Meet Our Board
The High Plains Dressage Chapter's volunteer board is a dynamic team composed of dedicated individuals, each playing a vital role in fostering a vibrant dressage community. Led by our capable president, the board includes a skilled vice president, meticulous treasurer, organized secretary, and the creative minds behind marketing efforts. The chairs of volunteer coordination, education, and shows bring their unique expertise to the mix, ensuring a well-rounded approach to event planning. Together, we collaborate seamlessly to organize and execute a variety of events that cater to the diverse needs and interests of our dressage community. From educational programs to thrilling shows, our board members work tirelessly to create memorable experiences and contribute to the growth and enjoyment of dressage in the High Plains region.
President
Susan Mizuno
Hello I'm Susan Mizuno, I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and took English riding lessons as a kid, but for most of my life, my time with horses was limited to mountain trail rides. Owning a horse had always been a dream, and I waited until I had the time and resources to give it the care and attention it deserved.
I began taking dressage lessons in 2018 and purchased my Lusitano, Electo, in 2020. He turned out to be less trained than expected, and helping him settle in—through training, ulcers, and adjustment—was a journey of patience and learning. With the guidance of my trainer, Cindy LeFevre, Electo and I have made great progress, and I hope to start schooling shows next year.
I stepped into the role of Vice President in spring 2025 and began serving as Acting President in October. I’m looking forward to supporting our chapter’s events and contributing to the continued growth and success of High Plains Dressage.
Vice President
Judy Battersby
Hello,
I’m Judy Battersby and I live in Elizabeth, Co.
I'm told that I was bitten by the horse bug after falling over backwards off my rocking horse as a baby.
I took H/J riding lessons in the 60s at Eaton canyon riding club in Altadena, Ca. and I did a little bit of showing in Florida when I wasn’t riding my friends white Appy stallion in the Atlantic Ocean.
After moving to Colorado in the 80s, I discovered eventing and competed in Novice level eventing on my little Arabian, Infinite.
Today I have a sweet 15 year old Arabian, Antares. We do limited competing in Intro dressage. We both have fun getting out and Antares seems fascinated by watching all the show activities.
Treasurer
Debi Elliott
Hello, my name is Debi Elliott and my horse journey began 20 years ago when my daughter (then 8, now 29) fell in love with riding horses. She got her first pony and I got myself a quarter horse and we began to ride together. She progressed into competition with Morgan horses and we purchased our first Morgan for her competing years. He is still with us in Colorado, teaching other kids to ride. Fast forward to 2009 and our move from California to Colorado, bringing our Morgans with us. We continued to train and ride. In 2011, I purchased my first Morgan, Jolie. She and I trained and began to show in Western Dressage. I have continued my riding and through some barn changes and moves have found myself in the Classical Dressage world and love it! It’s a beautiful sport. Since retiring from teaching last year, I have dedicated myself to my riding. I have since purchased my Hanoverian schoolmaster Fortissimo SQF (Forte) and can’t wait to see what the future holds with him.
I am so happy to give my time to High Plains Dressage and a great team to help promote this wonderful sport and work with beautiful horses.
Secretary
* Position Open *
The Secretary is the chapter’s hub for communications and records—keeping meetings and decisions organized, transparent, and compliant. This role prepares and distributes meeting notices, maintains accurate summary minutes, and keeps board and member communications running on time. The Secretary coordinates required documents with RMDS (including notice of newly elected officers and delegates) and maintains updated chapter governance files, providing revised bylaws to RMDS when amended. Working closely with the President and Treasurer, the Secretary helps keep projects, deadlines, and event details aligned so clinics, education programs, and our Level 2 USDF show are well coordinated and documented.
Responsibilities include attending meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 5:30–6:30 (quarterly in-person), volunteering at most chapter events, preparing agendas and minutes, distributing key updates to members, and co-signing chapter contracts with the President as needed. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and proactive—comfortable with collaborative tools, timely follow-through, and clear, member-friendly writing.
Benefits include complimentary auditing of events, priority access to clinic rider spots, and meaningful experience in nonprofit governance and project coordination. (Elected position; one-year term.)
Email us today to chat more about you joining our board! EMAIL
Chair of Education
Andrea Kucharczyk
Hi! My name is Andrea Kucharczyk. I grew up on a small hobby farm, in Michigan surrounded by horses from the time I could walk. As a freshmen In high school I was introduced to the world of dressage and fell in love with the sport. The next four years I spent every waking hour I could working beside my dressage trainer learning everything that I could. Since then I have started training along with receiving my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and have been blessed to share my passion for dressage and fitness to my clients.
Chair of Awards
Liesl Jensen
Hello, I’ve been riding and showing horses since I was seven years old. As an avid horsewoman, I love supporting our community and spending as much time as I can with these magnificent animals. I look forward to helping you find your place here and getting involved in sharing your love for horses.
Chair of Shows
Cindy LeFevre
My name is Cindy LeFevre and I have been involved with the Colorado Dressage Community for more than 50 years as a trainer, instructor, competitor and volunteer. I feel lucky to have had amazing Dressage Shows for myself and my students to attend during this time. Recent years have seen a steady decline in the number of quality Dressage Shows available in this area. The remaining shows seem to fill at astronomical speed leaving unmet demand at every level; USDF, RMDS, and even Schooling Shows.
Please join me in helping to revive this – I would love to hear your ideas! This is a picture of my current horse, Uno, who is a registered Quarter Horse and the two of us showing PSG.
Chair of Marketing
* Position Open *
The Chair of Marketing elevates the chapter’s visibility through thoughtful, consistent outreach that supports education, events, and member engagement. This role develops and executes marketing plans for clinics, lectures, and our Level 2 USDF show; manages social media and newsletters; and collaborates on flyers, web updates, sponsor recognition, and event photography/video. The Chair partners with the Executive Board and event leads to keep messaging accurate, timely, and on-brand—highlighting opportunities for members and welcoming new participants to our community.
Responsibilities include attending meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 5:30–6:30 (quarterly in-person), volunteering at most chapter events, maintaining a content calendar, coordinating with sponsors and clinicians on promotional needs, and tracking basic metrics (reach/engagement) to inform what works. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills and a solutions mindset, with an eye for design and clear, upbeat communication.
Benefits include complimentary auditing of events, priority access to clinic rider spots, and portfolio-worthy experience in nonprofit marketing and community outreach. (Appointed chair; one-year term.)
Email us today to chat more about you joining our board! EMAIL
Chair of Volunteers
* Position Open *
The Chair of Volunteers plays a vital role in supporting the heart of our chapter—our members and the volunteers who make every event possible. This role manages volunteer coordination for clinics, shows, and educational activities, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and participants feel supported and appreciated. The Chair recruits, schedules, and communicates with volunteers, tracks hours for RMDS requirements, and helps recognize those who go above and beyond in service to the chapter.
Responsibilities include attending board meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 5:30–6:30 (quarterly in-person), volunteering at most chapter events, maintaining an up-to-date volunteer roster, and collaborating with other board members to match volunteer skills to chapter needs. This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who enjoys organization, teamwork, and community building.
The ideal candidate is approachable, proactive, and detail-oriented, with a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in wherever needed.
Benefits include complimentary auditing of events, priority access to clinic rider spots, and the opportunity to connect with a wide network of riders, trainers, and supporters while strengthening the local dressage community. (Appointed chair; one-year term.)
Email us today to chat more about you joining our board! EMAIL
