ASHBA Youth Council
The ASHBA Youth Council seeks to cultivate a greater sense of community among young exhibitors, provide a space for them to learn about the breed and promotion, and seeks to provide opportunities to help Council members achieve their goals. Catch Youth Council members at horse shows helping with ASHBA Junior Judging and hosting a variety of other youth activities to help promote and build the youth community within the American Saddlebred industry. Youth Council members foster horsemanship and sportsmanship skills within the youth community. Reach out to your local Youth Council members to share activity ideas and ask how you can get involved today! The ASHBA Youth Council program is supported in part by funding received from US Equestrian.
Membership:
The ASHBA Youth Council will be comprised of individuals from across the United States who have not yet reached their 22nd birthday. Individuals will be selected from the 12 regions as set by ASHBA. Each member will represent their region or state for a two year term. The three (3) additional members will be selected as follows:
1. One member selected as a “Discipline At Large member” – who will serve to represent the breed from disciplines other than Saddle Seat.
2. One member selected as an “Academy At Large member” – who will serve to represent the Academy division.
3. One member selected as a “Youth Club At Large member” – who will serve to represent the Youth Clubs.
If there is a lack of regional applicants, other applicants can be considered for a state representative position that would assist the overall regional representative on initiatives, projects, and goals.
Additional Membership Requirements:
a) Members must be active American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association members and have currently or previously been involved with ASHBA Youth Programs.
b) Aged 21 and under
c) Members 18 and older will need to complete the Safe Sport training through USEF.
The Youth Council seeks members who:
- Will further the mission and purpose of the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association
- Have a passion for the American Saddlebred
- Have demonstrated good character and leadership skills
- Will enrich the experience of other ASHBA Youth members through the goals of the ASHBA Youth Council
If you have questions, please reach out to the ASHBA office at 859-259-2742 or [email protected]
Youth Council Members 2026-2027
Abby Connolly - Chair - Region 8
My name is Abby Connolly, and I am 17 years old from Tampa, Florida. I have been involved with the American Saddlebred industry for almost 10 years, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. Through riding and showing in various divisions, I have gained many valuable experiences and growth both in and out of the saddle. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve on the ASHBA Youth Council and to give back to a community that has given me so much. As a Youth Council member, I hope to help foster a more connected and inclusive youth community that promotes leadership, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the Saddlebred breed.
Jacqueline Schatzberg - Region 1
My name is Jacqueline Schatzberg. I am 14 years old and live in Cave Creek, Arizona. I have been riding since I was 2 but showing Saddlebreds since I was 10. My parents are extremely involved with the Saddlebred industry, so I was practically born into it. During my time in the Saddlebred industry, I have received opportunities to show a multitude of different Saddlebreds in a variety of divisions, as well as showing Morgans, Arabians, and Hackneys. Last year, I had the opportunity to own my first Saddlebred and I fell more in love with the breed! I am also a part of the UPHA Ribbons of Service program and the Mentor program within Ribbons of Service program. Some goals that I have during my term on the youth council are increasing the youth involvement in Arizona. I am so excited to continue to contribute to our youth!
Emma Wycoff – Missouri Rep.
Hi! My name is Emma Wycoff, I am 16 years old, and I live in Kansas City, Missouri! I have been riding Saddlebreds for practically my entire life, being the third generation in my family to do so! My love and passion for the breed is strong, and I hope to spread a lot of that same passion to my peers and fellow youth riders! During my time as a youth council member, I would like to get the youth more involved in the social media aspect of the sport, and strive to promote our breed whenever I can while encouraging others to do the same!
Avery Demuth – Iowa Rep.
My name is Avery Demuth. I am 17 and a junior in Ottumwa, Iowa. I have been riding and showing Saddlebreds for eight years. I love to work with young horses, help with lessons, and care for the horses. While I am on the youth council, my goal is to help everybody feel included and find support in the community that they know they belong in.
Bentley Kool – Region 3
Coming soon!
Deidre Shanahan – Region 5
Hi, my name is Deidre Shanahan, I am 14 years old and am from Trevor, WI. I have been taking lessons at Woodwind Farm since I was 3 years old. I started competing in Academy shows when I was little and have been competing in the performance division for the last three years. Growing up at the barn I have ridden a variety of breeds, though my favorite is the American Saddlebred. I have participated in the UPHA Ribbons of Service program for the last two years and really love volunteering in my community as well as organizing fundraisers to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Outside of the time that I spend working or riding at the barn I play softball, run track and participate in the leadership program at my school.
Michael Lentz – Region 6
Hello! My name is Michael Lentz, I am 15 years old, and I will be serving as Region 6's Youth Council Representative! I live in Martinsville, Indiana. I have been riding with Trinity Farm since I started riding in 2016. I have shown in various divisions, including Academy, Pleasure Equitation, Show Pleasure Driving, and Country Pleasure. This year I will also be showing in Five-gaited. In the Youth Council, my goal is to increase youth involvement in my region. One such example is by having more junior judging in my region and another is to engage with Scouting America (I’m also a Scout) to introduce more kids to the American Saddlebred! I am very excited to be on the council for my first time ever.
Brooke Carrier – Region 7
Coming soon!
Mackenzie Reynolds – Tennessee Rep., Ambassador Leader
My name is Mackenzie Reynolds and I am from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I have been involved with Saddlebreds since 2017 when I began riding lessons at Harris Training and Riding Academy with Will and Brittany Harris. Since my first lessons, I have taught lessons myself, provided horse care and training for show horses, and am studying Horse Science and Business at Middle Tennessee State University. During my time on the youth council I would like to continue to further the involvement of the Saddlebred youth, at horse shows and events within the community.
Collin Fuentes – Florida Rep.
My name is Collin Fuentes, and I am from Tampa, Florida. I have been actively involved with the American Saddlebred breed through showing, learning, and photography with Saddle Horse Report. Being a Youth Council Member allows me to represent young riders and help grow interest in the breed among future generations. One of my goals is to increase youth involvement at horse shows and help make them more welcoming and exciting for young exhibitors.
Aubrey Apanovitch – Florida Rep.
My name is Aubrey Apanovitch, and I am 15 years old. I live in Tampa, Florida, and I ride with Avalon Family Charities. I have been riding for eleven years and have trained at Avalon Family Charities for the past eight years. I enjoy assisting at the barn, cheering on my barn family at horse shows, traveling around the country to compete with my American Saddlebred, T. Rex, and caring for the exceptional horses with whom I have the privilege to work. I recently started co-teaching young riders, which has been a rewarding experience. My longstanding involvement with horses has kindled my aspiration to become an equine veterinarian. As a member of the youth council, my goal is to encourage the many ambitious young riders to become more actively involved with the American Saddlebred breed and to participate in the youth programs offered by ASHBA. Additionally, I am starting Avalon Family Charities' youth club to provide even more opportunities for young riders to connect and grow. I am committed to making these valuable programs more accessible and engaging for young riders, as we represent the future of the American Saddlebred breed and industry. I strive to foster an environment that inspires young riders to continue returning to the barn, further developing their equestrian careers, and to continue promoting the American Saddlebred breed while increasing the audience and visibility of our horse shows. Furthermore, I am eager to build meaningful connections with the other members of the council and to collaborate effectively to make a positive impact through these goals.
Reese Fennessy – Georgia Rep.
My name is Reese Fennessy, and I am 16 years old. I live in Americus, Georgia. I started riding Saddlebreds when I was 5 years old and I have loved them ever since. I have been fortunate to be exposed to Saddlebreds in many different settings, including daily at my home, riding at my lesson barn with my instructor, and showing my horse with a training barn. These have all deepened my love for the Saddlebred. As a youth council member I hope to encourage more involvement in the breed and bring more youth activities to Georgia!
Sally Walser – Region 9
My name is Sally Walser, and I am 15 years old. I live in Kenly, North Carolina and have been riding for my whole life but riding Saddlebreds for 8 years. I have grown up with the breed even having horses at my house. I ride with Majestic Stables where I have 2 Saddlebreds and a hackney pony. I have shown in multiple different divisions but started in 10 & under walk and trot equitation with my horse Undulata's Sadie Payne. My goal is to encourage more involvement and participation throughout the industry no matter your skill level. I am very excited to be a part of the youth council and to promote the breed in the Carolinas while helping create opportunities for young riders to grow and succeed!
Jensen Raulerson – Region 10
Hi, my name is Jensen Raulerson, and I am from Princeton, West Virginia. I’ve been showing Saddlebreds for the past five years and have been actively involved with the ASHAV Youth Group. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the Youth Council and am eager to foster greater youth involvement in the breed. Whether it’s volunteering at horse shows or the barn, or joining a local charter club, I firmly believe there’s so much to be gained from the Saddlebred world. On top of my involvement in the saddled world this fall, I will be attending nursing school, and I plan to become a nurse practitioner.
Ashlyn Deaton – Academy at Large Member
My name is Ashlyn Deaton and I'm a fifteen-year-old from Nicholasville, KY. I ride with Wingswept Farm. I have been riding and showing Saddlebreds for the past eight years in Academy. During this time, I've achieved a National Champion title and secured multiple regional titles. Beyond competitions, I've gained extensive experience assisting at horse shows, supporting my favorite performance and academy riders at my barn, participating in academy shows, and becoming involved with the American Saddlebred through countless programs such as the UPHA Ribbons of Service, ASHBA Saddle Time, the UK Saddle-seat team, and the Wingswept summer camps. In this role as the Academy at large member, I aspire to elevate awareness about academy riding and its dynamics, educate my peers about equine health and proper care practices, and foster confidence among young riders throughout youth conventions and online.
Finley Paul – Discipline at Large Member, Secretary
Hi, I am Finley Paul from Lexington, KY. I am serving on the Youth Council as the Discipline at Large Seat, as well as being the council Secretary. I show horses with Highveld Farm in Burlington, KY. Something I would like to accomplish on the Youth Council this year is more youth involvement and participation in youth programs such as Saddle Time and Junior Judging. It would also be great to help work on growing our Youth Club numbers as we saw some improvement there in 2025!
Morgan Huber – Youth Club at Large Member
I’m Morgan Huber, I am 20 years old and originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m currently a student at the University of Kentucky studying Equine Science and Management with minors in Agricultural Economics and Business. I’ve been working with American Saddlebreds for over 8 years now. I work at Trinity Farm assisting in training, lessons, social media, summer camps, and some youth clubs things! Personally, I would love to see a stronger community between the youth programs of all the farms. Doing events that foster the connection between our youth is something I greatly look forward to in my position on the Youth Council!
Ella Dallenbach – Ambassador Leader
My name is Ella Dallenbach and I’m 17 years old. I live in Louisville, KY and I have been riding with Zubrod Stables for over 10 years. I started showing in academy at seven years old and moved up to performance at 15. I’m currently the president of Zubrod’s youth club, ZuKru. Something I’d like to accomplish while on the ASHBA Youth Council is bring more youth-based activities to shows and conferences for beginners and youth who are growing their love for the American Saddlebred. I can’t wait for another amazing year and look forward to see the positive impact we make!
Claire Nibe – Ambassador
My name is Claire Nibe, and I live in Albia, Iowa. I have been riding with Keith Equestrian Center for the past five years. I compete in both equitation and western divisions. I value the knowledge and experience each has given me. As a youth ambassador, my goal is to increase awareness of saddle seat and encourage more youth to become involved in the discipline.
Adriana Akers – Ambassador
My name is Adriana Akers, from Medina, Ohio. I ride with Lookaway Farm, and have been riding since I was 5 years old. I started riding Saddlebreds when I was 9 years old. The past few years I have been lucky enough to show Morgans, Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies. One thing I would like to accomplish while being a member of the youth council is to get more youth involved with Saddlebreds in Ohio.
Amina Tica – Ambassador
My name is Amina Tica, and I am a fifteen year old living in Bondurant, IA. I have ridden at Menagerie Stables for eight years, gaining experience from various different horses as well as continuously learning more with my own horse. For the past seven years, I have volunteered at my barns adaptive riding program, helping create a supportive and inclusive environment for all riders. Through the Youth Council, I hope to become more involved with the breed, help promote it, and contribute to a safe and positive space for everyone!
Kaedence Gertiser – Ambassador
My name is Kaedence Gertiser, I am a high school student in Noblesville, Indiana and have been riding for 8 years now. I show in the pleasure equitation division with Oakwood Stables. I enjoy helping the barn with a number of things including running lessons, taking care of the horses, and getting the horses ready to go into the show ring at competitions. I have a true passion and love for the American Saddlebred horse and adore sharing the magic of the breed with other people. I hope to continue to spread the love of the American Saddlebred as an ASHBA Youth Council Ambassador!
Charli Perdue – Ambassador
My name is Charli Perdue and I am 14 years old. I live in Hurricane, WV and ride with LeMaster Stables in Ashland, KY. I have been riding for almost 3 years and have been showing in Academy the past two years. While I'm an ASHBA Youth Ambassador, I cannot wait to learn more about the youth and Saddlebred industry.
Aubrey Walters – Ambassador
My name is Aubrey and I am from Charleston, West Virginia. I am a sophomore who shows American Saddlebreds in Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure and Park. I proudly own That’s What She Said and Callaway’s I’ll Stand By You. I train and ride at Fiesta Farm and Junior League is my favorite horse show each year (especially since it falls on my birthday). Outside of the barn, I enjoy volunteering in my community and expressing my artistic creativity through drawing. As a Youth Council member, I hope to help create new and fun activities that encourage more youth involvement and make our events exciting for everyone.
