Cy-Hawk Working Equitation Association is an Affiliate Organization in Iowa (Region 5). Iowa people are very supportive of their college sports, so the name is derived from the Cyclones for Iowa State and the Hawkeyes for University of Iowa. Cy-Hawk operates from Middle River Ranch in Winterset, owned by President Robin Sprafka with her husband Richard. She has a varied background that includes helping to start and train the Des Moines Police Department’s mounted patrol unit, volunteering to help at-risk children learn to care for horses, and serving on the board of directors of a Thoroughbred aftercare organization.
Vice President Simat Whipp is a retired high school science teacher and a current equine massage therapist with an extensive equestrian background that spans multiple disciplines and a variety of breeds. Secretary Shellie Hensley is a lifelong equine professional in several areas of the equine industry as well as a past board member and Master Instructor through Certified Horsemanship Association. Treasurer Cindy Niebuhr has driven wagon teams, fox hunted, and showed Quarter Horses and Paints before moving to dressage and Working Equitation. The board is passionate about Working Equitation!
Cy-Hawk is a new club, founded in January 2024, and has a full slate of activities planned for 2024 including monthly practice sessions at Middle River at no charge for members, three clinics, and two show dates. They are actively promoting Cy-Hawk and Working Equitation with a booth at the Iowa Horse Fair.
Are you interested in joining an Affiliate Organization? There are AOs in every USA WE region. All are listed on the USA WE website and there may be one near you. If you are interested in starting a new AO, the website has many resources. In addition to the AO Handbook, there is information on everything from starting and promoting your club to building obstacles to running clinics and schooling shows.
