USEA Convention Program

41 is currently with Bridgewater College in Virginia as the Director of Riding and Head Coach of the IHSA, IDA, and USEA Teams in the Athletic Department. In 2015 Jerry became a graduate with distinction of the Learners Judges Program in the USDF, and is pursuing his "r" judge license in the USDF and USEF. He serves as a founding board member of the USEA ICP and is a Level III Certified Instructor as well as ICP faculty member. In 2016, Jerry was a member of the organizing committee of the Great Meadows International in The Plains, Virginia. Tamra Smith Tamie Smith's impressive record speaks for itself. Not only has Tamie ridden dressage at the Grand Prix level, she has also had success in the show jumping ring, and made an elite name for herself in the sport of eventing. Tamie's philosophy stems from the belief that each horse has something to offer and can teach every rider something. She has trained and developed countless difficult and talented horses, helping them reach their full potential. Tamie's patience and commitment to the sport is evident through her 25 years of involvement and her continuous search to better her riding and teaching. Tamie's continued effort to receive instruction and broaden her education is a testament to her commitment to the sport of eventing, as well as her continued success in the future. John Staples John Staples is a USEA ICP Level III Instructor as well as an Advanced level competitor. John was long-listed for the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Teams and was named as an alternate for the 1988 Olympic Team. John' training focuses on establishing rhythm, relaxation, and straightness to develop a horse who is responsive to the aids, adjustable, balanced, and confident. He uses these principles of dressage in all phases of developing the event horse. John helped initiate the Cross-Country Speed Study, which is investigating the rate at which horse/rider pairs negotiate cross-country obstacles and the impact on safety. John has also served on the USEF Safety Committee. Lynn Symansky Lynn Symansky is one of the top three-day eventer riders in the world. With nearly 30 years of competitive equestrian experience and 20 years of international experience, she has an accomplished resume which includes representing the U.S. on seven teams at the international level. In addition to her team appearances – 2011 gold medal winning Pan American Games team, 2014 World Equestrian Games team, 2015 bronze medal winning Aachen Nations Cup team, traveling reserve for the 2016 Olympic Games, 2017 gold medal winning Great Meadow Nations Cup team, 2018 World Equestrian Games team, and 2019 gold medal winning Pan American Games team – Lynn has completed 12 CCI5* competitions around the world at Kentucky, Badminton (England), Burghley (England), and Pau (France). Lynn has been fortunate to ride a variety of talented horses, from off-the-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs) to U.S.-bred and European-bred Warmbloods. She has the instincts and experience to customize an approach to bring out the best in both horses and riders. Lynn believes that hard work, communication, and patience are the key to bringing out each horse's full potential. In addition to her competition career, Lynn also has extensive teaching experience. From coaching Advanced-level competitors, talented young riders, and ambitious amateurs, Lynn's experience is valuable to all levels. Lynn was born and raised in Vienna, Virginia and in 2005 graduated Cum Laude from Washington & Lee University. She currently trains and operates her business out of Handlen Farm, a beautiful 33 acre facility nestled in the heart of Middleburg, Virginia.

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