Dr. Karen Waite coordinates the MSU Horse Management Program. Her teaching roles include a variety of equine courses and she is the faculty advisor to the MSU Equestrian team.  A Past-President of the American Youth Horse Council and Michigan Quarter Horse Association, Karen has judged large multi-breed open shows and state fairs around the country.  With a Doctoral degree in Sports Psychology with an emphasis on equestrian sport and activity, Dr. Waite is the creator of the popular equestrian sport blog https://outoftheboxstall.com/, and currently shows at NRHA events.

Dr. Chelsie Huseman is an Assistant Professor and Extension Horse Specialist at Texas A&M University. She serves the state of Texas by disseminating equine education for both adults and youth through seminars, short courses, and a variety of other educational programs. She gives lead to the Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Program, which strives to provide 4-H youth the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become advocates for the equine industry in Texas.

Shane Michael is the County Extension Director and a 4-H Agent for Seminole County in Florida.  His major programming area is youth animal science projects. He holds a BS in Animal Science and an MS in Agriculture Education, both from the University of Florida. Shane has presented workshops at the AYHC Symposium numerous years and most recently served on the planning committee for the 2020 event. 

Brenna is the Youth and Family Programs Coordinator for the Arabian Horse Association.  She learned to ride through Westernaires, a drill team that performs throughout Colorado.  She is enthusiastic about growing youth participation in the equine industry and finding new ways to reach youth. Her passion for the equine industry coupled with the importance of educating youth about the agricultural and equine industries, keeps her loving her job every day.

Dr. Amanda Bradbery is an Assistant Professor of Equine Science at Montana State University. She earned her B.S. in Animal and Poultry Science from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 2019. A lifelong supporter of youth horse programs, she competed in 4-H and later helped organize horse judging contests, Horse Skillathon, and Equine IQ events. Since 2017, she has served as a Horse Classic committee member and superintendent for National Western Round-Up. Passionate about youth development, Dr. Bradbery is dedicated to fostering future generations in the equine industry.

Candi has been involved with horses for over 40 years, competing in various disciplines and later coaching youth riders and equestrian teams. She has led teams in Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, and Hippology, served as a 4-H and OHSET horse judge, and currently chairs Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. Employed by Oregon State University in multiple 4-H roles, she now serves as the statewide 4-H Animal Science Manager. Passionate about youth development, she teaches workshops on conflict resolution, leadership, equine care, and more, combining her love for horses with her dedication to education.

Helen Hardy is the Manager of Youth Development & AQHYA at the American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo, TX.  Her responsibilities include the management, development, and implementation of new and existing youth programs, contests, and resources that benefit youth, the equine industry, and the Association.  Prior to her role with AQHA, she served as the 4-H & Youth Development County Extension Agent for Erath County in Texas.  Helen holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Science in Equine Science from Middle Tennessee State University. 

Dean Jousan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences where he works as the Extension 4-H Livestock Specialist. Dr. Jousan's responsibilities involve needs assessment, planning, execution and evaluation of innovative animal science youth programs and activities. More specifically, he oversees all state-wide 4-H livestock and horse shows, contests, workshops, and trainings for Extension agents.

Dr. Leatherwood began her career as an Assistant Professor at Sam Houston State University, where she significantly expanded the Equine Science minor. In 2016, she joined Texas A&M University, teaching six courses and securing over $1.8 million in funding for equine welfare research. Passionate about international outreach, she has led students to 19 countries for horsemanship clinics. In 2019, she received the Equine Science Society’s Outstanding Young Professional Award. Now an Associate Professor and Graduate Student Coordinator at Tarleton State University, she remains committed to youth development, believing horses help strengthen family bonds. A former 4-H participant and American Farmer Degree recipient, she enjoys NRCHA competitions with her family. Dr. Leatherwood actively contributes to equine education through professional organizations and the AYHC Board.

Debbie has been a 4-H volunteer and coach for equine teams for over 25 years. She has also been an active volunteer/judge for state, All American Quarter Horse Congress and Eastern Nationals 4-H youth contests. She continues to work with youth as she believes in the power of their connection through horses to develop important life skills and lifelong friendships.

Cathy Thacker is the Equine Program Specialist for Circle C Equestrian Center, owned and operated by Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, which offers a variety of year-round equine programming for Girl Scouts.  She has been in her role with the Girl Scouts for eight years and has a passion for helping riders make connections to larger life lessons through horses.  Cathy is a graduate of Averett University and UNC-Greensboro, with degrees in Equestrian Studies, Business and History, in addition to being a CHA certified Riding Instructor and a CHA Regional Representative.  

Danette McGuire has served as the Executive Director of the American Youth Horse Council since 2012.  She has more than 15 years of experience in youth development and program management in the non-profit sector having previously served as Director of Youth Programs for the National Cutting Horse Association and New Mexico 4-H Activities Specialist.