Excitement is building as the Certified Horsemanship Association works on finalizing plans for the 2016 CHA International Conference, including the recently released schedule, which can be found online at https://cha-ahse.netlou-secure.com/product_images/uploaded_files/Schedule.pdf. Set for October 20-23, 2016, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, conference sessions will be split between the Holiday Inn Murfreesboro/Nashville on Silohill Lane and the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Horse Science Center and Miller Coliseum, which is seven miles from the main campus. Mounted sessions are planned using horses that are generously on loan from the MTSU Horse Science Program and Equestrian Team.
The schedule kicks off on Thursday at 2 p.m. with a presentation about MTSU and Murfreesboro by Dr. Dave Whitaker, who helped build and develop the MTSU Horse Science Program. After Whitaker’s talk, the annual membership meeting will take place. Sessions begin that afternoon with presentations from Kim Brown from Active Interest Media on “Luck is Where Preparation Meets Opportunity” before the evening’s welcome reception, silent auction and trade show.
Friday morning features sessions from Tara Gamble on “Practical Applications for the Turn Back,” Lisa Wysocky on “Choosing the Lesson Horse,” Jim McDonald on “Teaching Horsemanship Skills for Effective Communication with Horses,” Heidi Potter on “Centered Riding Exercises for All Riders,” Tim Alderson on “Horse Handling Topic Idea Sharing,” and Sabine Schleese and Cathy Rothery on “Are You Riding in a Saddle Made for a Man?” Then during the lunch hour, Julie Goodnight will speak at the Miller Coliseum.
Friday afternoon brings more sessions, including a Tennessee Walker demonstration, Randy Hensley on “The Hoof,” Rhonda Hoffman on “What is in Your Feed Room?,” Heidi Potter on “Demystifying the Half Halt,” and Sandra Elder on “Exercises to Teach to Multiple Students at Different Levels.” Those interested in going to the Grand Ole Opry (no dinner included) can hop on the buses provided, or attendees can do dinner on their own.
Saturday morning sessions include Teresa Kackert on “Jumping Exercises for All Levels,” Tara Reimer on “Effective Groundwork,” Lisa Wysocky on “The Green Barn,” Carla Wennberg on “Western Horsemanship Exercises,” Jochen Schleese on “Western Saddle Fit,” and Debi Metcalfe on “Dealing with a Stolen Horse.” Those who wish to Ride a Reiner can do so during the lunch hour.
Saturday afternoon includes sessions from JoAnne Young on “Lateral Movements for All Levels of Riders,” Randi Thompson on “Riding Position Magic,” David Dellin on “What are Judges Looking For?,” Jochen Schleese on “Saddle Fit Considerations for Various Breeds,” and a presentation from MTSU’s Director of Equitation Programs, Anne Brzezicki. Attendees won’t want to miss the CHA Awards Banquet on Saturday night, which kicks off with a keynote from Julie Goodnight, who is CHA’s spokesperson, the Horse Master on RFD-TV, and former CHA Program Director.
Important meetings are scheduled for the Board of Directors on Wednesday and for Regional Directors and State/Provincial Representatives and for Clinic Staff on Thursday. In addition, there is a meeting scheduled on Saturday afternoon for CHA Region 4, which includes lower Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Eastern Ontario. Training for those who want to become CHA Site Visitors will take place on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
Visitors can find out complete information and/or register online at www.cha-ahse.org/store/pages/47/International_Conference.html. Don’t miss out on this informative conference’s presentations, workshops, entertainment, equine veterinary talks, silent auction, vendors, and the ever-popular hands-on riding sessions.
CHA Instructors Change Lives Through Safe Experiences with Horses. The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and YouTube Safety shorts, and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call 859-259-3399. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you, visit www.CHAinstructors.com.
