IHSA Team Biographies
Rider: Elise Daly, Walk Trot
Major: Equine Science (Pre-Vet)
Graduating year: 2016
Riding Background: I started riding at UNH Fall 2012!
Favorite thing about IHSA: Meeting lots of new horses at shows.
Rider: Renee Charest, Walk/Trot
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I took a few short months of lessons when I was in middle school. Recently, I have been riding at UNH in ANSC 402 and have loved getting back into the saddle!
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting to ride a diverse group of horses and ponies, and learning something new from each of them. It's also been great to be a member of a team, and make lots of new friends!
Major: Equine Sciences
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I've been riding for about a year and a half, mainly at UNH in ANSC 402. I've been on the team since Spring of 2011, and have loved participating in my first shows!
Favorite thing about ISHA: Meeting new people, learning more about riding, and getting to ride so many different horses.
Major: Occupational Therapy, Psychology
Graduating year: 2013
Riding Background: I began riding welsh ponies and cobs as a child during the summer in Mattapoisett, MA and picked up riding again at UNH for fun! I also went to Nationals last spring for team walk/trot and had a blast. Now I am leasing PA (UNH IHSA's Kate Frazier's horse) to further my skill and knowledge of horsemanship.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Meeting new people and new horses! Long car rides!
Major: Equine Science
Graduating year: 2016
Riding background: I started riding when I was 9 years old when I joined a local 4-H club at Winding River Quarter Horses in West Winfield, New York. I have been there ever since with my trainer Jodi Pearsall. I have always shown at New York State Quarter Horse Shows as well as local hunter shows in the hunt seat divisions.
Favorite Thing about IHSA: The team as well as the anticipation of what horse will be drawn and then having to figure the horse out throughout the class as well as showing to the best of your ability. It is a great experience and improves our riding.
Rider: Elsa Javenes, Novice Flat and Novice Fences
Major: Business Administration WSBE
Graduating Year: 2016
Riding Background: Since my first "leg up" at age 6, on a pony named Penny, I have had a passion for horseback riding. I have competed at various levels from local schooling shows in the Hudson Valley, NY, to National "A" rated shows in NY, NJ, and Connecticut. In 2011, I competitively showed in the Children’s Eq. I love being able to ride challenging ponies and horses, and I strive to work with each horse I ride to learn anything that I can to make me a better rider. I trained with Bj Ehrhardt, owner of Foxhedge Farm, for 4 years. I currently ride/train with Vanessa Karlewicz, owner of The Stables at Mirabella, in Warwick, New York. Most importantly, I will always enjoy riding at any level, and with a smile on my face.
Favorite thing about IHSA: My favorite thing about IHSA is the chance to ride a variety of horses and meet new people!
Rider: Lauren E DeJoie, Novice Flat and Novice Fences
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Graduation Year: 2015
Riding Background: I started riding in fifth grade when I was living in England. Upon returning home I kept up with my riding and have done the IEA and showed in the Equitation/Jumpers/Hunters. I spend my summer working for a show barn as a groom and catching rides whenever I can.
Favorite thing about IHSA: My favorite thing would have to be getting on a new horse and throughout the ride figuring out their quirks and how they like to be ridden and in the end coming out of the ring like I learned something new and exciting about the horse and myself!
Major: Equine Studies
Graduating year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding when I was about seven and have loved it ever since. I have been competing in equitation and hunter/jumpers for about eight years. I have spent most of my time leasing a variety of horses, all at different training levels, but I am happy to say I have my very own to play with now!
Favorite thing about IHSA: All the girls on the team! They are always so supportive and just a great group to be around. It wouldn’t be the same without them!
Major: Outdoor Ed.
Graduating year: 2015
Riding Background: I have10 years of hunt seat training at Watchung Stables in Summit NJ. I love jumping and want to focus on getting better at that as much as possible.
Favorite thing about IHSA: I like the opportunity to ride a wide variety of horses in areas all around the east coast, and how good competition improves my riding.
Major: Equine Management
Graduating year: 2014
Riding Background: I started working in return for riding lessons when I was 12. I have done that throughout the past 8 years and have grown as a rider by watching other riders and taking lessons. I have never shown competitively so this will be a new experience for me!
Favorite thing about IHSA: The girls on the team! I also enjoy riding different types of horses.
Major: Equine management
Graduation year: 2015
Riding background: I have owned horses and ridden my whole life. I currently own a 25 year old Welsh Pony and a 9 year old Thoroughbred. I have a lot of experience competing in different things like jumpers, hunters, and a little eventing.
Favorite thing about IHSA: IHSA has given me a lot of experience on many different horses. It has definitely given me a lot of confidence in the show ring.
Major: Environmental Conservation Studies
Graduating year: 2014
Riding Background: I have been riding horses since I was six and started taking western lessons in Colorado. I loved it so much that I immediately signed up for weekly english lessons at home and have been passionate about horses ever since! I competed for a few years in Hunter/Jumper shows all over Vermont, as well as 4-H shows from the age of 8 to 18. When I was 14 I bought my first (and current) horse and had a blast training him from a green four-year-old to the great ten-year-old he is today! We participated in Vermont Hunter Jumper Association shows and 4-H shows for a few more years up until I started college.
Favorite thing about IHSA: I have wanted to be a member of an intercollegiate equestrian team ever since I started looking at colleges to attend, and now that this dream has been realized, it is even better than I imagined! The friendships I have formed (both on my own team and other teams from our region) and the improvement in my riding both make the experience so amazing, and it is a very fun challenge to compete on many different types of horses.
Major: Undeclared LA
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding when I was 8 years old. I love being around horses and especially love ponies. I previously competed in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) program for 6 consecutive years and was the captain of my team. My freshman year of high school, I qualified for Nationals and placed in the top 20 for my division. I enjoy working with horses and have been volunteering at Lovelane Therapeutic Riding Center for two years.
Favorite thing about IHSA: The team! We have so much fun together which is really special since riding is typically an individual sport.
Major: Pre-Vet
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I started riding saddleseat when I was really little; it was only about six years ago that I became part of the hunter/jumper world. I competed in high school through the New Hampshire High School Equestrian Team program. During high school I competed in saddleseat, western, hunt seat, reining, and working pairs, qualifying for the state competition every year. Throughout my many years of riding I have done a little of everything!
Favorite thing about IHSA: Showing a horse that you have most likely never ridden before!
Major: Pre-veterinary medicine
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding at the age of three, after a pre-school field trip to The Pony Farm. Since then I have continued riding on a regular basis. For most of my riding career I rode with no instruction just on trail rides. For about four years now I have been involved in eventing and training horses.
Favorite thing about IHSA: This is my first year riding in IHSA, and also in the hunt seat discipline. I am mostly excited to ride multiple horses and gain show experience.
Major: Occupational Therapy
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I’ve been riding for the past 10 years and have owned a horse, Zappa, for the past 2.5 years. My main focus is eventing, but I also love dressage. I have competed through Novice with Zappa, and look forward to continue working with him to see how far we can go.
Favorite thing about IHSA: It gives me the opportunity to ride lots of different types of horses, and to be exposed to a different style of riding.
Major: Equine Science w/ Pre Vet concentration
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I've been to shows all around CT from schooling shows to A-rated shows. I began riding as a hunter on multiple different ponies at schooling shows and lower rated shows. When I was about 14 and throughout high school I started riding my first horse and began showing mostly as a junior eq rider at various higher rated competitions throughout southern CT. My senior year of high school was filled with less showing and more pony training when I became assistant trainer at a small barn and began working with much more problematic ponies. After this experience, I went to college knowing I wanted to resume showing!
Favorite thing about IHSA: practicing on ponies!
Major: Sociology
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I've been riding since I was 7 years old when I accompanied a friend to a riding lesson at The Pony Farm in Temple, NH. Since then, I've spent most of my time at Horton's Farm in Grantham, NH with Joe Forest doing hunt-seat equitation, hunters and jumpers.
Favorite Thing about IHSA: The excitement of drawing a horse you know nothing about. It is a great experience and it keeps you on your toes.
Major: Equine Studies
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding at the age of six when I received a free riding certificate as a birthday present. Since then I have been taking hunter/jumper lessons weekly and pursuing my true passion of riding.
Favorite thing about IHSA: It feels good to be around people who share my passion of horses and riding, and the amount of team support is very motivating.
Major: Business Management and Finance
Graduating Year: 2015
Riding Background: I started riding when I was 6 years old in upstate New York, growing up showing all over the North East with my Welsh Pony. I moved to New Hampshire 8 years ago and since then have been riding at Horton's Farm with Joe Forest in Grantham, NH. There I have spent my time showing a variety of horses in the hunters, hunt-seat equitation, and jumper divisions.
Favorite thing about IHSA: The challenge of riding a variety of horses throughout the year that you know very little about, and competing with the team!
Major: Biomedical Science with a Veterinary Focus
Graduating Year: 2015
Riding background: I have been riding since I was seven years old and showing since age nine. I rode in IEA during high school and have also done the hunters, equitation, and some jumpers throughout the years. I have qualified and competed in the MHC, MHJ, and NEHC equitation finals for a number of years.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting to ride and figure out all the different horses and not knowing what you get until you’re on course or starting flat. Meeting and getting to know all the girls on the team!
Major: Pre-Vet
Graduating Year: 2012
Riding Background: I’ve been riding since I was 6 and competed all the way up to Medal and Maclay Finals.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Having a team that you love, since horseback riding for the most part is an individual thing.
Major: Pre-vet
Graduating year: 2012
Background: I've been riding for 12 years and have done small Hunter/Jumper shows for the most part.
Favorite thing about IHSA: My favorite thing about IHSA is our team. Everyone is really fun and we always have a great time at horse shows!
Major: Psychology
Graduating Year: 2012
What I am doing now:
I'm currently completing my Masters in Social Work at Fordham University in Manhattan. I spend most of my time at my internship at an agency that runs a homeless shelter and permanent supportive housing program. I still love to ride as much as time and money allows, and I teach lessons part time. My goal is to someday combine my love of horses with my profession. I will always remember my experience with UNH IHSA and the equine program very fondly. I still use my fundraising skills from IHSA almost every day as a social worker!
Major: Photo-Journalism
Graduating Year: 2012
Riding Background: 8 years riding hunt seat equitation/hunter-jumper. Many classes won all over New England in Equitation, and N.H finals. Two years experience going to the New England Equitation Finals and placing in the top percentile.
Favorite thing about IHSA: I like that IHSA puts everyone on the same level. It?s about rider talent not how big and fancy your horse is. I also like the camaraderie; it?s a real team effort.
Major: Equine Science
Graduating year: 2012
Riding Background: I have been riding since I was 4. I never competed, but loved riding my horse Victor.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting some show experience while getting to hang out with a great group of girls!
Major: Equine Science (Pre-Vet)
Graduating year: 2016
Riding Background: I started riding at UNH Fall 2012!
Favorite thing about IHSA: Meeting lots of new horses at shows.
Rider: Renee Charest, Walk/Trot
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I took a few short months of lessons when I was in middle school. Recently, I have been riding at UNH in ANSC 402 and have loved getting back into the saddle!
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting to ride a diverse group of horses and ponies, and learning something new from each of them. It's also been great to be a member of a team, and make lots of new friends!
Major: Equine Sciences
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I've been riding for about a year and a half, mainly at UNH in ANSC 402. I've been on the team since Spring of 2011, and have loved participating in my first shows!
Favorite thing about ISHA: Meeting new people, learning more about riding, and getting to ride so many different horses.
Major: Occupational Therapy, Psychology
Graduating year: 2013
Riding Background: I began riding welsh ponies and cobs as a child during the summer in Mattapoisett, MA and picked up riding again at UNH for fun! I also went to Nationals last spring for team walk/trot and had a blast. Now I am leasing PA (UNH IHSA's Kate Frazier's horse) to further my skill and knowledge of horsemanship.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Meeting new people and new horses! Long car rides!
Major: Equine Science
Graduating year: 2016
Riding background: I started riding when I was 9 years old when I joined a local 4-H club at Winding River Quarter Horses in West Winfield, New York. I have been there ever since with my trainer Jodi Pearsall. I have always shown at New York State Quarter Horse Shows as well as local hunter shows in the hunt seat divisions.
Favorite Thing about IHSA: The team as well as the anticipation of what horse will be drawn and then having to figure the horse out throughout the class as well as showing to the best of your ability. It is a great experience and improves our riding.
Rider: Elsa Javenes, Novice Flat and Novice Fences
Major: Business Administration WSBE
Graduating Year: 2016
Riding Background: Since my first "leg up" at age 6, on a pony named Penny, I have had a passion for horseback riding. I have competed at various levels from local schooling shows in the Hudson Valley, NY, to National "A" rated shows in NY, NJ, and Connecticut. In 2011, I competitively showed in the Children’s Eq. I love being able to ride challenging ponies and horses, and I strive to work with each horse I ride to learn anything that I can to make me a better rider. I trained with Bj Ehrhardt, owner of Foxhedge Farm, for 4 years. I currently ride/train with Vanessa Karlewicz, owner of The Stables at Mirabella, in Warwick, New York. Most importantly, I will always enjoy riding at any level, and with a smile on my face.
Favorite thing about IHSA: My favorite thing about IHSA is the chance to ride a variety of horses and meet new people!
Rider: Lauren E DeJoie, Novice Flat and Novice Fences
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Graduation Year: 2015
Riding Background: I started riding in fifth grade when I was living in England. Upon returning home I kept up with my riding and have done the IEA and showed in the Equitation/Jumpers/Hunters. I spend my summer working for a show barn as a groom and catching rides whenever I can.
Favorite thing about IHSA: My favorite thing would have to be getting on a new horse and throughout the ride figuring out their quirks and how they like to be ridden and in the end coming out of the ring like I learned something new and exciting about the horse and myself!
Rider: Rachel Hurst, Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter
Major: Equine Studies
Graduating year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding when I was about seven and have loved it ever since. I have been competing in equitation and hunter/jumpers for about eight years. I have spent most of my time leasing a variety of horses, all at different training levels, but I am happy to say I have my very own to play with now!
Favorite thing about IHSA: All the girls on the team! They are always so supportive and just a great group to be around. It wouldn’t be the same without them!
Major: Outdoor Ed.
Graduating year: 2015
Riding Background: I have10 years of hunt seat training at Watchung Stables in Summit NJ. I love jumping and want to focus on getting better at that as much as possible.
Favorite thing about IHSA: I like the opportunity to ride a wide variety of horses in areas all around the east coast, and how good competition improves my riding.
Major: Equine Management
Graduating year: 2014
Riding Background: I started working in return for riding lessons when I was 12. I have done that throughout the past 8 years and have grown as a rider by watching other riders and taking lessons. I have never shown competitively so this will be a new experience for me!
Favorite thing about IHSA: The girls on the team! I also enjoy riding different types of horses.
Rider: Megan Murfey, Novice Flat & Fences
Major: Equine management
Graduation year: 2015
Riding background: I have owned horses and ridden my whole life. I currently own a 25 year old Welsh Pony and a 9 year old Thoroughbred. I have a lot of experience competing in different things like jumpers, hunters, and a little eventing.
Favorite thing about IHSA: IHSA has given me a lot of experience on many different horses. It has definitely given me a lot of confidence in the show ring.
Rider: Katie Dooley, Novice Flat & Fences
Major: Environmental Conservation Studies
Graduating year: 2014
Riding Background: I have been riding horses since I was six and started taking western lessons in Colorado. I loved it so much that I immediately signed up for weekly english lessons at home and have been passionate about horses ever since! I competed for a few years in Hunter/Jumper shows all over Vermont, as well as 4-H shows from the age of 8 to 18. When I was 14 I bought my first (and current) horse and had a blast training him from a green four-year-old to the great ten-year-old he is today! We participated in Vermont Hunter Jumper Association shows and 4-H shows for a few more years up until I started college.
Favorite thing about IHSA: I have wanted to be a member of an intercollegiate equestrian team ever since I started looking at colleges to attend, and now that this dream has been realized, it is even better than I imagined! The friendships I have formed (both on my own team and other teams from our region) and the improvement in my riding both make the experience so amazing, and it is a very fun challenge to compete on many different types of horses.
Rider: Katie Bartow, Novice Flat & Fences
Major: Undeclared LA
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding when I was 8 years old. I love being around horses and especially love ponies. I previously competed in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) program for 6 consecutive years and was the captain of my team. My freshman year of high school, I qualified for Nationals and placed in the top 20 for my division. I enjoy working with horses and have been volunteering at Lovelane Therapeutic Riding Center for two years.
Favorite thing about IHSA: The team! We have so much fun together which is really special since riding is typically an individual sport.
Major: Pre-Vet
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I started riding saddleseat when I was really little; it was only about six years ago that I became part of the hunter/jumper world. I competed in high school through the New Hampshire High School Equestrian Team program. During high school I competed in saddleseat, western, hunt seat, reining, and working pairs, qualifying for the state competition every year. Throughout my many years of riding I have done a little of everything!
Favorite thing about IHSA: Showing a horse that you have most likely never ridden before!
Major: Pre-veterinary medicine
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding at the age of three, after a pre-school field trip to The Pony Farm. Since then I have continued riding on a regular basis. For most of my riding career I rode with no instruction just on trail rides. For about four years now I have been involved in eventing and training horses.
Favorite thing about IHSA: This is my first year riding in IHSA, and also in the hunt seat discipline. I am mostly excited to ride multiple horses and gain show experience.
Major: Occupational Therapy
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I’ve been riding for the past 10 years and have owned a horse, Zappa, for the past 2.5 years. My main focus is eventing, but I also love dressage. I have competed through Novice with Zappa, and look forward to continue working with him to see how far we can go.
Favorite thing about IHSA: It gives me the opportunity to ride lots of different types of horses, and to be exposed to a different style of riding.
Major: Equine Science w/ Pre Vet concentration
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I've been to shows all around CT from schooling shows to A-rated shows. I began riding as a hunter on multiple different ponies at schooling shows and lower rated shows. When I was about 14 and throughout high school I started riding my first horse and began showing mostly as a junior eq rider at various higher rated competitions throughout southern CT. My senior year of high school was filled with less showing and more pony training when I became assistant trainer at a small barn and began working with much more problematic ponies. After this experience, I went to college knowing I wanted to resume showing!
Favorite thing about IHSA: practicing on ponies!
Rider: Sarah Truchon, Open Flat & Fences
Major: Sociology
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: I've been riding since I was 7 years old when I accompanied a friend to a riding lesson at The Pony Farm in Temple, NH. Since then, I've spent most of my time at Horton's Farm in Grantham, NH with Joe Forest doing hunt-seat equitation, hunters and jumpers.
Favorite Thing about IHSA: The excitement of drawing a horse you know nothing about. It is a great experience and it keeps you on your toes.
Rider: Valerie Goeman, Intermediate Flat/ Fences
Major: Pre-Vet
Graduating Year: 2013
Riding Background: Hunters, Combined Training; Competed in Local and State 4H, NHHJA Modified Junior and Adult Divisions, and beginner novice level combined training at Hilltop Equestrian Center in Somersworth, NH.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Riding unfamiliar horses gives everyone an equal opportunity to do well
Major: Equine Studies
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I started riding at the age of six when I received a free riding certificate as a birthday present. Since then I have been taking hunter/jumper lessons weekly and pursuing my true passion of riding.
Favorite thing about IHSA: It feels good to be around people who share my passion of horses and riding, and the amount of team support is very motivating.
Major: Business Management and Finance
Graduating Year: 2015
Riding Background: I started riding when I was 6 years old in upstate New York, growing up showing all over the North East with my Welsh Pony. I moved to New Hampshire 8 years ago and since then have been riding at Horton's Farm with Joe Forest in Grantham, NH. There I have spent my time showing a variety of horses in the hunters, hunt-seat equitation, and jumper divisions.
Favorite thing about IHSA: The challenge of riding a variety of horses throughout the year that you know very little about, and competing with the team!
ommon Man Inn
231 Main St.
Plymouth, NH 03264
Rider: Kate-Lyn Gadoua, Novice Flat & FencesMajor: Biomedical Science with a Veterinary Focus
Graduating Year: 2015
Riding background: I have been riding since I was seven years old and showing since age nine. I rode in IEA during high school and have also done the hunters, equitation, and some jumpers throughout the years. I have qualified and competed in the MHC, MHJ, and NEHC equitation finals for a number of years.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting to ride and figure out all the different horses and not knowing what you get until you’re on course or starting flat. Meeting and getting to know all the girls on the team!
Rider: Sara Barone, Open Flat / Fences
Major: WSBE Undecided
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: Been riding since the age of eight. Trained with Allegra Valberg of Ridgetop Farm and rode for the Ridgetop Equestrian Team in the IEA program for six years. Competed at IEA Nationals four out of those six years. Has competed at MHJ, MHC, and NEHC Finals in previous years.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Having the opportunity to ride all different types of horses and trying to figure them out as you are competing in your class.
Rider: Meghan Lusty, Intermediate Flat / Fences
Major: Undeclared
Graduating Year: 2014
Riding Background: I have been riding for around eleven years, and competing for eight. Although I show in the equitation ring, I enjoy showing in the Hunter ring with my horse Cupid the most.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting the chance to ride a variety of horses in such a short period of time.
Recent Graduates:
Major: Pre-Vet
Graduating Year: 2012
Riding Background: I’ve been riding since I was 6 and competed all the way up to Medal and Maclay Finals.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Having a team that you love, since horseback riding for the most part is an individual thing.
Major: Pre-vet
Graduating year: 2012
Background: I've been riding for 12 years and have done small Hunter/Jumper shows for the most part.
Favorite thing about IHSA: My favorite thing about IHSA is our team. Everyone is really fun and we always have a great time at horse shows!
Major: Psychology
Graduating Year: 2012
What I am doing now:
I'm currently completing my Masters in Social Work at Fordham University in Manhattan. I spend most of my time at my internship at an agency that runs a homeless shelter and permanent supportive housing program. I still love to ride as much as time and money allows, and I teach lessons part time. My goal is to someday combine my love of horses with my profession. I will always remember my experience with UNH IHSA and the equine program very fondly. I still use my fundraising skills from IHSA almost every day as a social worker!
Major: Photo-Journalism
Graduating Year: 2012
Riding Background: 8 years riding hunt seat equitation/hunter-jumper. Many classes won all over New England in Equitation, and N.H finals. Two years experience going to the New England Equitation Finals and placing in the top percentile.
Favorite thing about IHSA: I like that IHSA puts everyone on the same level. It?s about rider talent not how big and fancy your horse is. I also like the camaraderie; it?s a real team effort.
Major: Equine Science
Graduating year: 2012
Riding Background: I have been riding since I was 4. I never competed, but loved riding my horse Victor.
Favorite thing about IHSA: Getting some show experience while getting to hang out with a great group of girls!
