Are you coming to UF and are interested in joining our club?
All of the information you need to get started is here! This page is designed to allow access to and interaction with our different platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.). Check out our FAQ page where we have most of our essential questions answered. If you are looking to contact a specific officer, you can find their contact information below. We are here to support and provide best experience possible from our club.
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
All of the information you need to get started is here! This page is designed to allow access to and interaction with our different platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.). Check out our FAQ page where we have most of our essential questions answered. If you are looking to contact a specific officer, you can find their contact information below. We are here to support and provide best experience possible from our club.
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
Meet Your Leadership
2021-2022 leaders
Meet your President, Hadley Rahael
Email: hrahael@ufl.edu
Cell: 305-301-2870
"Hi guys! My name is Hadley and I am so happy to be serving as the 2021-2022 UFEC President! I am a third year Animal Sciences Major with a concentration in Animal Biology. Joining the UF Equestrian Club my freshman year was one of the best decisions I've made while here at UF. I've met people who continuously help me to become a better horsewoman, a better person, and a better leader. I am so excited to welcome each person to the club and help them get the most of what the UFEC has to offer. Please don't hesitate to reach out about anything."
Email: hrahael@ufl.edu
Cell: 305-301-2870
"Hi guys! My name is Hadley and I am so happy to be serving as the 2021-2022 UFEC President! I am a third year Animal Sciences Major with a concentration in Animal Biology. Joining the UF Equestrian Club my freshman year was one of the best decisions I've made while here at UF. I've met people who continuously help me to become a better horsewoman, a better person, and a better leader. I am so excited to welcome each person to the club and help them get the most of what the UFEC has to offer. Please don't hesitate to reach out about anything."
Meet your Vice President, Jess Girard
Email: jessica.girard@ufl.edu
Cell: 561-961-9211
"Hey y'all! My name is Jess Girard. I'm a senior majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences and will be serving as the club's Vice President for the year. This is my fourth year in the club and I'm really looking forward to it! I've met some of my life-long friends through UFEC and have grown so much in my horsemanship and appreciation for the sport. If you have any general club questions feel free to send them my way!"
Email: jessica.girard@ufl.edu
Cell: 561-961-9211
"Hey y'all! My name is Jess Girard. I'm a senior majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences and will be serving as the club's Vice President for the year. This is my fourth year in the club and I'm really looking forward to it! I've met some of my life-long friends through UFEC and have grown so much in my horsemanship and appreciation for the sport. If you have any general club questions feel free to send them my way!"
Meet your Secretary, Madeleine Landers
Email: ufecsecretary@gmail.com, mlanders@ufl.edu
Cell: 561-358-3635
" My name is Madeleine Landers, and I am the current secretary for the UF Equestrian Club. I am a third year Criminology major, and love working with horses. If you have any questions about the club, please email me. Go Gators!"
Email: ufecsecretary@gmail.com, mlanders@ufl.edu
Cell: 561-358-3635
" My name is Madeleine Landers, and I am the current secretary for the UF Equestrian Club. I am a third year Criminology major, and love working with horses. If you have any questions about the club, please email me. Go Gators!"
"Meet your Treasurer, Lauren Johns
Email: laurenjohns@ufl.edu
Cell: 215-791-3172
"My name is Lauren Johns, and I am the 2021-2022 treasurer for the UF Equestrian Club. I am a third-year Animal Sciences student specializing in Animal Biology, with the hopes of attending Veterinary School. I am currently a Veterinary Technician for an Equine Vet out of Ocala and I am an active member of the Hunt Seat Team. After moving to Florida from Pennsylvania, I actively sought out the Equestrian Club because I knew it was where I would find my second family. By being a part of the Hunt Seat Team, I was able to find my best friends and foster relationships like no other. Last year, I also began taking lessons with the Western Team and found a new love in this discipline. I have always loved competing and showing, but I found myself loving the social aspect of it just as much. Feel free to message me, whether it be questions or as a friend! As always, Go Gators!"
Email: laurenjohns@ufl.edu
Cell: 215-791-3172
"My name is Lauren Johns, and I am the 2021-2022 treasurer for the UF Equestrian Club. I am a third-year Animal Sciences student specializing in Animal Biology, with the hopes of attending Veterinary School. I am currently a Veterinary Technician for an Equine Vet out of Ocala and I am an active member of the Hunt Seat Team. After moving to Florida from Pennsylvania, I actively sought out the Equestrian Club because I knew it was where I would find my second family. By being a part of the Hunt Seat Team, I was able to find my best friends and foster relationships like no other. Last year, I also began taking lessons with the Western Team and found a new love in this discipline. I have always loved competing and showing, but I found myself loving the social aspect of it just as much. Feel free to message me, whether it be questions or as a friend! As always, Go Gators!"
Meet your Public Relations Chair, Micah Green
Email: micahgreen@ufl.edu
Cell: 904-208-3314
"Hey Everyone! My name is Micah Green and I'm proud to announce my title as the 2021-2022 Public Relations Chair for the UF Equestrian Club. Along with this title, I am also an active member on the Hunt Seat Team. I am the first African American to join the Equestrian Club/ Team and I'm tremendously excited to be making history and new friends. I'm a fourth-year Animal Science Major with Equine Specialization, still trying to figure out a career path. This club has been amazing to me in the sense of being able to be a new kid and feel so loved and looked after by all these amazing girls, I'm a really lucky guy. I have so many exciting things coming this year and I want to capture every moment I can for anyone. If you ever wonder who is on the other side of the lens, it's me! I can't wait to grow this year as a person, a rider, a person, and a friend. I hope I can impact each of you in an encouraging way and always remember you are dynamite light up the world with your gifts! Go Gators and let's eat this show season!"
Email: micahgreen@ufl.edu
Cell: 904-208-3314
"Hey Everyone! My name is Micah Green and I'm proud to announce my title as the 2021-2022 Public Relations Chair for the UF Equestrian Club. Along with this title, I am also an active member on the Hunt Seat Team. I am the first African American to join the Equestrian Club/ Team and I'm tremendously excited to be making history and new friends. I'm a fourth-year Animal Science Major with Equine Specialization, still trying to figure out a career path. This club has been amazing to me in the sense of being able to be a new kid and feel so loved and looked after by all these amazing girls, I'm a really lucky guy. I have so many exciting things coming this year and I want to capture every moment I can for anyone. If you ever wonder who is on the other side of the lens, it's me! I can't wait to grow this year as a person, a rider, a person, and a friend. I hope I can impact each of you in an encouraging way and always remember you are dynamite light up the world with your gifts! Go Gators and let's eat this show season!"
Meet your Merchandise Chair, Yasmeen Asfoor
Email: yasmeen.asfoor@ufl.edu
Cell: 407-417-7003
"Hi everyone! I'm super excited to be in charge of the club's merch this year! Please don't hesitate to reach out to my cell number or email with any questions you may have."
Email: yasmeen.asfoor@ufl.edu
Cell: 407-417-7003
"Hi everyone! I'm super excited to be in charge of the club's merch this year! Please don't hesitate to reach out to my cell number or email with any questions you may have."
Meet your Fundraising Chair, Chelby Gossett
Email: chelbygossett@ufl.edu
Cell: 352-497-4671
"Hi my name is Chelby Gossett! I am currently a 3rd year Animal Sciences major at UF on the Pre-Veterinary track. I am UFEC's fundraising chair this year, so if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to reach out!"
Email: chelbygossett@ufl.edu
Cell: 352-497-4671
"Hi my name is Chelby Gossett! I am currently a 3rd year Animal Sciences major at UF on the Pre-Veterinary track. I am UFEC's fundraising chair this year, so if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to reach out!"
Meet your Social Chair, Alison Garland
Email: alisongarland@ufl.edu
Cell: 954-235-2829
"Hey y'all! I'm Alison, and I'm this year's Social Chair. I'm a second year Biology major with a concentration in Biotechnology. In my free time, I like to paint, read, swim, skate, play instruments, and of course, ride horses! This is my second year with the Equestrian Club, but it feels like the first after a distanced covid year. I am so glad to be back in the saddle after so long and meet all of my fellow club members. Looking forward to a social year and meeting everyone! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any social ideas or general questions."
Email: alisongarland@ufl.edu
Cell: 954-235-2829
"Hey y'all! I'm Alison, and I'm this year's Social Chair. I'm a second year Biology major with a concentration in Biotechnology. In my free time, I like to paint, read, swim, skate, play instruments, and of course, ride horses! This is my second year with the Equestrian Club, but it feels like the first after a distanced covid year. I am so glad to be back in the saddle after so long and meet all of my fellow club members. Looking forward to a social year and meeting everyone! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any social ideas or general questions."
Meet your Hunt Seat Captain, Emma Rosseau
Email: emma.rosseau@gmail.com
Cell: 321-586-6149
Hey everyone! My name is Emma Rosseau. I am a senior psychology major and I am the captain of the Hunt Seat Team. I'm so excited for a great year!! Don't hesitate to contact me if you have nay questions.
Email: emma.rosseau@gmail.com
Cell: 321-586-6149
Hey everyone! My name is Emma Rosseau. I am a senior psychology major and I am the captain of the Hunt Seat Team. I'm so excited for a great year!! Don't hesitate to contact me if you have nay questions.
Meet your Hunt Seat Co-Captain, Jenna Mason
Email: Jenna.mason@ufl.edu
Cell: 352-552-7152
"Hi everyone! My name is Jenna and I am so excited to be this year's Hunt Seat Co-Captain. I am a third year Animal Sciences major focusing on Equine Studies. Since joining the club my freshman year, I was able to learn so much, make many new friends, and become a better horsewoman. I am looking forward seeing all of the new and old faces this year. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me! Go Gators!"
Email: Jenna.mason@ufl.edu
Cell: 352-552-7152
"Hi everyone! My name is Jenna and I am so excited to be this year's Hunt Seat Co-Captain. I am a third year Animal Sciences major focusing on Equine Studies. Since joining the club my freshman year, I was able to learn so much, make many new friends, and become a better horsewoman. I am looking forward seeing all of the new and old faces this year. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me! Go Gators!"
Meet your Western Captain, Hannah Sackles
Email: hsackles@ufl.edu
Cell: 813-810-3999
"Hey everyone, I'm Hannah! I'm a fourth year Environmental Engineering major, and I'm excited to be the Western Team Captain for the 2021-2022 school year. I've had a blast developing friendships and horsemanship skills throughout my last three years on the Western Team, and I cannot wait to help provide the same experiences for others. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!"
Email: hsackles@ufl.edu
Cell: 813-810-3999
"Hey everyone, I'm Hannah! I'm a fourth year Environmental Engineering major, and I'm excited to be the Western Team Captain for the 2021-2022 school year. I've had a blast developing friendships and horsemanship skills throughout my last three years on the Western Team, and I cannot wait to help provide the same experiences for others. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!"
Meet your Western Co-Captain, Karina Vestergaard
Email: kvestergaard@ufl.edu
Cell: 561-381-1256
"Hi everyone! My name is Karina and I'm from Lima, Peru. I'm a sophomore majoring in Animal Sciences and minoring in French. I will be this year's Western Co-Captain and I'm really excited for the upcoming show season! Go Gators!"
Email: kvestergaard@ufl.edu
Cell: 561-381-1256
"Hi everyone! My name is Karina and I'm from Lima, Peru. I'm a sophomore majoring in Animal Sciences and minoring in French. I will be this year's Western Co-Captain and I'm really excited for the upcoming show season! Go Gators!"
Meet your Dressage Captain, Katie Szewczyk
Email: ksez@ufl.edu
Cell: 407-637-9134
Katie Szewczyk is a 3PD at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy where she is working towards her PharmD degree. Katie has been on the Dressage Team since 2017 has won regionals every year she has been on the team and gone to IDA nationals twice where she has received 5th overall in her division the first year in 2018, Reserve Champion in her division the second year in 2019, and qualified in 2020, but was canceled due to the pandemic. Outside of the Dressage Team, Katie does USEA Eventing with her horse Bentley and recently went to American Eventing Championships and placed 12th in her division out of 51 competitors. She has also placed 2nd in the USEA overall collegiate leaderboards for the year 2020 and is currently 1st her division for this year among other placing in the Adult Amateur leaderboards. She and her horse Bentley, an 18 YO AQHA Quarter Horse, regularly compete at the Novice level and have been schooling 2nd level USDF dressage. Katie also competed at USDF regionals and placed 6th in the Dressage Seat Equitation Championships. She is more than qualified and excited to serve at the Captain this year and is ready to get their first season started since the pandemic!
Email: ksez@ufl.edu
Cell: 407-637-9134
Katie Szewczyk is a 3PD at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy where she is working towards her PharmD degree. Katie has been on the Dressage Team since 2017 has won regionals every year she has been on the team and gone to IDA nationals twice where she has received 5th overall in her division the first year in 2018, Reserve Champion in her division the second year in 2019, and qualified in 2020, but was canceled due to the pandemic. Outside of the Dressage Team, Katie does USEA Eventing with her horse Bentley and recently went to American Eventing Championships and placed 12th in her division out of 51 competitors. She has also placed 2nd in the USEA overall collegiate leaderboards for the year 2020 and is currently 1st her division for this year among other placing in the Adult Amateur leaderboards. She and her horse Bentley, an 18 YO AQHA Quarter Horse, regularly compete at the Novice level and have been schooling 2nd level USDF dressage. Katie also competed at USDF regionals and placed 6th in the Dressage Seat Equitation Championships. She is more than qualified and excited to serve at the Captain this year and is ready to get their first season started since the pandemic!
Meet your Dressage Co-Captain, Abigail Slaubaugh
Email: aslaubaugh@ufl.edu
Cell: 941-780-2549
"If you need any information, please feel free to reach out via email or text messages!"
Email: aslaubaugh@ufl.edu
Cell: 941-780-2549
"If you need any information, please feel free to reach out via email or text messages!"
Meet your Eventing Captain, Lena Kennedy
Email: lenakennedy@ufl.edu
Cell: 703-935-3801
"I'm fourth-year finance major and I've loved being on the team the last three years! I brought my horse Murphy (pictured) to UF with me and have been so fortunate for the supportive horse community within the club and in Ocala. I've been Eventing since 2016 and this team has been a great way to keep riding and competing. I'm so excited to serve as captain this year, feel free to reach out with any questions. Go Gators!"
Email: lenakennedy@ufl.edu
Cell: 703-935-3801
"I'm fourth-year finance major and I've loved being on the team the last three years! I brought my horse Murphy (pictured) to UF with me and have been so fortunate for the supportive horse community within the club and in Ocala. I've been Eventing since 2016 and this team has been a great way to keep riding and competing. I'm so excited to serve as captain this year, feel free to reach out with any questions. Go Gators!"
Meet your Eventing Co-Captain, Ashley Ferrato
Email: ashleyferrato@ufl.edu
Cell: 772-267-7755
"I'm a fourth-year Animal Science major applying to veterinary school. I grew up on my family's farm raising, training, and riding horses my whole life. Before college, I only trained in dressage, but once I discovered UF Eventing I fell in love with the excitement of cross country and show jumping. This will be my fourth year on the team and I am so grateful for all the memories, friends, and great rides! This year I am excited to serve as Co-Captain, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to! I love being apart of the UF Eventing team and I hope you will too."
Email: ashleyferrato@ufl.edu
Cell: 772-267-7755
"I'm a fourth-year Animal Science major applying to veterinary school. I grew up on my family's farm raising, training, and riding horses my whole life. Before college, I only trained in dressage, but once I discovered UF Eventing I fell in love with the excitement of cross country and show jumping. This will be my fourth year on the team and I am so grateful for all the memories, friends, and great rides! This year I am excited to serve as Co-Captain, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to! I love being apart of the UF Eventing team and I hope you will too."
Our Team Coaches
Our Hunt Seat Team Coach, Kim Burnette
Phone: (352)598-9534
E-mail: UFIHSA@yahoo.com
Phone: (352)598-9534
E-mail: UFIHSA@yahoo.com
Our Western Team Coach, Jenny Baker
Phone: (352) 266-5560
E-mail: jenfer1974@yahoo.com
Phone: (352) 266-5560
E-mail: jenfer1974@yahoo.com
Our Dressage Team Coach, Michelle Mercier
E-mail: merciereventing@gmail.com
E-mail: merciereventing@gmail.com
Our Eventing Team Coach, Ashley Johnson
Phone: (610) 212-0294
Ashley Johnson is head trainer and owner at Ashland Eventing based in Ocala, FL. Ashley Johnson is a 5 star Event Rider and an ICP Level III Certified Instructor. She has coached at the University of Florida's Eventing Team from its start. Ashley is pursuing a master's degree in psychology through Harvard University HES school with a focus on sports psychology.
Phone: (610) 212-0294
Ashley Johnson is head trainer and owner at Ashland Eventing based in Ocala, FL. Ashley Johnson is a 5 star Event Rider and an ICP Level III Certified Instructor. She has coached at the University of Florida's Eventing Team from its start. Ashley is pursuing a master's degree in psychology through Harvard University HES school with a focus on sports psychology.
Our Faculty Advisors
Dr. Samantha Brooks
Email: samantha.brooks@ufl.edu
Email: samantha.brooks@ufl.edu
Dr. Carissa Wickens
Email: cwickens@ufl.edu
Email: cwickens@ufl.edu
