For over 20 years the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) has been educating all levels of eventing instructors to confirm their knowledge base, both theoretical and practical, upon which they will continue to build throughout their teaching lifetime. The USEA is now shining the spotlight each month on some of the 300 ICP Certified Instructors. Click here to learn more about the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program.
Get to know a few of the ICP Instructors from Area X, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.
ICP Level III certified instructor Alice Sarno teaches at her Carefree Farms in Phoenix, Arizona.
"I enjoy working with young riders and adult amateurs, bringing riders along with their own horses, as well as riders riding my school horses," Sarno shared. "My philosophy is making learning fun. Enjoy the ride, safety is very important. The learning process is different for everyone, but sound basics are a must."
Denise Krause-Spangler of DMK Performance Horses, an ICP Level I-Training certified instructor, teaches all over the state of Arizona.
"I specialize in coaching adult amateur riders looking to obtain their goal of competing at all levels of eventing," Krause-Spangler said. "My main focus is encouraging the building of a solid relationship between horse and rider. My program is tailored to meet each individual's goals while continuing to have fun and enjoy the sport of eventing."
Krause-Spangler is a dog lover too! "I have two standard poodles whom I love and adore."
Lindsay Lechner of Lechner Equestrian Services is an ICP Level I-Novice certified instructor that teaches in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the surrounding counties.
"I teach riders of all ages and love introducing them to the sport of eventing," Lechner said. "Pony Club had a huge impact on my life and also how much I value clients who want to learn and do for themselves while getting good instruction wherever they can along the way. I believe in keeping things fun and positive during all of my lessons."
"I recently bought an off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding, Rising Giant, who I call 'Vinny,'" she shared. "I am looking forward to seeing where his new career takes him!"
Chants of “War Eagle” were heard from end to end of the White Oak cross-country course as the overnight leaders and defending champions from Auburn University tore between the red and white flags Saturday to remain atop the leaderboard of the 2023 Intercollegiate Eventing Championship at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC).
The last three years have been a time of great change throughout the country for homes, businesses and industries. Rising costs of living, shrinking of assistance and changes in demographics have affected so much of our world, and that includes the equine industry. However, not all of the changes are easy to identify. This is why the American Horse Council (AHC), together with the U.S. Equestrian Federation, has kicked off what could be one of the biggest studies in more than 50 years with the 2023 National Economic Impact Study (EIS) for the equine industry.
Twenty-three teams from 13 colleges and universities have traveled far and wide for the seventh annual USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
If you have been involved at a higher level with the USEA, you probably recognize the names of the two ladies that spearhead all of the efforts of the USEA’s Programs, Partnerships, and Marketing department: Kate Lokey, Director of Programs and Marketing, and Kaleigh Collett, Marketing Coordinator, but a new member of this team has also joined the USEA staff in Heather Johnson, Programs and Inventory Assistant. If you have considered advertising with the USEA or are involved in the USEA’s Young Event Horse, Emerging Athletes U21, New Event Horse, Adult Riders, Young Riders, Classic Series, or Grooms programs, you probably have or most likely will interact with one of these staff members.