Cynthia has competed to the Intermediate and CCI3*-L levels of eventing and owns and operates Stone Ridge Eventing & Combined Driving in Springfield, MO. She earned USEA ICP Level I certification in 2008, and retired from teaching in 2019.

Cynthia has served on the Area IV Council since 2006, and was presented the USEA Governor's Cup in 2014. The Governor's Cup is awarded by the United States Eventing Association in recognition of volunteers who services who have contributed significantly to the sport. Cynthia's interest in building the eventing community in Area IV led her to the Young Rider's Program in 2016. She was elected to the USEA Board of Governor’s in 2022 for a 3-year term.

Cynthia's primary focus is providing education and competitive opportunities for competitors at all levels from Starter through the FEI. The Midsouth Team Challenge is the highlight of the season and Cynthia’s pet project. Cynthia is the primary Chair of the Area IV Young Riders Program and in general, questions other than YTC should be directed to her.

Kristin Strehlow is a Wisconsin native, who now splits her time between Wisconsin and Florida. Although she grew up around horses, she doesn’t ride herself, but instead is part of the Eventing world through her daughter, Claire.

Kristin has volunteered for many different community organizations over the years, including the Sundance Farm Horse Trial. Her favorite hobby is photography, and eventing gives her lots of opportunities to enjoy it. She hopes her contributions to Young Riders will help continue to grow the sport of eventing within Area IV.

Kristin serves as the coordinator for the USEF Young Rider Championships, YR Virtual Teams and the YR website.

Barb lives in Barrington Hills with her husband. They have a grown son and daughter, Mike and Katlyn, and four granddaughters. Two of their horses live with them, 28 year old Peekachu, a notorious Young Rider mount with 7 Young Rider medals to his name, and Circel, their granddaughter’s event horse. Barb grew up riding ponies bareback in Iowa, but didn’t ride again until Katlyn became involved with riding, Pony Club, and Young Riders.

Barb volunteered for Pony Club for many years at the local, regional, and national level, serving multiple terms on the USPC Board of Governors and Advisory Committee and continues to serve on National Board committees. She enjoyed organizing many activities such as camps, clinics, and certifications and assisted with USEA ECP workshops. She was chair of the former Horse Trial Organizing Committee that brought the FEI Two Star to the local event for several years. This provided the opportunity for riders to qualify locally for Young Rider Championships and provided inspiration and role models for riders at lower levels.

Barb has been a fan of the Area IV Young Rider Program for many years and looks forward to assisting however she can.

Barb serves as coordinator for YR Scholarships.

Janette Saenz is married and a mother to three young adults. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Janette spent most of her young life splitting her time between Puerto Rico and Chicago, IL. She now lives in South Barrington, IL a suburb just outside of the city center. The mother of three college students in universities at opposite ends of the country she spends most of her time traveling to support them and cheer them on in their endeavors.

Janette’s youngest daughter is a competitive rider in the eventing world. Her passion for riding and the sport has been the driving force behind Janette’s involvement throughout the years as a member and volunteer in the United States Pony Club both locally and regionally. She has also been an involved member and volunteer in other local equine clubs and associations.

Janette looks forward to a continued life of service to a sport and a community that has welcomed her and her family with open arms. She hopes that in some small way, she can contribute to the Area IV Young Riders program and the community at large.

Janette is working with our YR Youth Council.