Next Board Meeting

February 25, 2019 6:30PM Malone's

Board of Directors

Jill Pelzel

President, Strategic Planning, Medal Finals/Equitation Committee

I am a lifetime member of CHJA and have been actively involved with the board for many years. I am involved in many aspects of the horse industry, including CHJA, USHJA, and IHSA. Besides teaching and training horses and riders for local and A competitions, I coach the CU Equestrian Team and run an active sale horse business. I enjoy volunteering on the Board and will continue to look for opportunities for CHJA to move forward in the industry and become and even stronger organization.

Tracye Ferguson

Vice President, Strategic Planning

Tracye has enjoyed the sport of hunter/jumper riding since the age of 5 where she started with Louise McConnell at Hillcroft Acres.  After a successful junior career under the guidance of Dion Dana, Helen Gould and Wilson Dennehy, Tracye became a professional rider/trainer at the age of 18.  While earning her degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado in Boulder, she worked for Blue Cloud Farms.  After graduating in 1985, Tracye formed her successful training and showing barn, Bristol Farms which later became Meridian Riding Club.  Tracye’s Meridian Riding Club is now located at Capricorn Farm in Golden and at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker.  In addition to owning and running Meridian Riding Club, Tracye also manages several horse shows per year and is a “r” USEF judge and is head coach for the Front Range Equestrian Team with the IEA. As a professional in the hunter/jumper industry for over 30 years, Tracye is interested in continuing to see the sport thrive in this state.  Having served as a many time CHJA board member and committee chair, Tracye realizes the need for professionals in this industry to stay active in their state and national organizations.  Being a native Coloradan and a mother of one, Tracye maintains an active role in ensuring the hunter/jumper industry remains the healthy and fun sport that has given her and so many others years of enjoyment. She is proudly the current President of CHJA and serves as CHJA’s liaison with the USHJA Affiliates Committee. She also serves on the Zone 8 Hunter Committee, the USHJA Cornerstone Task Force and the USHJA Equitation Task Force. She believes, with work, CHJA can become a dominant and productive force in the regional and national hunter/jumper scene. 

Kristina McCombie

Secretary, Member Benefits Committee

I have been an active CHJA member for the past 20 years. I grew up doing the CHJA circuit starting in short stirrup and finished out my junior years in the Junior Hunters and big eqs. During college I rode intercollegiately for the University of Colorado, finishing 8th nationally my senior year. Currently I have an adult hunter whom I absolutely adore, and ride with CHJA president, Jill Pelzel at Fall River Farm. Day-to-day, I am a kindergarten teacher in Arvada, and absolutely love my career.   I am actively involved with many parts of CHJA - from a horse show participant to show employee (I LOVE running the in-gate!). I feel I could bring an amateur lens to the board, and want to make CHJA a more cohesive group of riders, trainers, managers, and community members. I have ideas for new show classes and ways to connect our state end to end. As a recipient of the sportsmanship award and past winner of the Foxcreek Horsemanship Challenge, I would love to see our riders of all ages continuing to be recognized for their sportsmanship and horsemanship with additional opportunities throughout the year. And finally, I want to continue to support our incredible board with all the work they have done in the past and their plans for the future to make this one of the best local HJ organizations in the country. 

Alexia Honegger

Junior Committee, Member Benefits Committee

Alexia​ ​moved​ ​to​ ​Colorado​ ​from​ ​Switzerland​ ​in​ ​2007​ ​and​ ​has since​ ​developed​ ​a​ ​barn​ ​with​ ​schooling,​ ​CHJA​ ​and​ ​A​ ​Show​ ​riders. She​ ​is​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​most​ ​things​ ​hunter​ ​jumper​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​running the​ ​Millbrook​ ​Leathers​ ​retail​ ​brand​ ​and​ ​a​ ​travel​ ​marketing​ ​firm.  Alexia​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​help​ ​CHJA​ ​in​ ​anyway​ ​she​ ​can​ ​and​ ​put​ ​her​ ​marketing/organizational skills​ ​to​ ​good​ ​use.

Amy Henze

Nominating Committee

Amy​ ​Henze​ ​is​ ​a​ ​local​ ​trainer​ ​who​ ​brings​ ​over​ ​22 years​ ​of​ ​experience​ ​and​ ​membership​ ​to​ ​the board.​ ​She​ ​currently​ ​owns​ ​and​ ​operates​ ​North Ridge​ ​Farm​ ​out​ ​of​ ​Longmont,​ ​and​ ​her​ ​clients enjoy​ ​competing​ ​in​ ​all​ ​three​ ​rings​ ​at​ ​both​ ​CHJA and​ ​A​ ​shows.​ ​She​ ​has​ ​a​ ​history​ ​of​ ​working​ ​with CHJA​ ​supporters​ ​like​ ​Foxcreek​ ​Mobile​ ​Outfitters, is​ ​pursuing​ ​her​ ​USHJA​ ​Trainer​ ​Certification,​ ​and has​ ​experience​ ​with​ ​riders​ ​from​ ​up/downs​ ​to Medal​ ​Finals​ ​and​ ​beyond.​ ​Amy​ ​has​ ​never​ ​served​ ​on​ ​the​ ​CHJA​ ​board,​ ​but​ ​seeks to​ ​bring​ ​fresh​ ​perspectives​ ​to​ ​the​ ​organization​ ​that​ ​does​ ​so​ ​much​ ​for​ ​her​ ​and​ ​her clients,​ ​and​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​give​ ​back​ ​to​ ​the​ ​sport​ ​that​ ​has​ ​given​ ​her​ ​so​ ​much.

Carol O'Meara

Show Standards, Rules and Specifications, CHJF

Carol is a past CHJA Board Member and is Rules and Specs Chair and Show Standards Chair. Contact her with any issues, concerns, or comments regarding rules and conduct of shows.

Emily McConnell

Emily grew up riding with her mom and dad, Jim and Kris McConnell at Coventry Farms in Littleton, CO. Throughout her junior career she was lucky enough to get to show many horses and ponies to several championships in hunters, jumpers and equitation. After high school, Emily deferred college for a year and worked for her uncle, John McConnell. From there she was awarded an athletic scholarship for the New Mexico State Equestrian team. Emily has ridden in many clinics in her life, which include George Morris, Bernie Traurig, Fran Dotelli, Anne Kursinski and John Pearce.Graduating college is one of her greatest accomplishments. Emily is a life time member of CHJA and also runs her family’s riding school in Littleton, CO. Throughout the years, Emily has gotten the experience of working for many top professionals including Karen Cudmore, Harriet Bunker, Suzie Balenseifen and Anne Kursinski. Emily is also an active coach of the Little Town IEA team.

Jennifer Duffy

Member Benefits Committee, Copper Penny

Most of my horses and students grow up at the CHJA shows. It is an incredible venue for students and horses to gain show experience. One of my OTTB's Connor was Open Jumper Champion as well as Horse of the Year in 2011. If elected to the CHJA board of directors I would like to grow and improve CHJA's services to its members by improving our show standards, offering more clinic opportunities and scholarship programs. My horses, students, and pretty soon my daughter all compete at CHJA shows and I would like nothing better than to help build and grow what is already a great organization!

Jennifer Shannon

Nomination Committee

A​ ​California​ ​native,​ ​I​ ​was​ ​led​ ​by​ ​my​ ​life-long​ ​love​ ​of horses​ ​and​ ​teaching​ ​to​ ​Colorado​ ​State​ ​University's Equine​ ​Science​ ​program​ ​where​ ​I​ ​earned​ ​a​ ​degree in​ ​Equine​ ​Science​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​my​ ​instructor certification.​ ​In​ ​2001,​ ​I​ ​acquired​ ​Cornerstone​ ​Farm and​ ​have​ ​had​ ​the​ ​pleasure​ ​of​ ​developing​ ​riders through​ ​the​ ​CHJA​ ​ranks​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​getting​ ​riders involved​ ​in​ ​clinic​ ​opportunities​ ​and​ ​the​ ​IEA program.​ ​What​ ​I​ ​love​ ​about​ ​CHJA​ ​is​ ​that​ ​it​ ​provides a​ ​friendly​ ​venue​ ​to​ ​introduce​ ​new​ ​riders​ ​to​ ​the world​ ​of​ ​competition.​ ​I​ ​would​ ​like​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​give​ ​back​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Colorado hunter/jumper​ ​community​ ​and​ ​assist​ ​CHJA​ ​in​ ​its​ ​endeavor​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​even greater​ ​options​ ​for​ ​its​ ​members​ ​by​ ​being​ ​a​ ​voice​ ​for​ ​those​ ​members.

Kay Beard

Nomination Committee

Thank​ ​you​ ​for​ ​considering​ ​me​ ​for​ ​a​ ​position​ ​on​ ​the​ ​CHJA Board​ ​in​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​election.​ ​I​ ​have​ ​been​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​CHJA for​ ​3​ ​decades​ ​and​ ​have​ ​seen​ ​many​ ​positive​ ​strides​ ​that​ ​the club​ ​has​ ​made​ ​for​ ​its​ ​community.​ ​Over​ ​the​ ​years,​ ​I’ve​ ​had​ ​the fortune​ ​to​ ​view​ ​our​ ​local​ ​sport​ ​from​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​perspectives, ie,​ ​an​ ​exhibitor,​ ​a​ ​trainer,​ ​a​ ​judge,​ ​a​ ​spectator​ ​and​ ​a​ ​enthusiast for​ ​the​ ​many​ ​teams​ ​of​ ​riders​ ​competing.​ ​All​ ​of​ ​the aforementioned​ ​viewpoints​ ​have​ ​offered​ ​me​ ​a​ ​unique perspective​ ​of​ ​the​ ​organization​ ​over​ ​the​ ​years.​ ​I’ve​ ​owned​ ​my own​ ​business​ ​that​ ​regularly​ ​competed​ ​in​ ​CHJA​ ​shows​ ​for​ ​the​ ​past​ ​decade.​ ​In​ ​the​ ​spring of​ ​this​ ​year,​ ​I​ ​transitioned​ ​out​ ​of​ ​owning​ ​a​ ​show​ ​barn​ ​operation​ ​to​ ​contributing​ ​in​ ​a different​ ​way.​ ​I’ve​ ​remained​ ​a​ ​professional​ ​in​ ​the​ ​industry,​ ​yet​ ​now,​ ​enjoy​ ​helping​ ​many busy​ ​professionals​ ​in​ ​the​ ​area​ ​as​ ​a​ ​fill-in​ ​trainer.​ ​I​ ​am​ ​a​ ​proponent​ ​of​ ​each​ ​and​ ​every rider​ ​developing​ ​their​ ​skills​ ​to​ ​a​ ​higher​ ​level​ ​and​ ​to​ ​see​ ​them​ ​achieve​ ​their​ ​goals.​ ​I appreciate​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​be​ ​on​ ​“everyone’s​ ​team.” 

I’ve​ ​always​ ​been​ ​a​ ​strong​ ​proponent​ ​of​ ​education​ ​and​ ​have​ ​hosted​ ​many​ ​clinics​ ​with​ ​top instructors​ ​from​ ​across​ ​the​ ​country.​ ​One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​biggest​ ​lessons​ ​I’ve​ ​learned​ ​in​ ​working with​ ​horses​ ​is,​ ​“The​ ​thing​ ​I​ ​know​ ​for​ ​sure,​ ​I​ ​can​ ​always​ ​learn​ ​something​ ​new!”​ ​I​ ​relish the​ ​opportunities​ ​to​ ​see​ ​our​ ​sport​ ​and​ ​our​ ​equine​ ​partners​ ​from​ ​new​ ​perspectives,​ ​which improve​ ​my​ ​knowledge​ ​base​ ​and​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​be​ ​an​ ​effective​ ​trainer.​ ​One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​many impressive​ ​CHJA​ ​contributions​ ​I’ve​ ​appreciated​ ​is​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Member​ ​Benefits​ ​Committee that​ ​offers​ ​annual​ ​clinic​ ​opportunities​ ​with​ ​fantastic​ ​instructors. 

I​ ​enjoy​ ​my​ ​free​ ​time​ ​with​ ​my​ ​son,​ ​Gus​ ​and​ ​boyfriend​ ​Troy​ ​Davis.​ ​Gus​ ​will​ ​be​ ​turning​ ​13 this​ ​month,​ ​the​ ​independence​ ​of​ ​this​ ​age​ ​is​ ​offering​ ​me​ ​added​ ​time​ ​to​ ​meaningfully contribute​ ​to​ ​our​ ​club.​ ​I​ ​would​ ​particularly​ ​enjoy​ ​helping​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​further​ ​educational opportunities​ ​for​ ​all​ ​CHJA​ ​members​ ​and​ ​playing​ ​a​ ​role​ ​in​ ​seeing​ ​our​ ​historic​ ​CHJA shows​ ​thrive​ ​with​ ​the​ ​times.​ ​Thank​ ​you​ ​again​ ​for​ ​considering​ ​my​ ​nomination​ ​to​ ​the CHJA​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Directors.​ ​It​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​pleasure​ ​to​ ​serve​ ​our​ ​equestrian​ ​community! 

Linnea Throckmorton

As the third generation of the Throckmorton family dedicated to horses, Linnea has a long history of equestrianism. She showed competitively across the nation through her junior years, and interned at a showjumping barn in Germany at a young age. Her time in Germany instilled the importance of a classical approach with the horses, and she has brought young horses up through both the jumper and hunter ranks with this perspective. 

She seeks to join the CHJA Board to help represent more of Northern Colorado and be actively involved at all levels of the sport. Because her father is a USEF licensed course designer, she has grown up knowing the front and back end of competitions. Balancing her time as a first time mom, trainer and an active competitor, she hopes to pool her experiences and knowledge of shows to bring creative solutions. It is her belief that if a “business isn’t growing, it’s dying." Because of this progressive mentality, she wants to see the sport continously promoted through our youth. She feels confident that she would be an asset to CHJA and bring a fresh perspective to the Board. 

Lisa Munro

My name is Lisa Munro and I live in Longmont, Colo. with my husband – Will, horse – Cat, cat – Horse, and our 7 month old, Carter. I’ve been riding and actively involved with horses for over 20 years and have been competing with my heart horse, Cat, for 14 years. Cat and I competed throughout the CA show circuit through high school, participated in Zone 10’s EAP in 2009 and then rode for Fresno State’s NCAA equestrian team from 2009-2013. In 2016, after moving to Colorado from California, I started Horse d’oeuvres, a horse treat business that has been a childhood dream of mine. In 2017, I co-taught a nine week study session for the USHJA horsemanship quiz challenge with my trainer, Kristin Jacob, where we had four girls pass level one, two girls pass level two and our barn winning the zone 8 USHJA stable challenge. In September of 2017, I was listed on the The Plaid Horse Magazine’s 30 under 30 list for my success with Horse d’oeuvres and the USHJA horsemanship quiz challenge. I would love to offer to CHJA my passion for horsemanship, experience as a college athlete and amateur competitor, and continue to support such an amazing organization who has made me feel so incredibly welcome to Colorado.

Sarah V Watson

Medal Finals, Equitation Committee, Silent Auction

Having started my riding and equestrian professional careers in CT, educated myself in Vermont, traveled to New Zealand to ride with Greg Best, and worked up and down the east coast with many of our industry's top professionals, I feel I have a great perspective to bring all that I have learned over the years to the CHJA board. I have now lived  in Colorado 8 years and in that time have learned from some of our own greatest and also branched off alone to start Watson Equestrian.  Having now been a strong competitor on the CHJA and USHJA Colorado circuits I feel I  am ready to participate more strongly in the efforts that go in to our local horse community by sharing my enthusiasm for horsemanship and sportsmanship. When I am not riding and teaching out of my facility, Tolland Falls, in Sedalia, I can often be found up in Vail riding the snow.

Tracey Powers

Tracey Powers holds an Equestrian Science degree from William Woods University as well as the USHJA Certified Trainer certificate. She also coaches Interscholastic (high school teams) and was National Champion Middle School in 2006. She is the Equestrian coach for Colorado College and University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, as well as the US Pentathlon Coach (coaching in London and Rio in 2012 and 2016).

For local Colorado she has had winners in pony hunters, and equitation (to include winning pony medal at Devon and second at pony finals ), junior hunters and back in the day First Year and Second Year hunters as well as “Horse of the Year”.

Jumpers - she has had multiple kids / wins in children’s/ adult jumpers to include USHJA Central Regional Championships Gold medals - And Young Riders

Valerie Williams

Equitation Committee, Medal Finals, CHJF

I grew up riding and showing Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation in Colorado. For the past 23 years, I have been a resident trainer at Shiloh Farms in Golden under the business name of Flat Irons Farm. Here, I have been blessed to work with many wonderful students and their horses. During this time, I have also had the opportunity to view the accomplishments of CHJA from the prospective of a trainer, owner, mother and board member. I have enjoyed serving on the board for the three terms and believe that the current board has been instrumental in effecting many wonderful changes to the system.

I believe Colorado is very fortunate to have an organization like CHJA that supports all levels of trainers, riders and horses. I look forward to the possibility of serving our horse community on the CHJA board in the upcoming term.

Betty Weber

Ex Officio, Historian

I have been affiliated with CHJA for a long time. Throughout this period of
time, I have always promoted a fair and level playing field of competition for exhibitors,
always concerned for the safety of the rider and the welfare of the horse. I will continue
to do so.

I have had the opportunity of working on a National Level with the AHSA,
USET, and USEF as Zone 8 Chairman for two terms, and have been Zone 8 Vice
Chairman numerous times, and a member of the National Hunter Jumper Council while
it was in existence, and am a licensed USEF “R” Steward. On a local level, for the same
period of time, I have served on the CHJA Board of Directors as the elected Secretary,
and have served on almost all of the committees.

Betsy Cvetic

Staff: Webmaster

I am currently a business member of CHJA.  I was an adult amateur member of CHJA for many years with my son Chris Lozyniak.  I competed  as an adult amateur in hunter and jumper divisions at both Group I and Group II level shows in Colorado with Tracye Ferguson. My son Chris competed actively in pony hunters, also with Tracye.  Even though I am no longer an active competitor, I am a passionate horse person, and am thrilled to be serving you as your webmaster.  I welcome your input, and am always here ready to help. If you need assistance with the website, don't hesitate to call me at 720-652-4828.

Franci Martin

Staff: Awards and Year End Banquet

Geoff Combs

Staff: Finance Director

Geoff was the Chief Financial Officer of the Colorado Horse Park April 2006 to January 2017, where he also worked in the show office for many of the shows over the years. Through that experience he has met many of our fellow CHJA members and formed many friendships. Geoff started working at Zaffore Ruane CPAs PC in downtown Parker in the summer of 2017 and recently became a partner. He hopes to stay connected to many people in the horse industry in this new position with CHJA.

Kirsten Turner

Staff: Member Support Manager

I've been a member of CHJA for the past several years.  I am both a long time horse owner and a mother of competitors.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be CHJA's point counter these past few years and am looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming competition year.  I strive to have the points posted both accurately and timely.  If you haven't already, you can friend CHJA on Facebook to see posts of when the points for a particular show have become available on the CHJA website.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding points, please don't hesitate to contact me at membersupport@chja.org.

Sydney Ayers

Staff: Communications, Historian

It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to say that I have been a member of the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association almost my entire life.  I grew up riding at Hillcroft Acres under Louise McConnell and trained alongside some of today's leading professionals.  Through the years, I have participated in numerous CHJA-recognized events as an exhibitor, organizer, announcer, judge and volunteer.  I also have served as the editor of the association’s newsletter for more than 15 years.  This involvement continues to underscore for me the importance of the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association in elevating the sport and growing the next generation of rider in the state's horse community.  As something of an aside, the most important award I have ever earned came from the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association - the Marv Lutteges Adult Amateur Sportsmanship Award.

As a public relations counselor and business owner, I bring a distinct perspective to the board that incorporates a number of best business and communications practices.  I have a deep understanding of how an organization can and should relate to its membership in a meaningful manner.  I also have a working knowledge of social media.  Expertise in these areas has enabled me to collaborate with others in the association to improve communications with the membership while keeping an eye on the bottom line.  Achievements in this area include working in tandem with the membership chairman and web master to migrate a significant number of members to receiving the monthly newsletter via email.  I further developed the association's Facebook page and continue to monitor its activity and growth while encouraging board members and others such as the point chairman to leverage its value as a direct link to the membership. 

I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the board as a communications professional and represent adult amateur competitors throughout the association.  I want to continue to find new ways to engage the membership in critical conversations about the organization.  I also would like to assist the association in continuing to provide the best possible member service.