Equifest Program 2020

presentedby

Clinicians

John Staples A native of Wichita, Kansas, John began riding at the age of seven, competing in hunter jumper shows and horse trials. He was a member of the Meadowlark Pony Club where he earned his B rating. John was named as an alternate to the 1988 United States Olympic Eventing Team and was long-listed for both the 1992 and 1996 teams.

Jay Henson Jay grew up the son of a working ranch cowboy. His family lived near Clovis, New Mexico, for most of his childhood. He shared his father’s love of the cowboy lifestyle and enjoyed training horses as well. As a senior in high school he told his dad of his plans to follow in his footsteps as a “cow puncher.” His dad then responded that he better be a horse trainer, because he wouldn’t be able to afford new saddles and fancy bits on a cowboy’s wage. In today’s age of specialization where trainers typically only train and compete in one event, Jay and his wife, Gena Willoughby, have •Saturday, March 7th at 1:30 p.m. presenting “How To Influence The Horse” •Sunday, March 8th at 1:45 p.m. presenting “How To Ride Forward Into Balance?” When John is not in the arena or workshop room, he can be found in Heritage Hall Booth H11. enjoyed helping participants in a variety of classes. That’s lucky for National Versatility Ranch Horse Association participants who often look to the Hensons for guidance. Jay and Gena have been serving as judges and clinicians for ranch horse competitions since before the NVRHA was a formal association. Booth is located at P29 in the 4-H/ Ponderosa Building. In 2011, he was named coach of the Costa Rica National Team. John teaches lessons at Windermere Stables in Wichita, and provides clinics around the U.S. When he is not teaching, he is designing and building cross country courses. He will be in the Prairie LandPartners John Deere Arena at TPEC as follows: •Friday, March 6th at 4:15 p.m. presenting “Gymnastics: Bringing Your Flatwork into Your Jumping” •Saturday, March 7th at 3:45 p.m. presenting “Cross Country: How to Influence the Horse” •Sunday, March 8th at 10:45 a.m. presenting “Stadium Jumping: How to Ride Forward Into Balance” He will be in the Workshop Lecture room upstairs from the TPEC Lobby as follows: •Friday, March 6th at 1:30 p.m. presenting “Bringing Your Flatwork Into Your Jumping”

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