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!"
Hosting the Annual Meeting of Members each December has been a requirement set forth by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) by-laws (then the United States Combined Training Association) since 1959. This year, USEA members are gathering in St. Louis, Missouri, for the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention from Dec. 7 - Dec. 10 for four jam-packed days of educational seminars and open forums full of conversation surrounding our sport. Lunch on Friday, however, served as an opportunity for attendees to gather together for the USEA Meeting of Members once again.
As the 2023 competition year draws to a close and many of the high-performance and other riders are connecting at this year‘s USEA annual convention, the Great Meadow International organizers would like to update you on GMI.
United States Eventing Association (USEA) members at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention were in for a treat on Friday as the U.S. Eventing Team was on hand to discuss their accomplishments this year at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
“Test the best without hurting the rest,” said show jumping course designer Chris Barnard as he and fellow designer Marc Donovan led a lively discussion for nearly 50 participants at the Show Jumping Seminar on the first day of the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.