Coming to UF? Interested in joining our club?
After you check out our FAQ page, head over to our Facebook page! Not only will you get to see what we're up to, but messaging us through there will be the best way to get your questions answered! Additionally, feel free to reach out to our officers if you have any other questions. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
After you check out our FAQ page, head over to our Facebook page! Not only will you get to see what we're up to, but messaging us through there will be the best way to get your questions answered! Additionally, feel free to reach out to our officers if you have any other questions. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
Meet the Officers
2018-2019 Officers
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President: Holly McDavid
Hi, I'm Holly! I'm a fourth year Biology student and I hope to go to PA school (to become a physician assistant) after graduating from UF. I have ridden for most of my life and I am currently on the Hunt Seat team. I have met so many great people through the equestrian club and can't wait for the upcoming school year/season. If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Go Gators! E-mail: hollymcdavid@ufl.edu |
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Vice President: Kim Gorion
Hey, I’m Kim! I’m currently in my fourth year at UF as a biochemistry major/computer science minor on the premed track. This is also my fourth year on the Hunt Seat team. I’ve been on and off the saddle my entire life, but have been riding consistently for the past 6 years. I’m so excited to meet all the new members and I’m looking forward to a great last year at UF with y’all! Ride UFEC and go Gators! E-mail: kimgorion@ufl.edu |
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Secretary: Julia Ciosek
Hello everyone, I'm Julia! I am a second year animal biology student. My riding experience started ten years ago and has been focused on American Saddlebreds in Saddle Seat and driving. The horse pictured with me in the photo is my first show horse, Cocoa. She is now retired and loves her life of leisure. Currently, I am a second year member of the Dressage Team. Being a part of the team and the club has been amazing as I love being around people who enjoy riding and love horses the same way I do! I particularly love the team aspect that collegiate riding provides since it creates a much more inclusive and supportive feel to riding and the opportunity to ride many different breeds. As this year's club secretary, I will be keeping everyone’s club points up to date, am looking forward to meeting new members, and making new friends. ~l^^^l"< (Go Gators!) Email- jciosek@ufl.edu |
Treasurer: Gabrielle Rumak
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Social Chair: Vanessa Bundy
Hi I'm Vanessa and I'm on the dressage team. I am a fourth-year animal biology major and have plans of continuing my studies in veterinary school in the future. Although I started riding at a young age, I took some time off and didn't get back in the saddle until my first year of college. I am so excited to be this year's social chair as I love spending time with my teammates! E-mail: vanessabundy@ufl.edu |
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Fundraising Chair: Julia Adams
Hi, I’m Julia! I am a second year Honors, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major, minoring in Public Health. I used to be a ballerina, but when I met my best friend in second grade, I dropped everything to ride horses like she did. I feel in love with horses immediately, and it’s all history from there! I showed in the IEA for six years, and ended up scoring a fourth place at IEA National Finals – which was the absolute most exciting experience of my life. I love the University of Florida, I love our riding team, and I love being able to help out by being your fundraising chair! Go Gators!!! Email- jadams01@ufl.edu |
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Merchandise Chair: Madelyn DamonI am going into my sophomore year at UF and my second year with the dressage team. After having a year to figure out more about myself and future goals, I have just recently changed to a business major with a potential sports management minor. Fun fact: the good boy pictured is my golden retriever, Chewy!
I have been riding horses since I was six years old - I started off as a hunter/jumper but began focusing more on dressage at the age of nine. I have ridden in numerous shows, grew up living on a farm with my own horses, and spent countless hours at the barn. Being able to continue my passion of riding horses in college has been a dream come true! E-mail: madelyndamon@ufl.edu |
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PR Chair: Madison Ensell
Hey, I'm Madi, and I am a fourth-year public relations major. I was seven when I started riding but stopped a few years later. An unexpected UFEC meeting invite gave me the chance to start riding again. I have been on the Dressage team since 2017, and I love the people I've been able to meet and the opportunities I've been given. As PR chair I'm looking forward to engaging with the community and having a great year with the club. Go Gators! E-mail: madisonensell@ufl.edu |
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Western Captain: Matt Winter
I am a junior, double majoring in biotechnology and animal biology on a pre-vet track. This will be my third year on UF’s Western Team and I was the Zone 5 Region 5 highpoint rider last year. I’ve shown paint horses for a long time, but what makes UFEC and the western team so unique is the team aspect. I love being able to support and cheer on every member of the club. If you have any questions, send an email! Email- mattwinter112@ufl.edu |
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Western Co-Captain: Jordyn Dolly
Hey! My name is Jordyn and I am a the Western Team Co-Captain. I am a second year animal science major with an equine focus. Like most of us in the club, I have loved horses my entire life, and was able to gain most of my horse experience while volunteering for a therapeutic riding facility. Joining the Western Team has greatly improved my riding skills and made so many great friends. I am looking forward to another great season with this team! E-mail: jdolly@ufl.edu |
Dressage Captain: Nikki Scarpino
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Dressage Co-Captain: Alexis Gornik
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Hunt Seat Captain: Kayla Steinmetz
Hey! I'm Kayla. I am a 2nd year Equine Science major and have been riding for the past 16 years. This will be my 2nd year on the Hunt Seat team and could not be more excited to be captain this season. Go Gators! E-mail: steinmetzka@ufl.edu |
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Hunt Seat Co-Captain: Rebekah Day
Hello! I am a second year economics major with a minor in sociology. I have been riding and showing since I was seven in both hunter and jumper divisions. I spent my time before college working for local trainers and grooming at big shows. I have always leased horses but never owned one. The UFEC has opened many opportunities not only for me to ride and show, but also to develop lasting memories. I am so excited to be the Co-captain of the hunt seat team this year and to continue our success! Go Gators! E-mail: rebekah.day98@gmail.com |
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Eventing Captain: Sedona Iodice
I’m a second year Civil Engineering student and I’m currently competing at the Novice Level with my 12 year old, off-the-track thoroughbred, Valentino. One of my goals is to move up to Training Level this year! I’ve been riding for the past 11 years and eventing for the past 6 years. I’m excited to help the Eventing Team grow in the 2018-2019 school year as we enter our third year of competition! E-mail: siodice@ufl.edu |
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Eventing Co-Captain: Tara Astoske
Senior, 22 years old, Animal Science major: Equine specifically. I've been riding on and off my whole life. Either at rescues like FLTRAC, ERAF or hunt-seat which I did for about a year with shows. I always always interested in getting into cross country so when I heard of the opportunity to join the Eventing Team I was all about it. I've learned so much and my confidence as a rider has gone up tremendously as you need to learn 3 different types of riding E-mail: taraastoske@aol.com |
Meet the Coaches
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Western Team:
Jenny Baker Phone: (352) 266-5560 E-mail: jenfer1974@yahoo.com |
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Dressage Team:
Michelle Mercier E-mail: merciereventing@gmail.com |
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Hunt Seat Team:
Kim Burnette Phone: (352)598-9534 E-mail: UFIHSA@yahoo.com |
