Meet Our Symposium Speakers

With over 30 years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and is Certified Association Executive ®. She’s a life-long horse enthusiast ranging from recreational rider, breeder, and show competitor. A native of NC, she and her husband now reside in DC along with their Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Morgan horses. Julie is the President of the American Horse Council and Past President of the board of PATH International.

As a passionate educator and change agent, Dr. Karin Bump’s work in the equine industry in New York spans three decades. Karin, along with her husband, Tim Williams, has launched several initiatives including the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics nonprofit organization, the Equine Education Network; and Equine Academics outreach and consulting. Most recently, she and her husband have launched Saddle Up NY! as a promotion- connection-education business to advance the New York State equine industry.

Helen Hardy is the Manager of Youth Development & AQHYA at the American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo, TX and is currently serving her second term with the American Youth Horse Council.  Her responsibilities at AQHA include the management, development, and implementation of new and existing youth programs, contests, and resources that benefit youth, the equine industry, and the Association.  In the past year, these responsibilities have grown to include new programming and resources for young adult members. 

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.

Dr. Leatherwood began her career as an Assistant Professor at Sam Houston State University, where her efforts tripled the number of students minoring in Equine Science. Upon Dr. Leatherwood’s arrival at Texas A&M University in 2016, her impacts were immediate, teaching 6 different courses. Dr. Leatherwood values international experiences and has traveled to 19 countries with over 30 students conducting horsemanship clinics. Her outreach program is diverse, including international efforts to promote equine welfare and coordinating youth development events at state and national levels.  Dr. Leatherwood recently accepted an Associate Professor and Graduate Student Coordinator position in the Department of Animal Science at Tarleton State University.

Annise Montplaisir co-founded Amplify Horse Racing in 2019 and assumed the role of executive director in 2023. She holds a bachelor of science from North Dakota State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Management from the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School through the Godolphin Flying Start program. Her professional background prior to Amplify includes project managing for Together for Racing International, co-hosting and producing horse racing media in Spanish, and serving as equine education coordinator of the Kentucky Equine Education Project Foundation.

As Senior Director, Equine Welfare, Christie oversees the ASPCA’s equine welfare department including the ASPCA Right Horse program (ARH Program), the Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) and all programs aimed toward improving equine welfare. She lives in a small town outside Austin with her husband, young son and an assortment of equines, dogs and cats, and competes in stock horse events in her spare time. 

Ellen Taylor has been volunteering and/or working for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation since she was 16 - the past 34 years as the charity's executive director. She represents her family as the 4th generation to be involved with Standardbreds and harness racing. Under Ellen's leadership, HHYF has been participating in AYHC activities and symposiums for decades. having also received the AHYC Partnership Award in 2007 and AYHC Distinguished Service Award in 1993. Ellen is an active member of the US Harness Writers Association and enjoys freelance writing, working in the test barn at Harrah's Hoosier Park and the Indiana fairs as well as volunteering for her local literacy organization.

Amber received her B.S. in Animal/Equine Science from Auburn University and is currently working on her M.S. degree at Oklahoma State University. Amber is passionate about the positive impact of Extension, and 4-H, on youth, and has developed the curriculum presented in this workshop as part of her research for her Master’s degree

The Utah 4-H Horse Ambassadors are a team of youth that are passionate about 4-H and all aspects of the horse industry. The team consists of youth from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and help promote and grow Utah 4-H’s thriving horse program. This year’s team has decided to focus on sportsmanship and “making the best better”. From left to right: Isabelle MacArthur, Gracelyn Linebarger, Nicole Otten, Raegan Wilson, Harley Layman, and Kiley Hartvigsen.