I was Vice President of the SCCHA in 2022 and President 2023 & 2024.  I come from the world of education and I am an Associate Superintendent. Prior to my current role I was a TK-8 School Principal and a Special Education Teacher. I also sit on the RAFT Education Advisory Council. Working in education is a rewarding and challenging career, and I found myself searching for ways to relax, de-stress and connect with people in a different way. Horseback riding has given me that outlet and there is nothing like loving a horse, other than knowing that same horse loves you back. Plus, anyone who has ever sat on the back of a horse knows that it's just plain fun!

As your President I hope to bring my organizational, innovative, and forward-thinking skills while supporting the Board and ensuring their success. I look forward to working with members (and non-members) on continuing to make SCCHA a thriving organization. I would gladly welcome any suggestions or ideas and look forward to serving SCCHA. 

Linda Carcione

VICE PRESIDENT

When I joined the Horsemen’s in 2002, I had no idea how much it would come to mean to me. It has been a source of new friends, new experiences, and pride. I am so happy to be a part of the Board for many years, serving as Director, President, and Secretary. I have seen it grow and change, evolving into a horse club that is different than the old days, but just as friendly and fun. 

Jennifer Lien- Gonzalez

SECRETARY & SOCIAL DIRECTOR

I have been a member of The Horseman’s Association for several years. 

Although I am originally from South Dakota, I lived in Spain for 7 years. I love living in California. I am a Kindergarten Teacher, and share my love of animals with my students each year. I am a horse mom to 4 horses; and also love my 2 dogs, rabbit and turtle. 

Yvonne Lee

TREASURER

Most of you already know me and my husband Jim. I’ve been a member of the Santa Clara County Horsemen's since 1990 and joined the SCCHA Board in 1991.

I have had many officer positions over the last years (Treasurer, Vice-President, and President). I am currently enjoying being the Treasurer and spending time with our members and guests at the shows.

Bill Pope 

SERGEANT IN ARMS

Shalla Villett

BEVERAGE COUNTER DIRECTOR

I have been lucky enough to have horses my entire life.  My parents bred quarter horses and most of my childhood was spent at Bay Meadows and AQHA shows all over California.  I remember showing at SCCHA back in the 70's.  I enjoy all things horsey including the Cow Palace Grand National Rodeo and Kentucky Derby and always remind our membership when these events are upcoming.

I am an active volunteer, the Beverage Counter Director, and look forward to keeping horses in the minds of all that will listen.  I look forward to serving the club.

Kathleen O'Neill 

MEMBERSHIP
& WEBSITE
DIRECTOR

I volunteer because I want to do my best to make sure that the equestrian community stays active and strong in the Bay Area.  I support the growth of the club and value our members and volunteers.

I love to organize campouts and create and atmosphere where equestrians can meet others in a social setting.   In 2018, I championed the horse camping reservation process.  In 2021, I lead the Trainer policy.  In 2022, I revitalized the Hoof-Beats Junior Program.  In 2023, I lead the Event Rental Process and implemented the new website with a donation process, online store, and credit card payment process.  This included a streamlined membership renewal process with online payments and automatic procedures.  Over the years, I have organized fun camping socials before social events, junior events and campouts.

I am a retired Information Technology Professional.  My husband, Jim, and I have lived in Morgan Hill for the last 40 years.  We are proud of our son, Chris.  I enjoy my horse ownership journey and fabulous friends.  I feel truly blessed.

Sharon Pope

HOOF BEATS
JUNIOR DIRECTOR

Our friends, the Nichols and the Behnings, introduced us to the SCCHA and we joined in 1996.  While I have never been on a horse in my life, I still help with various SCCHA events and positions.  Our children and grandchildren are still in love with the horse and all things "horsey".  

I am looking forward to helping with the Hoof-Beats Junior Program!

Sandie Quinones

HALL RENTAL DIRECTOR

I love our club and value the importance it brings to our community.  I have owned and loved horses most of my life.

During the last 25 years, my volunteer job at the club is caring for and renting our hall.  I love meeting prospective renters, showing the grounds, and promoting rental opportunities to help increase club revenue.  

Liz Kehoe

EVENT DIRECTOR

I designed and orchestrated the buckle schooling shows which we put on -years in a row .   We put on this great event and I loved watching it grown and hope to have volunteers to continue this event in the future.

My husband and I have 3 horses, Logan, Flynn, and Piper, which we enjoy riding on the trails.  In 2018 and 2019, I rode my horse Logan with the flag team for the Gilroy rodeo.  In 2019, we took the team to the Grand National Rodeo in South San Francisco.   In 2023, I revitalized the Drill Team for SCCHA and look forward to it's growth in the Bay Area.

I plan to continue to organize fun horse events for our club!

Cathy Angell

COUNTY

I have been riding for decades - more than I care to admit!  My father gave me riding lessons for my 8th birthday and my beloved Golden Shiloh for my 12th birthday.   We had almost 25 wonderful years together, attending horse shows all over the south bay and peninsula (many facilities that no longer exist).  Shiloh lived in Los Gatos, Mountain View, and Los Altos Hills before heading to Davis and then the East Coast with me.  She finally flew home by Fed Ex in 2000, spending her last few months at Wild Oak.  There I met our wonderful Courtney Adamo.  Thanks to Courtney, many more horses have come my way in the last 20 years.  My kids all started riding before they could walk and the younger two have continued to ride.  I realized through them, that for kids, riding is only half about the horses - it's about the social experience.

Since our return to CA, so many horse facilities in our area, have closed - displacing hundreds of horses.  Building our place has offered a real education regarding the barriers on faces in getting anything accomplished locally, and in why we have experienced a huge net loss in horse housing.

As a member of the Horseman's Board of Directors, I like to help to get and keep kids involved with horses, and to work with our horse community to keep riding and housing horses possible and affordable locally.

Rachael Parakh

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR 

Having grown up on the East Coast, I always dreamed of the wide-open spaces in the West and someday owning a horse or two of my own. When my husband and I moved to San Jose 25 years ago and welcomed two children into our family, I wanted to make sure they had plenty of time in nature and felt comfortable around horses, starting at a young age. Our now teenage daughter was blessed to find a thoroughbred, named Digby, whom she rides and cares for with all her heart.  She is growing in confidence with her horse riding and loves the barn life at Golden Shiloh.

As relatively new horse owners, we thought it wise to join the Horsemen's.  We are beyond thankful to learn from/share in your vast horse experiences, Educational Speaker Night and social events. This association really makes a difference in the lives of old and new members. I am honored to serve as Public Relations Director on this dedicated board and actively contribute to the the continued growth of SCCHA.

I became involved at the SCCHA a several years ago and have found a great group of people I can “geek out” on horses with.  One of my favorite things about the Horseman’s family is that I have never felt anything but welcome.  I have enjoyed learning from other members about horsemanship, different styles of riding, and the great personalities of the different horses.   I have also enjoyed being involved with some of the Junior members.  As a high school teacher (at Leland) during the day, it was fun to connect with students and support the “Equestrian Club” on campus as the advisor. 

I ride and show English Hunters with my eldest daughter. My youngest daughter is a competitive gymnast and my husband claims no knowledge of horses. We have enjoyed different events together as a family at the SCCHA, from dinners to playdays.

 Jayne Hesley

I live in San Jose and have been riding the trails here since 1989 or so. I grew up in Idaho and have owned a pony or horse since I was 12 years old. My ‘non-paint-colored’ Paint gelding, Remy, and I mainly enjoy relaxing trail rides and camping but we go to a clinic once in a while. I have been a member of the SCCHA since 2017 and have met a lot of great horse people. 

I have enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors this year and putting out the Newsletter every month in addition to helping at Play Days and working with the other Board members to keep the club interesting and fun by offering a variety of activities for our diverse membership.

Outside of horses, I have 2 sons in college and I work a fulfilling job as a scientist at a company that develops and sells automated microscopes. I also volunteer as a Disaster Responder at the American Red Cross.  - Jayne