USEA Convention Program

21 usea board of governors NOMINATED BOARD OF GOVERNORS: SHARON ANTHONY Sharon graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Education and Sociology. She received her M.A. degree in Psychology and Educational Administration and Super vision. She taught Sociology and Psychology in the Metro Nashville Public Schools. She ser ved as principal in Nashville's largest high school for 14 years and retired as the Director of Staff Development for Principals and Teachers. Sharon came into eventing early on through the Middle Tennessee Pony Club. She has remained a longterm supporter as a rider, coach and volunteer of their activities and event. She joined the USCTA (now USEA) early on with a member number of 363. In 2016 she was awarded a Governor's Cup. She has ser ved as a member and secretar y on the USEA Foundation for six years, and continues to ser ve as a member and secretar y for the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant selection committee. She is an ICP Level I Training Certified Instructor, and a member of the Adult Rider program as an active lower level rider. She twice finished second at the Adult Team Championships in Texas. Along with her "fabulously supportive and genius husband," Mike Weesner, they own Hardscuffle Farm in Primm Springs, Tenn. where they specialize in boarding retirement horses and raising premium horse hay for their farm and clients, and foster puppies for the local humane association. JOHN BOURGOIN Growing up in New Brunswick, Canada and northern Maine along the U.S./Canadian border, John Bourgoin's riding life began with trail riding and competing in local western horse shows. While attending college in Vermont, Bourgoin was introduced to the local hunter/jumper scene where he spent time learning how to ride in an english saddle and proceeded to enter the world of jumping horses. While boarding a horse at a local stable, John also began volunteering and helping out with the Charlotte Pony Club. After nearly 40 years he continues to be one of their main instructors and volunteers for their annual horse trials. John is still competing and has developed and competed his own horses through ever y national level of the sport. He has also trained and coached riders from Beginner Novice to Advanced. For the last 25 plus years he has been ver y involved in the Area I Young Rider program. Several of his students have represented Area I as team members, as well as having been team and individual medalists at the NAJYRC. He continues to ser ve as a team selector and clinician for the program. In 2013 John was the recipient of the USEA's Cornerstone Award. Having retired from public school teaching after 38 years, John now has the opportunity to work full time with clients and their horses. John and his wife Alice own and operate Arbrook Farm in North Ferrisburgh, Vermont. JOHN STAPLES John Staples is a USEA ICP Level III Certified 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's 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-Countr y Speed Study which is investigating the rate at which horse/rider pairs negotiate cross-countr y obstacles and the impact on safety. John also ser ves on the USEF Safety Committee.

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