Board of Directors Candidates

Bronwen Cheney

I am an active amateur competitor. I have been in Colorado since 1990 & a CHJA member since then as well. I also own Foxcreek MEO. As a competitor, member, & business owner, I am looking to help grow out local equestrian community, show community, & better it for all those involved. I want to help create an even more fun & successful show environment for competitors & businesses

Carol O'Meara

It is my honor to run for re-election to the CHJA Board of Directors. I have been an active board member, serving as Chair of the Rules and Specs Committee and Chair of the Show Standards Committee. I am also a member of the Officials Committee and the Medal Finals Committee. I have been on staff at the Copper Penny Horse Show , volunteered as Clinic Secretary at the Member Benefits Clinic ,volunteered as On-Site Coordinator at Medal Finals, and have served as a volunteer at the Year End Banquet. I was a founder of the Colorado Hunter Jumper Foundation and serve as the CHJF Secretary-Treasurer. I work as Show Secretary for several shows All of these activities have allowed me to gain insight and experience with all of the major programs of CHJA. I offer dependability, experience and commitment to our association and would appreciate your vote.

Christina Trout

Christina Trout is a young professional who owns and operates Carpe Diem Equestrian. Christina has built her program around CHJA and with the mentorship of other CHJA professionals. She loves constantly learning about this sport and this industry and takes every chance to learn more. As a professional that goes to at least 10-20 CHJA shows each year she wants to make sure CHJA is set up for greatness.

Heather Brick

I think that I would make a valuable addition to the CHJA Board of Directors because I offer a unique perspective as a parent of a competitor navigating the sport for the first time. The world of the competitive hunter/jumper sport can be overwhelming and intimidating to enter into. We have had amazing mentors and friends who are all CHJA members and CHJA Board members who have helped show us the way. I want to be on the CHJA Board of Directors to help strengthen the CHJA mission and core values of education, competition, and the well being of our equine partners. In addition, I am a small business owner in Northern Colorado where I value our community and strengthening it through organizations like CHJA that strive to make a positive impact. I believe the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association is an influential and supportive organization that offers exceptional opportunities to its members and I would be honored to be selected to serve on the Board of Directors.

Jessica Pickering

Colorado native and lifetime equestrian. Jessica has been a part of the Colorado Hunter Jumper community since the age of 8 and has remained in it her entire life. As a former professional of 12 years Jessica has a passion not only for the horse but also for competition. Jessica owns Evenstar Farms an equine retirement center in Elbert, CO and actively competes in the hunter/jumper A circuit. I believe I could bring new and seasoned perspective to CHJA, with a hope of helping make the changes needed to grow the CHJA community.

Kate Vredenburg

As a Colorado native and a passionate/fun loving equestrian I bring would like to bring and support a unique blend of experience and dedication to the sport. With years of involvement in the hunter-jumper community, I am committed to promoting horsemanship, fostering growth for riders of all levels, and supporting the continued success of our association. I would love to be considered for a role and look forward to the opportunity to learn and support our community.

Kathy Montgomery

I have been a member of CHJA since the 1970's. I am currently the head coach of the CSU IHSA Equestrian team. I am constantly looking for ways to improve our footprint in the Hunter Jumper industry and remain involved in the community.

Laurie Grayson

 I have served on the board too many years to count and would like to serve another term. I am chair on the Ushja zone 8 committee and I strongly believe making the entities stay connected is important. I also strongly believe in bringing ideas from chja members to the board . So bring me your thoughts

Marti Smith

I have been riding all of my life with a break in my young adulthood for marriage, kids and living abroad. Returned to riding once we repatriated in 2018 and introduced my daughter to the sport. We were very active in schooling shows when we lived in California and have thrived since arriving in Colorado and joining CHJA in 2022. My experience as a stirrup rider, horse owner and show mom to a competitive junior in the CHJA and USEF world I feel led to give back to the CHJA community. I immerse myself into every organization I am involved in and love to work in a team environment. I have a plentitude of experience in project/change management in my previous corporate life as well event planning (having run the inaugural Gala for a 501c3 in Texas, as well as several following years). I would love to be involved in planning the year end banquet, medal finals and anywhere else needs match my experience. I feel it is important to have an active competing CHJA member as well as CHJA Jr parent serving on the board alongside trainers and judges, helps to round out the board's perspective. I have seen many positive changes the past two years and would like to be part of that change.

Megan Downey

I’ve been in the horse community for 25 years. I run a boarding, training, and show facility in the Parker area. Our program is competitive on the Rated Circuit, CHJA Circuit, and has Middle School and High School IEA teams. We also host CHJA shows, IEA shows, and clinics.

Wendy DeRosia

I’m Wendy DeRosia, CHJA member since 2014 and have trained in CO since 2004. Before moving to CO, I rode on the Nationally ranked IHSA team at Centenary College in NJ. I have enjoyed all the benefits and aspects of CHJA for too long without giving back to this organization that aiding in my career and created life long memories for my students plus myself. If elected, I’d love to offer support (as a rider, trainer, business owner) with the educational programs, scholarships, rules and specs, and possibly help bridge a gap between high school CHJA rider’s and their college riding goals.