President: Taylor Harrison
Senior in Psychology
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Taylor says: I have always loved horses, and anything involving horses, and started riding when I was in high school. My family does not have horses, but I have been taking lessons and have always found a way to ride!
Vice President: Bryana Mitchell
Junior in Animal Science - Pre-Vet
Hometown: Peoria, IL
E-mail Bryana
Bryana says: I have been riding horses since I was seven years old. I started riding western, then I switched to English, and now I’m settled on saddleseat. I have three of my own American Saddlebreds, which is my favorite breed. I am currently showing my five gaited saddlebred, Luke, throughout the Midwestern shows. I love all aspects of horses and am willing to talk about them anytime!
Club Treasurer: Joanna Veit
Senior in Aerospace Engineering
Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL
E-mail Joanna
Joanna says: I have been riding horses (hunters) since elementary school and have loved every minute of it. Although I don't have my own horse I enjoy being around horses and working with them whenever I get the chance (including barn work, training, exercise rider, barn help at shows, etc.). Fortunately, I have been able to work with several project horses at the barn at home where I ride. I am always up for participating in horsey activities and I love seeing the horses we have on campus.
Club Fundraising Chair: Hannah Balka
Sophomore in Psychology and Sociology
Hometown: Rockton, IL
Hannah says: I have always been crazy about horses! I began riding at 10 years old with English riding/jumping lessons.
In July 2006 at age 14 I was lucky enough to become the proud owner of my beautiful horse, Jack Del Rio (pictured here).
He is a 17 year old registered American Paint and is the perfect horse for me! Jack now lives here in Ames at a nearby stable.
Though I used to jump frequently, Jack and I now mostly trail ride and gallop around in the pasture.
Webmaster & Public Relations: Alyssa Swan
Sophomore in Animal Science - Pre-Vet
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Alyssa says: “I’ve ridden Western since elementary school and have tried to get as much time and experience with horses as I possibly can! Because I’m from a city, owning my own horse was never really an option, but I went to horse camp multiple times every summer and worked as a counselor there in high school. Though I only get to ride a few times a year, I love every minute I spend in the saddle!”
Hunt Co-President: Anne Gaylord
Junior in Kinesiology and Health
Hometown: Evanston, IL
Anne says: I’ve been riding hunter/jumper since 5th grade and I have been showing on the A Circuit in the Chicago area. I also worked with mentally/physically challenged kids through my barn’s therapeutic program. I’m usually up for anything that is horse related, but I also play soccer and dance.
Hunt Co-President: Kelly Connolly
Senior in Animal Science
Hometown: Urbandale, IA
Kelly says: “I have been riding for about ten years. I have never owned a horse, but somehow always managed to find some to ride. I have taken hunter jumper lessons for most of my riding career, ridden polo ponies, have been a polo groom, and also participated in fox hunting.”
Stock Team President: Lisa Nelson
Sophomore in Agricultural Business
Hometown: Lake Mills, IA
Lisa says: I grew up on a farm raising corn and soybeans, horses and pigs. I have had horses and ridden since I can remember. I have been really involved in 4-H and FFA showing and helping others learn about horses. And also shown with NISCA, the local open show circuit in our area as well as the Iowa State Fair. I really love being involved in horse-related events and shows, and having the opportunity to share what I know with others.
Team Treasurer: Ashley Wegmann
Sophomore in Animal Science - Pre-Vet
Hometown: Edgewood, IA
Ashley says: I grew up on a farm and have always loved horses. I got my first horse when I was eleven. I have since then trained and shown horses. I was very active in 4-H and FFA in my area showing cattle and horses. Having grown up on the farm I have come to love all animals, especially cows and horses. I am on the hunt team and absolutely love it! I have rode western my whole life and to start riding English was very exciting and fun!
Team Fundraising Chair: Kenton Doty
Hometown: Montezuma, IA
E-mail Kenton
Kenton says: I am just a farm kid from central Iowa who has been around horses since Jr. High, and have gained an appreciation and enjoyment of them as I have worked with them. I have ridden with the stock team for two semesters and have really enjoyed it, and am hoping to show with the hunt team this fall.
Secretary: Brittney Nelson
Sophomore in Animal Science - Pre-Vet
Hometown: Morrison, IL
I have been riding since I was ten years old. I've ridden both English and Western but have spent most of my time riding hunter jumpers. I bought an ex-racehorse five years ago and have been retraining him as a jumper. I worked at a horse barn throughout high school and love spending time at the barn, whether I'm doing chores, riding, or helping with lessons!
