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Lots to Learn

- January 1st, 2017 - Feature Article, General News

The ‘take home’ for Expo Pomona attendees will be
lessons learned up close from the best clinicians

John and Josh Lyons are among the headliners this year, as Horse Expo Pomona continues to bring top equine experts to its stages and arenas. One ticket price gets you access to unlimited learning, whether you’re a competitor looking for an edge or a recreational rider looking for insight into your human-horse relationship.

John Lyons
One of the most respected trainers around the world, John Lyons is known as “America’s Most Trusted Horseman.” He has earned that title through 30 years of dedication to horses and horse owners. His ideas and concepts in horse training have influenced every level of performance, every style of riding and every breed of horse throughout the world, and it’s safe to say that his ideas and work have changed thousands of lives. John’s sincere regard for people and the horses they love has remained unchanged throughout his career.
John has been honored by many facets of the horse industry, including universities, breed associations, horse clubs, magazines, cities and states for his contributions and dedication to the horse and the industry, and he continues to be one of the most sought-after trainers, speakers, demonstrators and clinicians anywhere. There is hardly an expo in the country or around the world where you will not find John, his children Josh, Brandi, and Michael or one of their certified trainers as a guest clinician. John and his wife Jody live and work in Parachute, Colo., on “Our Dream Ranch.” Their door is always open to everyone and you are invited to stop by anytime.

Josh Lyons
When Josh grew up on a cattle ranch in western Colorado, training horses was not the family focus at the time. It was earning a living from livestock. Soon his dad switched gears from working cattle to training horses, and when John decided to share his training methods with others, Josh was there with him — traveling the country and riding in the clinics. At age 16, Josh gave weekend clinics, trained horses and conducted private instruction at a facility in Minnesota. It was then he realized that he too had a passion for training horses and a gift for teaching people. After graduating high school, Josh worked full-time with his dad. Some years more than 30 weeks were spent on the road conducting symposiums, clinics and expos. At home, Josh assisted with the John Lyons Certification Program, a program he now conducts, manages and owns. The Lyons’ Legacy had begun.
Josh and his wife and partner, Jana, and their sons have relocated in order to establish a training facility in the greater Nashville, Tenn., area. Whether it be for clinics, the John and Josh Lyons Certification Program, or performance training, Josh and Jana are in constant demand.
Josh is a regular guest at major horse expos, such as: Equues America, Equine Affaire, and Equitana. In 2002, he won the

Pat Parelli
Since his first seminar in 1982, Pat Parelli has revolutionized the horse world by introducing a philosophy, a concept and a program called Natural Horsemanship. Pat Parelli has presented in front of over two million people in 27 countries, has been in over 1,000 magazine articles and has presented privately for the Queen of England, President Reagan, Tony Robbins, Gene Autry and Tom Selleck. He has over 200,000 students in his long distance online learning program, called the Savvy Club. With 400 instructors worldwide in his Professionals Program Pat is set out to help make the world a better place for horses and the humans who love them.
Pat Parelli’s focus on preserving real horsemanship and to help you become the person you have always wanted to be with your horse, is what his program is all about. Pat invites you to come see for yourself why he has become “the world’s Horseologist” and the No. 1success coach for millions of horselovers worldwide.

Chris Cox
With his practical, straightforward approach, Chris teaches horse people how to get results. Influenced in his early years by both the English and Western traditions, he has implemented a proven style and technique that can be applied universally across all disciplines.
Chris has been conducting clinics and demonstrations for over 28 years. While teaching the principles and methods behind his authentic horsemanship, Chris has also become a successful trainer/breeder and major competitor in the cutting horse world and also competes in Reined Cow Horse events and team roping when his schedule allows. As a four time undefeated Road to the Horse World Champion he continues to travel the world spreading his message. In 2015, Chris had the honor of being inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Chris has dedicated his life to teaching horsemen and women in the hope that they will come to understand and appreciate horses in their lives. Chris Cox demonstrates, with dedication and a mutual respect, to achieve a versatile and willing partnership between horse and human.

Charles Wilhelm
The Ultimate Super Horse Challenge is a competition consisting of six different events created to show the communication and relationship between the horse and rider, as well as the competitor’s horsemanship and riding skills at the walk, trot and canter. The courses are designed to showcase the versatility of the horse in a variety of areas. A Super Horse is a horse that can go on the trail one day, compete in a Cowboy Dressage test the next, participate in a parade, work cows and more! The challenge is suitable for riders of any discipline and horses of all breeds. As the horse and rider work through each event they will be judged on several criteria as well as overall performance. Competitors will compete for great prizes, including a Charles Wilhelm custom saddle, buckle and the title of Ultimate Super Horse WSHE Champion 2015.

Julie Goodnight
Julie is now best known for her award-winning television show on RFD-TV: Horse Master with Julie Goodnight. Through the show, Julie hopes to help all riders master their equestrian dreams and skills. As “The Horse Master,” Julie shares the wisdom she’s gained by reaching her master-level CHA status and encourages all horse people to become the leaders/masters their horses want and deserve. Natural horsemanship is founded on understanding horse behavior and the idea that horses look for leadership, direction and assurance that they’re safe and acting appropriately. Julie strives to teach you how to master that ideal and emphasizes the importance of life-long learning. On television and in her clinics, Julie has an upbeat and logical style of teaching. She has a unique ability to bridge natural horsemanship techniques with the principles of classical riding. Her training and teaching techniques are frequent features of The Trail Rider, America’s Horse, Horse & Rider, Perfect Horse, Certified Horsemanship Association’s The Instructor and many other excellent equine publications and websites.

Warwick Schiller
Though he grew up showing Quarter Horses in Australia, Warwick Schiller moved to the U.S. 25 years ago to pursue his professional horse training career. Initially focusing on training all-around horses, he turned his focus to the sport of reining. Warwick holds multiple champion titles in reining in the U.S. and Australia, including a Reserve World Championship and was on the first Australian World Equestrian Reining Team in 2010. During the past decade, he has been developing Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship located in Hollister. He conducts clinics in the U.S. as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and throughout Europe.

Charlotte Bredahl
Charlotte Bredahl has represented the U.S. on many occasions, and in 1992 she and Monsieur was on the Olympic Bronze medal-winning dressage team in Barcelona. She was also on the Silver medal-winning U.S. team in 1997, riding Lugano. Both horses she trained from start to Grand Prix. Charlotte is an International Dressage judge (4*) and has judged all over the world. In 2014, she judged the U.S. National Dressage Finals and team selection for the World Games. This year, she has judged in France and Australia. She was also named Honorary Instructor by USDF and received the Gold Medal of distinction awarded by USEF. In 2014 Charlotte was appointed U.S. Assistant Youth Coach. This past year she has traveled the country teaching Youth Clinics. In 2015 Jan Ebeling and Charlotte won Grand Prix Pas De Deux during World Cup in Las Vegas. Charlotte was a Selector for the Olympics in Rio. This year she is being honored by the Humane Society of the United States with their Horse Hero award for 2016 for the work she does with Young Equestrians.

Steve Edwards
Steve Edwards (aka “The Mule Guy”) has been training horses, mules, and donkeys for about 40 years. The last 20 of those years have been devoted almost exclusively to mules and donkeys because Steve notes that they have unique training needs. Covering over 20 states and traveling internationally to Canada, Brazil, and Egypt, Steve loves teaching about anything “long ears”. Among Steve’s notable accomplishments is the development of a first of its kind Mule Training Certification Program at Pierce College in Los Angeles.

Kalley Krickeberg
Kalley Krickeberg grew up in a small Midwestern town in Illinois, honing her horse training, horsemanship, and stockmanship skills on a large farm that raised and trained young polo prospects, sheep, and beef cattle. Kalley rode before she could walk, but got her formal start at a young age in a small hunters and jumpers barn. She dabbled a bit in dressage and eventing, but her love for the game of polo drew her back into that sport, developing young prospects off the race track into competent, well-educated polo horses. Since then Kalley has worked hard at becoming a well-diversified and balanced trainer, not only spending time in the performance horse industry in the sports of polo, reining, and dressage, but also in the recreational horse industry, working for approximately 10 years in the natural horsemanship sector of that industry. Kalley is a highly accomplished trainer and clinician, with a small training operation open to the public in her home state of California. She also travels the country giving highly successful horse training clinics. Her accomplishments include co-founding the Horse Education Company, which sells equipment and educational products from multiple trainers and clinicians. She also has multiple highly produced training DVD’s of her own which cover topics ranging from educating the pre-riding- age horse on the ground, to colt starting, and liberty work.

Dr. Lydia Gray
Dr. Lydia Gray has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, and a Master of Arts degree focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication. As Medical Director and Staff Veterinarian for SmartPak Equine in Plymouth, Mass., she directs the research and development of products and provides horse health and nutrition training to a wide variety of audiences. Dr. Gray’s work has appeared in more than a dozen general and trade publications and she speaks frequently around the country. She is the proud owner of a Trakehner gelding named “Newman” that she competes in dressage and combined driving, recently adding hunters to the mix.

Jeff Moore
Jeff Moore BS, ESMT, CEKT, CETP is an internationally known clinician, lecturer and practitioner. He has been helping horses and running Equine Rehab & Therapy, Inc. for over 25 years. Originally a research biologist, he has trained with Sharon Willowby DC, Don Manuel DO, Ken Eva CJF, Chris Hoffman Trainer, Academy of the Horse, and Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. Over the years Jeff has woven biomechanics, structural bodywork, farriery, kinesiology taping, proprioceptive repatterning, exercise physiology and true horsemanship, into an innovative and unique therapeutic fabric that addresses the larger picture of physical, mental and emotional connection between horse and rider. Jeff’s work ranges from NFR barrel horses, and grand prix dressage horses, to Rolex and Tevis competitors, to the horses of the troupe Cavalia. When Jeff is not teaching, lecturing or working on horses, he lives with his family near the Snake River Canyon of Eastern Oregon.

Dr. Deb Bennett
Deb Bennett, Ph.D. is known as an authority on the classification, evolution, anatomy, and biomechanics of fossil and living horses. Her research interests include the history of domestication and world bloodlines and breeds. She teaches unique anatomy short-courses and horsemanship clinics designed to be enjoyable to riders of all breeds and disciplines, and all levels of skill.
Internationally known for her scientific approach to conformation analysis, “Dr. Deb” has made a career out of conveying a kind of “X-ray vision” for bone structure to breeders and buyers. Her background in biomechanics helps her clearly explain how conformation relates to performance ability. Dr. Deb’s clinics often feature real bones and interesting biomechanical models.
Dr. Deb doesn’t confine her work to the chalkboard, but rides and trains, having participated over a 30-year span in nearly every form of horse competition. She encourages riders to increase their ability to perceive what the horse is thinking and feeling. Dr. Deb’s horses are educated — not “trained”. She believes that all work with horses should consider both the physical body and the “inner life”.

Jim Masterson
Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, Jim teaches a unique method of equine bodywork for equine massage therapists and horse owners in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of equine massage body work that anyone can learn to use to improve performance while at the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.

Jody Childs
Jody Childs has trained nearly every breed of horse in her lifetime with a busy hunter jumper business for 20 years and also was a champion rider herself.
Around age 50, she discovered the smooth-gaited breeds of Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Foxtrotters, Rocky Mountains and Tenesseee Walking horses. Dealing with Fibromyalgia, she found these horses offered comfort and freedom to continue riding competitively and for pleasure. The parents of Jody’s jumping students began purchasing gaited horses and therefore she expanded into lessons and training specific to beginner and novice riders for trail on up to the show ring.
Trail obstacle competitions landed Jody on television being featured on “America’s Favorite Trail Horse” and “Charles Wilhelms Ultimate Superhorse Challenge Sacramento” where her Peruvian Paso was the first gaited horse to ever compete and was Reserve Champion.
Without local gaited experts to become proficient she studied many hours of videos and read books from the Brenda Imus, Larry Whitesell, and Gary Lane., demo riding for the latter two at Expos. At the urging of Gary Lane she became a gaited horse clinician to specifically help trail riders and novices with their horses. Her goal is to simplify the process of understanding gait and provide simple achievable steps for success.

Jochen Schleese
In 1984, after qualifying for European Championships, Jochen Schleese had to retire his horse due to lameness, and his riding career came to an end. This was the start of his life-long mission to prevent this from happening to all horses. Jochen graduated from Passier as the youngest-ever Certified Master Saddler, and came to Canada in 1986 as Official Saddler at the World Dressage Championships. He registered the trade of Saddlery in Ontario, and operates a training facility – also the home of Schleese Saddlery. In 2005, 2007 and 2009, Schleese was the Official Saddler for the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.
Saddle fit pioneer Jochen teaches “Horses should not suffer for the ignorance of the rider, nor should they be farmed out, or put down, because of severe, irreparable damage caused by poor saddle fit.”

Nick Karazissis
Nick and his family are among the cornerstones of the West Coast horse show industry.
Their Far West Farms is one of the oldest and most successful Hunter/Jumper businesses on the West Coast. Nick with his brother Kost, sister-in-law Jenny, daughter Cassandra have consistently had Far West riders and horses win PCHA, Zone 10 and USEF Year end awards over the last 35 years. Far West riders have also won every major Equitation Finals on the West Coast as well as having strong finishes and wins in National Finals.
Nick is a USEF R judge and has held his judges card for over three decades. He also has given clinics throughout the U.S. for over 25 years.
When he is not judging, giving clinics, training or attending shows with Far West clients, Nick is works with the governance of the sport, as he currently is on the CPHA and PCHA board of directors as well as being on the USHJA Zone 10 Hunter Committee.
Nationally Nick is on the USHJA Official’s Education Committee, the USHJA Equitation Task Force and is also on it’s the USEF’s Continuing Education Committee.

Heidi McLaughlin
As a former fearful rider, Heidi McLaughlin wrote her book, K.I.C.K. Your Fear of Horses, as a guide to help others who are struggling with confidence in the saddle. Not only does she tell her personal story of how she got over her own fear, but she cites the advice of many experts including Chris Cox, Stacy Westfall, Mike Kevil, Richard Winters and many more! Heidi’s work has helped countless people, who love horses but are plagued with fear, find the confidence they need to recapture the joy of confident horsemanship.

Jim Lauter
A leading expert on core training, Jim earned his degree in Exercise Science at the University of Colorado. A high school football coach for 15 years, Jim has made an intense study of balance and proprioception, along with the development of human core strength.
Married to a lifetime horsewoman, Jim conceived the idea for The Balance Rider to specifically target––from a unique seated position––the core muscles, proprioceptors and balance that are so vital to the equestrian athlete.
“Core strength, good balance, and proprioceptor acuity” Jim says, “are not always recognized as an essential component of fitness. But the simple fact is that every form of physical activity –– even just walking, sitting upright or getting in and out of a chair––are all affected by these elements.”

Dr. David Ramey
Dr. David Ramey is a 1983 graduate of the Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Ramey completed an internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at Iowa State University. He entered private equine practice in Southern California in 1984 and has been caring for equids—from backyard mini donks to FEI sport horses—ever since.
Dr. Ramey has been a frequent critic of practices that lack good evidence, such as the diverse therapies collectively known as “alternative” medicine, needless nutritional supplementation, as well as “conventional” therapies that lack scientific support. He has conducted scientific studies on various topics and has researched and published extensively. In total, Dr. Ramey has had over 70 submissions published in peer-reviewed professional journals, both in human and veterinary medicine. He has lectured at universities and professional conventions around the U.S., as well as Canada, Australia, and the UK, and he has presented at 11 of the annual conventions of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
As a result of his passion for educating the public about horses, Dr. Ramey has published 13 books and has written dozens of articles for national magazines. By providing reliable, scientific information, he hopes to empower horse owners to hold the equine industry to high ethical standards, and to help them make sound decisions for themselves and their horses.

Dr. Katie Flynn
Dr. Katie Flynn was raised on a Standardbred racehorse farm in South Grafton, Mass. She received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from University of Massachusetts. In 2001, she received her veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. In 2002, Dr. Flynn joined the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Health Branch (AHB) where she is currently the Equine Staff Veterinarian. In this position Dr. Flynn provides oversight to all equine regulatory disease programs and acts as the manager of the Equine Medication Monitoring Program (EMMP). Since 2011, Dr. Flynn has investigated seventeen Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy incidents in California. These experiences highlighted the need for increased biosecurity, particularly at equine events. To address the lack of available biosecurity resources targeting equine events, Dr. Flynn’s developed biosecurity educational materials for event organizers, specifically the Biosecurity Toolkit for Equine Events which has been distributed to all 50 states and 12 countries. As an equine event biosecurity expert, Dr. Flynn participated in the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) Ad Hoc Expert Group on Biosecurity in Paris, France in July 2015 and spoke at the Federation Equestrian International’s (FEI) National Veterinary Delegate Conference in Athens Greece in May 2016

Teresa Spencer
Teresa, an author, speaker, and horse owner, is the owner of EquestriSafe, a company dedicated to horse safety, as well as owner of California Horse Barns. Proud member of CSHA(California State Horseman’s Association), Equestrian Trails – Corral 138, AQHA, American Equestrian Trade Association, Equestrian Professionals, WHIN (Women’s Horse Industry Network) and American Horseman’s Challenge Association as well as being a director in the Acton Chamber of Commerce.

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