COLLEGE STATION – Renowned American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) judge and professional horsewoman Suzy Jeane has been named Texas A&M equestrian’s horsemanship coach, head coach Tana McKay announced Friday.
Jeane will also serve as an assistant reining coach and spearhead recruiting efforts for all Western riders.
“I can’t even describe our excitement to be adding Suzy Jeane to our staff. She is truly one of a kind,” McKay said. “She has so many attributes that are going to really enhance our team. Not only is Suzy a great horsewoman and a highly respected professional in our industry, but she brings so much more to the table. She genuinely cares about our young student-athletes and will be a wonderful mentor to them. I can’t wait for our team to get the opportunity to work with her.”
Jeane has broken many barriers for women in the equine industry as she was the 2004 AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year and became the first female president of the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) in 2000. She has also raised, bred and shown many world champions in several breeds.
She and her husband, Joe, operate Down the Rail Performance Prospects, where they have stood several of the top stallions in the nation, including 25 world class stallions and four AQHA and NSBA Hall of Fame inductees.
An AQHA and NSBA judge for 23 years, Jeane serves as the AQHA Director At Large and currently sits on the Show and Contest Committee and the Youth World Cup Committee.
Jeane has served on several AQHA committees, including the Blue Ribbon Task Force, which was introduced to investigate how to level the playing field at the shows.
Jeane was active in the Texas Quarter Horse Association as an honorary vice president after her service on the Executive Committee and Show and Contest Committee, and plans to become involved with the organization again.
A third-generation graduate from LSU’s College of Agriculture, Jeane graduated with a degree in animal science.
“After growing up and becoming a professional in the horse industry, I feel a strong commitment to female equestrian,” Jeane said. “No matter where their personal journey at Texas A&M shall lead, I know that their heartfelt connection here to the equestrian team and their horses will provide them the skills necessary not only to be winners inside the NCEA arena, but insure that they are winners in the arena of life.”
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