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!  

Meet the Officers

​2017-2018 Officers

President: Michelle Brock
I'm a fourth year chemistry major working towards going to Vet School in the future. Though I adore horses and riding, I'm actually very new to the horse world. I have always had a love for horses (thanks primarily to the movie Spirit and the show Saddle Club), however I didn't officially start riding and showing until my sophomore year of college. I have loved every second and couldn't imagine a more perfect club to be a part of! I have ridden for the western team for the past 2 years. Also, I served as our clubs treasurer last year. Being treasurer, I was able to learn the ropes of how the club is run and this year I am happy to serve as the club's President! Here's to hoping for a smooth and fantastic year with lots of horse crazy fun!

Email- mbrock333@ufl.edu
Vice President: Caren Crane




​Email- ​
Secretary: 
Hi, I'm Holly! I'm a third year Animal Science student and I hope to go to PA (Physician's Assistant) School after graduating from UF. I have ridden my whole life and I'm 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!

​Email- ​hollymcdavid@ufl.edu
Treasurer: Kimberly Gallo
Hello! My name is Kimberly and I am a junior in the Nursing Program. I have been riding since I was little. When I was 10 years old, I began competing in barrel racing on my first horse. I have been a member of the club for the last two years and I ride for the Western Team. Being a part of the team is one of my most favorite things at UF and I can't wait for another great year! Go Gators!

Email- kmg10101@ufl.edu
Social Chair: Kim Gorion
Hi! I'm Kim. I'm in my third year of studying biology and computer science. I have ridden horses on and off since I was eight, and this is also my third year on the Hunt Seat team. This club has introduced me to some amazing people, as well as opened up a lot of opportunities outside of riding. I'm very excited to be able to extend my experience to the rest of the club this year!
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Email- kimgorion@ufl.edu
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!!!
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Email- jadams01@ufl.edu
Merchandise Chair: Devyn McElligott
I'm a second year aerospace engineering student at UF and I joined the Equestrian Club my freshman year. I am a part of the Dressage Team within the club and it has been a wonderful experience!  I've been riding horses on and off since I was little and wanted to continue to ride when I came to UF last year.  I'm so glad I joined this club because it's given me the opportunity to continue to ride and compete while also allowing me to grow as a rider.  Additionally, joining the Equestrian Club has allowed me to connect with fellow horse loving peers and make many lifelong friendships!  Being a member of this club has been one of the best experiences of my time here at UF so far and I can't wait to spend the next three years with this team!
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Email- devynski@ufl.edu
PR Chair: Isabella Pico
Hey everyone! My name is Isabella Pico, and I am a fourth year telecommunications major. Horses have always been my favorite animal, and I began riding in middle school. Unfortunately I had to stop in high school, but the UF club gave me the chance to start riding again. I have been on Hunt Seat team since freshmen year, and I love that this club gives me the chance to hang out with people who loves horses just as much as I do. As the PR Chair I want to use my telecommunications skills to help expand the club's social media footprint and make us more public. 
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​Email- ipico0610@ufl.edu
Western Captain: Mallie Jo Hosack
Hello! I am a third year Animal Science student with a specialization in Equine Science, and I am also double majoring in Business Management. I have been riding since I was eight years old. I have owned my own horse since I was 14, and I have shown her in many different states at APHA and PtHA shows including the PtHA World show. I have made countless amazing memories the past two years with the UF Equestrian team and I am very excited about all that my third year on the Western team will bring. Go Gators!
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​mjhorse18@ufl.edu
Western Co-Captain: Matt Winter
My name is Matt Winter and I am the Western Team Co-Captain. I am a second year biotechnology major. I have been riding horses my entire life, but I've been showing on the Paint Horse circuit for five or six years now. I love the challenge of showing horses that I have never ridden before and the Equestrian Teams provide exactly that opportunity. The Western Team and UFEC has been a great way for me to make new friends over my time at UF and I look forward to serving as the Western Team Co-Captain!
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Email- mattwinter112@ufl.edu
Dressage Captain: Meghan Watt
Hello! My name is Meghan Watt, and I’m the Dressage Captain this year. I am a Senior Pre-Vet Animal Biology major. I started riding western at the age of four, and switched to dressage when I was eight. When I’m not riding with the team, I enjoy riding and competing my two Andalusians, Invicto and Madrigal. If I’m not on a horse, you’ll probably find me at the gym, in the library, or just hanging out with friends. I am very excited to be leading the team this year, and look forward to another successful and memorable season!

Email- ​meghanmwatt@ufl.edu
Dressage Co-Captain: Zoe Bowden




Email- zoebowden@ufl.edu
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!

​Email- steinmetzka@ufl.edu
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!

Email- ​rebekah.day98@gmail.com
Eventing Captain: Ted Britten-Kelly
I started riding when I was ten-ish, and I have done mostly Hunter-Jumper, but I have done some other things, notably endurance racing. Eventing is new to me, and I did not get into until recently, and I am not quite sure how I ended up as Captain. I did my first horse trial last October at the Florida Horse Park, did my first Novice course at Exmoor, and I intend to do several more before graduating in the Spring. Since I am rather weak in Dressage, I also joined and ride with UF's Dressage Team last year in a largely futile effort to improve my scores.

Email- briteo@ufl.edu
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

Email- taraastoske@aol.com 

Meet the Coaches

Western Team:
​Jenny Baker: (352) 266-5560 - jenfer1974@yahoo.com
Dressage Team:
Michelle Meroier
merciereventing@gmail.com

Autumn Schweiss
​cromehorse93@hotmail.com​
Hunt Seat Team:
Kim Burnette: (352)598-9534 - UFIHSA@yahoo.com
Eventing Team:
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