors with their friends. Benezette in Elk County is a favorite destination. From their experiences, they have learned many tips and ideas which they are willing to share to make vacationing with your horse rewarding and enjoyable.

Pat Comerford,
Pennsylvania Equine Council, booth 213-215, 233-235
Penn State University, booth 212

Appearance Schedule:
Saturday, 4pm, Seminar Hall B

Pat Comerford is Extension Horse Specialist and Instructor of Animal Science at Penn State University. She has been involved in the horse industry for over 30 years as an owner, rider, farm manager, breeder and educator. Pat appreciates all aspects and disciplines of the horse industry and maintains a goal of lifelong learning of horsemanship, safety and management.

Pat coordinates and provides leadership for the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program and is active in state and national youth horse organizations. She develops educational materials for youth and adults, manages and coordinates horse events and shows, works with breed and industry organizations, presents educational programs for youth and adults, advises students, develops undergraduate curriculum, and assists with undergraduate courses in equine production and management. Pat is the author of numerous publications on equine management, nutrition, safety, and youth horse programs.

Pat is a Past President and director of the American Youth Horse Council and a director of the Pennsylvania Equine Council. She is a member of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, Equine Science Society, American Horse Council, Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Certified Horsemanship Association and United States Equestrian Federation. She and her family operate a small farm and ride, breed and show American Quarter Horses.

Carol Coppinger, Parelli Natural Horsemanship Booth 1035-1038  

Carol Coppinger (Parelli Natural Horsemanship) - Carol entered into Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship from a position as a full-time Computer Systems Analyst with 20 years experience prior to her current status as a PNH 4 Star Premier Instructor, certified to instruct since 1997. As an adjunct to her then full - time career, she competed in both English and Western disciplines, including saddle seat, barrels and poles, jumping, trail obstacle and obstacle driving. She garnered several World Championships to satisfy her goals, primarily in gaited horses, extending her training abilities to trotting horses. She excelled in young "show prospect rejects" producing world-class competitors and well-schooled trail/pleasure horses. Training to high levels, yet finding owners unwilling to make the same commitment to excellence, proved frustrating. She mounted an extensive search for a system that approached both the horse and the human. 

In late 1994, Carol discovered Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship; a system allowing all owners to develop meaningful relationships with horses, achieving any level of horsemanship they could imagine. Throughout that time, Carol studied with Pat at the ISC, attending all instructor courses/conferences and numerous colt starting/difficult horse and Levels courses offered. She participated as part of the Savvy Team for the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern Success With Horses Tour and has demonstrated with Pat and Linda at Equine Affaires, Equitana and Savvy Conferences. Currently, she teaches Levels 1, 2 and 3 clinics, camps and workshops throughout the US from Florida to Maine and West to Alaska, as well as instructing at both the Colorado and Ocala International Study Centers. She is endorsed to teach and assess through Level 3.

Ryan Gingerich, Equestrian Connection booth 622 - 625

Ryan Gingerich (Retraining Ex-Racers) - From his days riding his "stick horse" and playing the Lone Ranger to the animals on his Grandfather's Indiana farm, Ryan Gingerich has had a love of horses that seems to transcend the normal horse and rider relationship. His ability to get into "the mind of the horse" allows him to rehabilitate horses others have decided are hopeless. He often says there are no bad horses, only bad training.

Ryan began his professional horse career as a trail guide. His love affair with the horse then led him to complete a national certification program where he continued working after graduation. His ability to work with troubled horses was put to good use there and he continued to develop the bond with these horses that today has him branded as "The Behaviorist". This title is well earned not only through his natural ability but through study and the application of scientific research into horse behavior. Ryan frequently refers to Dr. Andrew Mclean, Director of the Australian Equine Behavior Centre. Dr. McLean was so impressed by his communications with Ryan that he paid his own way to the United States to work with Ryan in person. They continue to share knowledge.

Ryan has developed his training program, Connective Horsemanship, using a marriage of science and tradition. His five elements of Connective Horsemanship offer a simple language for the rider and the horse. These five elements consist of Basic Control, Lightness, Rhythm, Line and Connection. This language uses a technique Ryan calls exclusivity which requires that the horse need give only one response to one cue and when used correctly leads to "deletion" of incorrect behavior. This eliminates confusion in the horse and owner helping both to relax and learn. Ryan uses this technique to rehabilitate horses with behaviors that range from bolting and bucking to buddy sour. His method crosses all disciplines and is used at his National Equine Behavior Center in Troy, Missouri to rehabilitate every breed of horse from off track Thoroughbreds to Quarter horses.

Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, 1pm, Seminar Hall A
Friday, 11am, Round Pen Arena
Sunday, 10am, Seminar Hall A

Julie Good (Owning/Showing the Miniature Horse) - is a CHA Certified Master Instructor who has chosen to use her talents not as a profession, but to fulfill a passion of helping others realize the benefits of a trusting partnership and bond one can experience with horses. She has used her certification as a way to ensure that what she is sharing with others is taught effectively, accurately and safely.

Julie chooses to volunteer her time with 4H helping with clinics and with members one on one to help them build a better relationship with their horse and a greater understanding of how they can help their riding and their horse's performance. She has volunteered her time at a local Christian Camp with a strong horsemanship program. She has also volunteered her time helping to instruct students at a therapeutic riding program.

Her experience has been with large horses in both Western and English disciplines, focusing on horsemanship and the benefits of understanding the horse in all aspects of interaction. After many years of breeding AQHA, APHA and international quality warmbloods, she took a break from breeding after her last foal in 2001 was on the ground.

Julie is owner and manager of Azariah Miniatures at Meadowind Farm in Manheim, PA. She currently breeds and shows international quality miniature horses with her son. They show in AMHA/AMHR shows in the central and eastern US and feel quite privileged to have qualified for the AMHA World Show the past few years bringing home several World Top Ten awards, most recently a 2007 AMHA Reserve World Champion in Youth Liberty. They hold titles in halter, liberty, color and driving, amateur, youth and open. They also have many top 5 and Champion and Reserve Championship honors at the Eastern Championship levels.

What Julie shares has been learned through years of reading, watching skilled horsemen and women and continuing to participate in clinics and lessons by some world-renowned trainers. This continues to increase her knowledge and understanding of how to best communicate with her horses. She has a passion to educate others on the joy miniature horses can bring to people of all ages. The many opportunities she has had with miniature horses has lead her to pursue speaking and demonstration events to allow others to see the many exciting activities the Miniature Horse World has to offer.

Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, 3pm, Large Arena
Thursday, 5pm, Round Pen Arena
Friday, 11am, Seminar Hall A
Friday, 2pm, Round Pen Arena
Saturday, 11am, Round Pen Arena
Saturday, 3pm, Seminar Hall A
Sunday, 1pm, Seminar Hall A
Sunday, 4pm, Large Arena

Julie Goodnight (English and Western Performance) - is a full-time equine professional with more than a quarter-century of experience. Her varied background ranges from dressage and jumping to racing, reining, colt-starting, and wilderness riding.

Julie is known for her upbeat and logical style of teaching, and for her ability to bridge natural horsemanship techniques with the principles of classical riding.

Julie's extensive experience training horses and riders has earned her the moniker, “Communicating Clearly with Horses and Riders.” She travels coast-to-coast and beyond much of the year to horse expos, conferences and clinics to teach horses and people about each other. Her training and teaching techniques are frequent features of Western Horseman, Equus, Certified Horsemanship Association's The Instructor and many other excellent equine publications and websites. Her television debut in July 2007 rounds out her multi-media appearances.

Julie Goodnight was also the Program Director for Certified Horsemanship Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety and quality of riding programs. CHA offers instructor, trail guide, facility manager, and other certifications as well as facility accreditation and a wealth of resources for horse professionals.

Julie Goodnight resides near Salida, Colorado, at her private horse ranch with her husband, Rich Moorhead, the CEO of Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area.

Appearance Schedule:
Friday, 3pm, Equine Arena
Friday, 5pm, Round Pen Arena
Saturday, 3pm, Large Arena
Saturday, 5pm, Round Pen Arena
Sunday, 10am, Large Arena
Sunday, 2pm, Round Pen Arena

Elizabeth Graves (Gaited Horses) - has spent her life 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 non 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 local, state and national championships in a variety of breeds and disciplines through the years.

Elizabeth has over 27 years of experience and is a multi licensed judge throughout the US and Canada. Elizabeth now spends much of her time conducting clinics nationwide completing over 38 per year. She specializes in Biomechanics of all breeds of horses, teaching natural development without 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 is Related to Gait", and her newest release, "A Bit About Bits". She also owns Lizer Design’s where she designs, manufactures and retails supportive aids.

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.

Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, 2pm, Round Pen Arena
Thursday, 6pm, Seminar Hall A
Friday, 1pm, Round Pen Arena
Saturday, 2pm, Round Pen Arena
Saturday, 5pm, Seminar Hall A
Sunday, 3pm, Round Pen Arena

Scot Hansen (Self Defense for the Rider) - is a retired mounted police officer who trained officers and horses, purchased remounts, and worked the streets. During this time, he had the opportunity to ride horses in and around obstacles that the average person never encounters. He has ridden horses through difficult spots like railroad yards, tunnels, freeways, bars, crowd control, stadiums, fireworks, and under hovering helicopters. Besides his street work, Scot has ridden horses from the beaches and ocean shores of California, to the mountains in Montana.

He has learned his trade through numerous schools and clinics and most of all by "living it." He attended the San Jose Mounted Police School and the RCMP Riding School in Ottawa, Ontario. He has participated in numerous clinics and trained with many of today’s top Natural Horsemanship clinicians. In addition to those skills, he has also had training from classical dressage instructors and has a good working knowledge of dressage. He has participated in brandings, team penning, trail riding, and packing. This broad background gives Scot a vast working knowledge of what it takes to have a horse perform in a variety of disciplines and environments.

In 2002, Scot created a clinic and later produced an award winning video "Self Defense for Trail Riders." Based on questions from his clients about safety on the trails, he developed the clinic and video for trail riders who wanted to know how they could use their horse to defend against a human predator on the trail. Numerous articles about his work have been published in regional and national newspapers and magazines, and he has made guest appearances on radio shows. He now performs his "Self Defense for Trail Riders" demonstrations at Horse Expos throughout the nation.

Scot has had many training and general horsemanship articles published widely both in print and on-line. His wide range of experience, instruction, and practical use of horses allows Scot to effectively teach a wide array of horsemanship skills. Scot is available for demos and clinics worldwide.

Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, 1pm, Round Pen Arena
Friday, 12pm, Round Pen Arena
Friday, 2pm, Equine Arena
Saturday, 12pm, Round Pen Arena
Sunday, 10am, Round Pen Arena

Kenny Harlow (General Training, Problem Solving) - is a certified John Lyons Trainer. He graduated from John's very first certification program 12 years ago. He has also studied training and riding under Richard Shrake, as well as top trainers in the disciplines of dressage, eventing, and hunter/jumper. He now resides at his training facility in Cumberland, Virginia.

He is internationally known and has successfully completed an eight-day clinic tour in England, which was hosted by the AQHA UK. For the past ten years, Kenny and "Blue" have participated at top-rated events such as Horse World Expo in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and Ohio. For the past 2 years Kenny has been using his new horse "Tigger" which is actually a ˝ brother of his horse "Blue".

Kenny has been featured on the national television shows "Hard Copy" and "NBC Weekend Today Show". He has also been featured on "Hoof beats." Kenny has been featured in Chronicle of the Horse, Horse World Magazine, The Northeast Equine Journal, Horse News, Horse Connection, Equine Journal, and Virginia Horse Journal, as well as many other newspapers and horse publications. Kenny's clinics benefit numerous 4-H clubs and non-profit organizations such as The Pennsylvania Equine Council, The Retired Standard bred Foundation, and various other horse councils, horse clubs, and breed associations. In addition, he has conducted clinics and training sessions at numerous schools and universities.

Kenny not only teaches basic training techniques, but can also solve the most difficult of problems using his humane techniques. Kenny's specialty is working with problem horses and starting unbrokes. He proves that clear communication and patience is the key to solving some of the most difficult of problems. Often, he is the last resort for both owner and horse. Kenny's "Training with Trust" methods allow him to build a relationship with the horse in a way that encourages compliance.

Kenny's talent and expertise in training is not limited to problem and unbroke horses but also includes his three-day conditioning/response-riding clinic that is designed to allow both rider and horse to learn training techniques simultaneously. His clinics have become very popular and include participants that range from backyard horse owners to top trainers and Olympic riders. He has just introduced three day Horse & Rider Training Vacations at his Ranch in Virginia.

Appearance Schedule:
Sunday, 12pm, Seminar Hall B

Walt Jeffers (PA Horse Owners and Insurance) - is President of the Pennsylvania Equine Council. Walt has been active with insurance related issues for agriculture since 1977 in his insurance practice specializing in agriculture. He is past president of York Chamber of Commerce’s Agri-Business Committee, member of Ag Issues Forum and has participated in American Horse Council meetings representing Pennsylvania Equine Council issues.

Walt has attained his Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation in Property and Casualty Counseling. He owns the Walter Jeffers Insurance Agency and travels mostly between New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia Horse country servicing his business.

Bob Jeffreys, Two as One Horsemanship, booth 416-417

Bob Jeffreys (Two as One Horsemanship, Wind Rider Challenge) - If you think that New York doesn't have cowboys, then you have never met Bob Jeffreys. For over 25 years Bob has been helping riders develop their horsemanship skills to produce the most rewarding relationship possible with their horses. He is the founder of the Partnership Training for Horse & Rider® system. His unique Vowel Method of Applied Pressure™ used in horse training enhances the rider's ability to communicate using the most effective techniques available to gain control over the horse's specific body parts.

His students enjoy his no-nonsense approach, witty attitude and his uncanny ability to pinpoint problems and develop specific solutions. Bob's home base, Jeffcrest Ranch, is located next to a 3,800 acre state park with miles of riding trails in Middletown, New York. He writes columns for various equine publications, has been featured on both radio and equine TV shows, and has authored a book, "It's All About Breakthroughs". Bob is also an AQHA Professional Horseman.

Bob and Suzanne's Two as One Horsemanship™, a unique horse training partnership, strikes a perfect balance between the English and Western riding disciplines that inspires equine enthusiasts worldwide. Join them online, at equine expos nationwide, and for their Two as One Clinics, Horsemanship Education Courses, and ProTrack™ Horse Trainer Certification Program.

Appearance Schedule:
Friday, 3pm, Seminar Hall A
Friday, 5pm, Equine Arena

Mike Jennings (Working Stock Horse) - has been an AQHA approved judge for 28 years. He has judged
the AQHYA World Championship Show three times and the Fort Worth Stock Show twice, as well as shows in Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand. He was also an NRHA judge for 9 years. Mike is an AQHA Director for Virginia.

In 1987, Mike was NRHA Reserve World Champion Limited Non Pro Reiner and Reserve Champion Novice Non Pro Reining at the Quarter Horse Congress. He has earned money in Reining, Reined Cowhorse and Cutting competition and has qualified for the AQHA World Championship show in Reining and Working Cowhorse.

Mike and his brother Tim own Professional Auction Services, Inc., a horse auction management company since 1979 selling nearly 50,000 horses with gross sales of horses in excess of $150,000,000.00. The company has managed the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show Sale.  Mike was the Auctioneer when Uno Dixie, sold for a World Record price for a Cutting Horse broodmare.

Mike Jennings is married to Stephanie with daughter, Kendall, 19 and son, Tyler, 16. The family owns and operates Jennings Performance Horses in Round Hill, VA where they breed, develop and sell Quarter Horses for Hunter, Reining and Cowhorse events.

Appearance Schedule:
Saturday, 10am, Seminar Hall A

William "Bill" Kitsch (Farm and Trailer Financing) - has been employed with MidAtlantic Farm Credit for five years. He is manager of the commercial and agri-consumer groups overseeing the lending functions related to these two segments. He graduated from Delaware Valley College where he earned a degree in agribusiness. He also holds a masters degree in Business Administration from Millersville University. Bill resides in Berks County with his wife and three children. He is active in his church and serves on the Berks County Republican Committee.

Larry Kuyper, Red Man Ranch, booth 618

Larry Kuyper (Team Penning) - has spent his entire life showing horses in various disciplines, including speed events, reining, working cow horse and team penning and sorting. Most recently Larry has competed in Texas, Oklahoma, Canada and up and down the East Coast in Team Penning and Sorting. Larry is one of nine riders representing the East Coast at the United States Team Penning Association (USTPA) Finals in Amarillo, Texas in the World Championship competition. Larry’s success in the show pen has been highlighted by winning the All American Quarter Horse Congress Team Penning; being Reserve Champion at the Congress in Reining; being the Pennsylvania AQHA working cow horse year end champion; finishing in the top 10 in the nation in team penning for AQHA. He has represented USTPA Region 8 at the National Finals every year since 1993 and has been in the top five at the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City multiple times.

In conjunction with Wayne Rehmeyer, owner and operator of Redman Ranch in Shrewsbury, PA, Larry has been conducting clinics on team penning and sorting. The gentlemen are planning on offering another full slate of clinics in 2007.

Besides being a clinician, Larry’s taken an active role in the leadership of various organizations, including being a life member of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association and the United States Team Penning Association. Presently, Larry is the VP of Rules, By-Laws & Judges for USTPA at the National Level and has also been the USTPA Region 8 Director for five years.

Larry and his wife Brenda live in Elkton, MD, where they train team penning horses, coach riders and sell a small number of high quality horses. They have two grown sons, who live in Harrisonburg, VA.

Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, 6pm, Round Pen Arena
Friday, 6pm, Seminar Hall A
Saturday, 1pm, Seminar Hall A
Sunday, 11am, Round Pen Arena
Sunday, 1pm, Seminar Hall B

KC La Pierre, RJF, MEP, PhD (Shoeless Trimming and Hoof Care) - Dr. La Pierre is the Co-founder of the International Institute of Equine Podiatry, Inc., a professional Farrier for over two decades, a horseman for nearly three decades, and a researcher/educator. KC is a "Registered Journeyman Farrier," proud member of the Guild of Professional Farriers and a traditional Journeyman Blacksmith. In June of 2005 KC La Pierre received his Doctorate in Animal Science. Recognized by many as one of the foremost equine podiatrists in the world today, his lectures and teachings have been presented throughout the U.S. and Ab