Licensed Officials

Cave Creek, AZ

Ashley Bowers has been involved in Working Equitation since 2014. She is a licensed Technical Delegate and Open rider on her Andalusians. She and her students compete in both Working Equitation and competitive Dressage. Ashley has served as President for the Arizona Working Equitation Club and Region 2 Director for the Confederation in the past. She manages/hosts a rated show in Peoria, AZ each year. Ashley is also the lead in the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Scottsdale, AZ performing weekly in the shows with their Andalusians. She is always willing to travel to compete or volunteer having delegated shows out of state and internationally. Feel free to reach out if you’d like her to make a visit to your show.

Kingman, Arizona

Joy Chadsey resides in Kingman, Arizona and is actively involved in Working Equitation. She currently runs several rated and schooling events on her ranch in Kingman.  Joy offers a cattle phase in her competitions, which is very enjoyable and a great learning experience for the competitors.  Joy competes in Working Equitation shows on her Spanish Norman Horses, and is very involved with the Arizona Working Equitation Club. 

Tucson, AZ

I have been a judge and competitor involved in Working Equitation for over 10 years, competing with 6 different horses and teaching all over the USA and Canada. I love to encourage fellow competitors and see them find success with their horses. I competed in Brazilian Working Equitation International Invitational Competition and won the “Silver” or Reserve Champion placing for both the individual and team awards. Please contact me via my email amystarlusitanos@gmail.com to hire me for a lesson, clinic or officiating a competition.

Ceres, CA

I am honored to be a Licenced Technical Delegate for this wonderful sport!  As a lifelong amateur equestrian who has competed successfully in multiple disciplines, I was intrigued by the camaraderie, uniqueness and diversity of Working Equitation. After participating in our first clinic a few years ago, my pony and I have never looked back!  We have earned Bronze medals in both USAWE and USDF, and I am also a USDF L Graduate.  

Moving though the levels of Working Equitation has given me many opportunities to become familiar with its directives and rules, and I love sharing the knowledge that I have gained in this sport with everyone who is interested. I always look forward to working with other WE enthusiasts of all levels, from grassroots to rated competitions!

San Diego, CA

Since 2004 Polly has been importing horses from Germany, Portugal, and Spain, including Lateran, who competed at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and sired 6 premium foals, including 3 stallion prospects. Polly is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Silver Freestyle medalist and a USAWE Bronze and Silver medalist with scores up to 80%. She has won and coached riders to Regional and National Championships and lifetime rider medals.

She is a USDF L graduate with distinction and a sought-after clinician involved in WE since 2016. Polly volunteered 4 years on the WE United BOD, co-chaired the 2019 North American Championship Show Committee and the 2019 WE United Judge Training Program committee. She also organized the 2019 US Licensed Officials Seminar, and was a member of the WE Merger BOD in 2020.

San Diego, CA

After years of supporting friends with their passion for the Working Equitation (WE) sport, I got my first taste under saddle at the Cross-National WE Camp & Cup where I got even more hooked!  Since then, I’ve been helping to grow WE in Idaho and have supported events throughout Southern California and across the Western Zone.  Having trained in classical dressage, I find WE the perfect sport for applying those skills with a heavy dose of fun for both horse and rider!    

WE boasts one of the most inclusive, supportive, and uplifting communities for horse enthusiasts.  As a Technical Delegate, I will work to ensure all trials are run in accordance with the governing rules and continually strive to represent USAWE with honesty and integrity while maintaining a helpful, positive and welcoming attitude.

Fiddletown, CA

I have been showing horses in many events for over 40 years and have been showing Working Equitation since 2018.  In 2020, I began offering the Summer Fun Working Equitation Show Series in California and have become very comfortable with all aspects of running a horse show. I am involved in a few committees with USAWE and look forward to being a part of this sport’s growth.

Escondido, CA

I have been a horsewoman for my whole life.  I started with pony hunters, then pleasure riding, commercial carriage driving, and I currently compete with my PRE in working equitation.  I fell in love with Working Equitation because it is a demonstration of the real-life working partnership that horses and riders have shared for centuries.  My working background includes event planning and management among other things.  As a TD my job is to do everything I can to make sure the competition is fair and organized and enjoyable for every rider as well as providing resources and help for the judges and the show management.  I look forward to meeting new people and helping make our competitions reflective of the spirit of generosity, camaraderie and inclusiveness that I have found in my USAWE experience.  

Ramona, CA

Sarah Pinney is passionate about horses, as her 50 years of experience and 33 years as a professional horse trainer attest. She received a classical education in Portugal, Great Britain, and the United States. Her own training has been shaped by such world-renowned Masters as Joao Oliviera, Jean-Claude Racinet, and Maestre Luis Valenca. She specializes in training the Iberian horses for dressage and Working Equitation, but welcomes any breed to train.

Castro Valley, CA

I am thrilled to join the USAWE team as a Licensed Technical Delegate.  I was introduced to Working Equitation in 2018 and was immediately hooked!  Since then, I have been actively involved in Working Equitation by volunteering on several committees and as an amateur competitor. I look forward to being part of your show management team and USAWE’s exciting future! 

Riverside, CA

Sue’s love of horses led her to Working Equitation in 2010, and she immediately devoted her equestrian life to the sport. She studied with masters from Portugal, Brazil and the USA, attended the first US judges training, and was one of the first to be both a carded judge and a licensed TD in both previous organizations. She has held a variety of BOD positions, and is a WE Trainer, Clinician, and avid Competitor. She has won over 25 competitions and Highpoints from L1 to L5, mostly on American Mustangs. Her training motto is “To make good usin’ horses that are a pleasure to be around” and WE embraces everything that stands for. She is available to travel to judge, TD, train or give clinics.

San Diego, CA

Colleen has been active in the Working Equitation community since 2014 and competing since 2017, working towards her bronze medal. Prior to that, she was showing multiple disciplines at Andalusian breed shows, earning the 2016 USEF National Horse of the Year award with her Half Andalusian gelding. She is an amateur rider who is passionate about the sport and the people surrounding it. Colleen is dedicated to riding and volunteering, and is very happy to now be available as a licensed Technical Delegate.

Niwot, CO

Chris learned about Working Equitation (WE) in 2008. She was captured by the spirit of the sport. It became her passion. Chris believes Working Equitation takes a strong partnership and foundation between horse and rider, allowing us to ride Working Equitation with finesse and grace. Chris is one fo the founding members for High Country Working Equitation out of Colorado. She has organized every aspect of numerous WE shows and clinics and has designed many courses. She teaches WE clinics all over Colorado and believes WE is the best cross training for horse and rider. Chris has competed in L5 and trained advanced. She now has a young horse coming up. Chris was a TD for the Confederation for 2 years. She served on both WE United’s board and the Confederation’s board. She was also part of the merge team to help form USAWE. Chris is available to TD and teach clincs.

Caldwell, ID

 My lifelong passion for horses, ignited by my mother’s early influence as I have been riding since before I can remember, has led me through diverse disciplines and roles within the equestrian community. I have been a CHA certified instructor, judged for ETS, 4H, and Mountain Trail, helped facilitate a variety of equine events, and now am an experienced WE event organizer. I’ve dedicated myself to fostering growth and welfare in the equestrian world. Over the past two years, my focus has been on the management and expansion of Working Equitation in South West Idaho through ‘Team Idaho’. As a Technical Delegate for WE, my commitment is to ensure the correct and safe execution of WE events, uphold equine welfare, and represent USAWE with impartiality and professionalism. I’m eager to contribute my expertise and support to participants and their equine partners, fostering a positive and enriching experience for all involved. I truly am looking forward to meeting each one of you and your equine “dance” partner.

McCall, ID

As a Technical Delegate, I want to help show management teams provide safe, fair, and enjoyable Working Equitation competitions for their participants. I am a Working Equitation enthusiast. My Working Equitation experience started late in 2016 in Texas. I compete, train and continue to learn about this wonderful equine sport. I appreciate this sport for the structure it includes to develop skills and highlight partnership, between riders and their horses, needed for fieldwork. Since the late 1970’s, I have been involved with numerous and varied equine competitions and enjoy riding horses outside of arenas as much as possible.

Woodstock, IL

I am an L Accredited Judge and Technical Delegate for Working Equitation since 2017. My husband Mike and I own and operate KarMik Acres, Inc. in Woodstock IL where we host clinics, shows and practice sessions. I am available to judge schooling shows in and around Illinois.

Valparaiso, IN

I have been teaching riding lesson for over 20 years focusing on rider biomechanics, correct timing and application of the aids, and extensive use of school figures and exercises to address training issues. I am certified by the American Riding Instructor’s Association as Level II Dressage, Driving, and Recreational Riding and Level III Western Dressage instructor. I am a proud graduate of the Western Dressage Association of America’s Train the Trainer program. I have worked with horses from Paso Finos to Percherons. My Working Equitation journey began in 2016. The inclusivity of the sport was a huge attraction, and its demanding nature from a training standpoint fit well with my own training and teaching. I promote our sport by teaching Introduction to WE clinics.

Hutchinson, KS

Layn is a life-long horse lover, passionate about dressage and since introduced to USA Working Equitation in 2020 has assisted with Working Equitation clinics and shows.

Harrodsburg, KY

I am honored to serve as a licensed Technical Delegate for USA Working Equitation. My horses have been competing in the sport since 2016, I began managing shows in 2018 and obtained my TD license in 2019. As a life-long horse enthusiast, the participant diversity and varied challenges are what appeal to me most about this discipline. I love to share my passion for the sport and hope to help more riders fall in love with Working Equitation!

Warwick, MD

I have been involved in WE since 2003, and have helped organize and manage WE shows since then. I put together a WE rulebook in 2009 for our regional Andalusian/Lusitano organization, and have been actively involved in rules development for the sport ever since. Becoming a TD was a logical extension of that experience. Serving also on the Licensed Officials Committee and the Competitions Committee gives me a valuable perspective on the needs of the sport, the officials, and the competitors. I enjoy serving as a TD — it’s a great way to meet new friends in the WE community in addition to being a tremendous learning opportunity. Every show has something to teach.

Hollywood, MD

While traveling and riding in Portugal in 2010, I learned about this sport called Working Equitation.  Fast forward to 2018 and there is an intro to WE clinic 2 hours away from me, so I decided to take my young Lusitano, Rui, to try it out.  The rest is history.  We LOVED IT! Thus began our WE journey.

Since that clinic, I have tried to learn as much as I can about this amazing sport. I have traveled back to Portugal to attend a festival and ride with classical masters.  I have joined various AO groups (and started one in my local area) that helped plan and run clinics, playdays, and shows, including a Zone Championship.  Becoming a TD was the next logical step in my quest to learn as much as I could about WE and to become an asset to competitors and the organization as a whole.

While Rui and I keep trying to get better and better (usually laughing along the way), I hope to help others become the WE rider they aspire to be. My goal as TD is to ensure that all competitors have a safe and fair environment to have fun with their horses. I hope to be a source of resource, support, and help to show managers, organizers, staff, and competitors so that they all have an enjoyable experience and will continue to pursue their WE dreams.  I am so excited to join the USAWE organization as a TD and hope that I will be an asset to all I work with.

Muskegon, MI

My name is Emma Schroeder McClintock. I was born and raised in West Michigan, and my love for riding and all things horses started when I went to a week-long horse camp at 8 years old. In 2016 I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic with my human chiropractic degree (DC), and by the time I walked across the stage at graduation, I had already obtained my IVCA certification for animal chiropractic as well. Now, I adjust humans and animals (primarily horses, dogs, and cats) at my physical office in Muskegon, Michigan, and throughout West Michigan with my mobile practice.

I found my current horse, a 2013 thoroughbred mare named Danika after I moved back to Michigan following chiropractic school. Our primary focus was on dressage, however I also did some jumping, trail riding, and open showing with her. I started to get into Working Equitation in 2021 with a few clinics and educational experiences before Danika sustained an injury that ultimately led to an early retirement. I plan to start training and eventually showing Danika’s future foal in Working Equitation. I am excited to continue to be involved with this wonderful sport during the interim and in the future, whether competing or working as a Technical Delegate. 

St. Paul, MN

Sammi fell in love with Working Equitation in 2019, particularly with how many different
breeds and riding styles can succeed in the sport. She founded the USAWE Affiliate Organization, Working Equitation Minnesota, and has held multiple clinics and outreach events, growing WE around the community. 

Sammi became a technical delegate to further her ability to support and encourage the sport through licensed shows and the joy of teaching.

Sammi also has a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion. She brings her welcoming spirit everywhere she goes.

Lexington, NE

In addition to being a Technical Delegate for USAWE, I teach clinics geared towards helping beginners enter the sport of Working Equitation with confidence. As a TD, I am proficient in using GIRA.io and can assist your scorekeeper with GIRA if needed. I’ve been a part of show and Championship management teams, and enjoy helping everyone have a great time at competitions.

I served as Region 1 Director for WE United, then was on the Merge Board as we transitioned from two organizations into one. I served as the Region 1 Director for USAWE in its first year of existence (2021) when I lived in North Idaho.  I continue to serve USAWE as the Affiliate Organizations Program Coordinator, Website Committee Chair, Clerical Assistant and corporate administration from my current home in Nebraska.

I have competed in Working Equitation at the Introductory level on Kodi, a Percheron/Quarter Horse (pictured here).  It was a new experience for both of us!  Kodi now lives with a new owner, and I’m looking forward to competing on CDC Lexi when she is old enough to start her WE career.  Lexi is a registered Iberican (Andalusian/Canadian Horse).

Greenwich, NY

Bruce has worked as a Technical Delegate at the highest levels of competition since before licensure was an option. He has held a WE United TD license since they were offered in the Spring of 2017. He has conducted several introductory level clinics and run numerous shows, both licensed and schooling.

Lake George, NY

Deb Quillinan lives in Lake George, NY, and is a reading teacher at the local elementary school. She owns a little rescue QH mare, Larks Texas Sunset “Penny”. They worked together learning dressage for years before growing bored and veering off toward trail riding, not knowing what else to do. A small local barn started offering obstacle days, and little Penny loved it. Their search for something more opened the team up to the world of Working Equitation. After volunteering and doing a few clinics, they entered their first competition and were hooked by the nature of the sport and the camaraderie of the competitors.

Deb is the Secretary for AO New England Working Equitation and has been their show secretary for the past two show seasons. She started an “Obstacle of the Week” program where she boards, showcasing an obstacle each week for the other boarders. She then started monthly WE Obstacle Fun Days, which are now open to riders outside the barn and they are well attended, spreading the knowledge of the sport of WE throughout the Capital Region of NY. Her interest in teaching others about the sport inspired her desire to become a Technical Delegate. She is excited about this role in the sport and the opportunity to further educate competitors about Working Equitation. 

Doylestown, OH

While auditing a clinic in the sport of Working Equitation in New York fifteen years ago, I became enthralled with the horse and rider’s partnership. I was so excited, I decided to introduce Northeast Ohio to this wonderful sport of Working Equitation. I began to organize clinics. As people in Ohio began to embrace the love of this sport, my passion grew into organizing shows, along with hosting and coaching clinics. Recognizing the need for Technical Delegates, I became a Licensed Technical Delegate in 2021.

I look forward to my next adventure with USAWE.  

Eugene, OR

Julie has been actively involved in working equitation since 2010, when she helped write the first rules for the sport adopted by the United States Equestrian Federation. She has organized and managed some of the largest WE competitions in the United States, including the 2017 National Championship hosted by WE United, the 2019 North American Championships (with co-chair Polly Limond), the 2019 USAWE R5 Regional Championships, and the 2018 and 2022 Cross National Camp and Cup.  Julie’s passion is giving newcomers a positive introduction to the sport. 

She organizes and manages roughly 20 WE competitions each year in her home state of Oregon as well as Illinois, California, Montana, and — in 2023 — Wisconsin. She is also an active WE competitor. She has successfully campaigned at the Intermediate A level with her home-bred horse CDC Memoria (pictured here), at the Novice A level with her sister’s horse CDC Corazón, and is currently riding both CDC Pacifica and CDC Vindicación at the Introductory level.

Sherwood, OR

Tracey grew up as a pony clubber in Pennsylvania, competed from an early age in eventing and dressage, and was a foxhunter (even in Ireland). She’s worked for Intel Corp as a technologist, strategist, business manager, program creator, engineering manager and was a founding member of the Intel Corp sponsored MinnowBoard nonprofit and President of the Foundation. She has been a USDF L graduate since 2011 judging in the NW, earned her USDF Bronze medal and half her Silver medal, and is an FEI level scribe. After volunteering to scribe at the WE United Championships she saw the promise of combining all her equestrian loves into one accessible sport – Working Equitation. Tracey immediately earned her Technical Delegate with Honors license in 2019 (in both original organizations),  was a member of the WE United BOD and WE Merger BOD in 2020, is a current TD, earned her USAWE ‘L’ Judging license in 2021 and her USAWE ‘r’ Judging license in 2022. Netherfield Farm/3 Good Gaits LLC is home in Oregon to her retired Prix St Georges horse, two rescue imported Warmblood mares, a Mustang who she does liberty with, a new QH training for WE, baby dutch warmblood Tiberius, a flock of wily sheep, and Loretta the llama.

Junction City, OR

I became interested and involved in Working Equitation when my wife Bridgett began competing in 2019. I started out as a Provisional Technical Delegate and completed my Licensed TD in 2021. I have a love of horses and a deep interest to see the sport of Working Equitation grow.  While I am not a competitor in Working Equitation, I do enjoy trails and pleasure riding with my lovely Percheron draft cross, Sky.

Vernonia, OR

Ashland, OR

Laura grew up in Southern Oregon as an avid equestrian. She is the owner of Rising Hope Stables in Ashland, Oregon and has 20 years of experience as a professional riding instructor and trainer of all disciplines and breeds of horses.  Laura has been involved in working equitation since 2016. She is a USAWE professional instructor and technical delegate. Besides working with her students, Laura enjoys teaching clinics, hosting shows and currently competing through L5 on both her horses and her client’s horses.

West, TX

I am a Technical Delegate for Working Equitation as well as a Senior judge. I have been the Chairperson for the Licensed Officials Committee, served on the WEUNITED Board of Directors, and have placed #1 at Masters level in Working Equitation. I earned my Working Equitation Platinum Medal, USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, Regional, National championships, and qualified for the international Working Equitation Competitions. I conduct Working Equitation clinics and judge all over North America. Working Equitation is the sport to focus on because it combines several horse disciplines that challenges both horse and riders to be better partners and joins wonderful people all over the country.

Houston, TX

I am a life-long horseperson and learner. I have my USDF Bronze medal, am an active supporter of my regional pony club, and an enthusiastic convert to working equitation.  I love the partnership that working equitation creates with my horses. My travels for working equitation events have consistently introduced me to many friendly horse people of all disciplines who are interested in the well-being of their horses. This is a great sport, but I also recognize that understanding the rules can be scary for those new to the sport. My goal as a Technical Delegate is to be accurate and fair in performing my duties while enhancing each person’s understanding of the working equitation rules. 

Junction, TX

I am an avid lover of learning and anything to do with horses. I have experience in reining, sorting and cow work, trail, and some dressage, amongst any other horse-related activity I’ve been able to get my hands on. I started learning about and volunteering for Working Equitation shows while I was in high school, and I began competing in WE while I completed my university studies. I love how the sport encourages trust, continued training, and fun for both the horse and rider, not to mention, the camaraderie of fellow competitors and volunteers. I have volunteered for many years and now I look forward to contributing more to the WE community and shows as a Technical Delegate.

Waco, TX

Jamie has been a provisional TD since 2018 and became licensed in 2021. She has been a professional in the equine industry her entire adult life, and is currently the barn manager at Highlander Ranch in Waco, Texas. Her primary passion has been dressage, and she has had the opportunity to learn from many of the sport’s masters, she absolutely loves working equitation and the amazing group of people that participate in it and is excited to have a hand in helping the sport grown as a technical delegate!

Waterbury, VT

Amanda has been riding since before she could walk and her passion for horses has never ceased. After time spent in many different disciplines from dressage to gymkhana, endurance to agility, and fox hunting to cowboy challenges she found working equitation and fell in love with the sport. She feels it embodies all of the best things about horse training and challenging yourself. She’s a huge advocate for the sport and loves sharing her knowledge with others.

Haymarket, VA

Biddie bought her first horse in 1998. When she discovered WE in 2017, she was immediately hooked. Using her organizational skills from a 32-year career teaching math and technology, she promotes WE via Facebook and through the Affiliate Organization, Northern Virginia Working Equitation (NOVAWE) that she helped organize in 2019. She is currently the President and event organizer of NOVAWE. She also donates her time to help USAWE with elections and other ad-hoc committees. She has competed successfully up to Level 2 at Licensed Shows and Level 3 at Schooling Shows. 

She is well versed in using GIRA, designing courses, and paying close attention to details. These experiences, along with USAWE training, enabled her to become a USAWE Licensed TD in September of 2021. 

Biddie always willing to help others learn about WE. She looks forward to serving as TD at licensed shows to ensure that all riders and support staff have a successful show. 

Prairie du Sac, WI

Kris Blacklock – USAWE licensed ‘L’ Judge and licensed Technical Delegate has been involved and competed in Working Equitation since 2016, served on the board, chaired the Awards Committee for 5 years and actively promotes the discipline of working equitation to all ages…all rider levels…all breeds… by hosting working equitation clinics, networking with equestrian groups, supporting horse/rider knowledge, skills, goals and recognizing horse/rider goals and achievements at the grass roots, region, national and international level.

Newton, WI

I’ve had a passion for horses my entire life. Adding WE into the mix only increased the fun and excitement! I love being a student of the horse and sharing horsemanship and the sport of WE with others.

I show my horses in Level 1-level 5.

Currently, I’m training out of my farm in Newton, Wisconsin. I also travel most weekends to teach clinics, lessons or go to WE shows.

My favorite part about Working Equitation is, how it helps the horse and rider become handy for practical ranch/field work and yet also encourages development of proper movement and biomechanics.