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!"
The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce that up to 10 grants of up to $2,500 each will once again be available for talented young riders aged 25 and under aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont (Quebec, Canada) U25 CCIs in June 2025.
For 13-year-old Lila Apple, the pathway to eventing hasn’t always been easy. Self-doubt and confidence issues hindered her progress, but after partnering with a precocious and experienced Thoroughbred and a new trainer who helped her hone her skills, she’s thriving—and even has this year’s USEA Interscholastic Eventing League Championships (IEL) firmly in her sights.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Angela Bowles' five-star horse Novelle (Frisk Me Now x Teetawk).
Strange as it may seem to some die-hard eventing fans, not everyone seeks out horses in their lives. Sometimes, the horse world chooses the equestrian. And that’s exactly what happened to this month’s VIP Volunteer Laurie Hogan. Hogan has two main passions in life—volunteering at horse trials and jam sessions with a group of local musicians.