PonyUp4Kids for a Better Future

---

Jennifer Barbee stands as an unparalleled choice for the esteemed position of Chairperson of the Board for the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc, embodying a remarkable blend of expertise, dedication, and passion for equine welfare and youth development. With an illustrious background in the equestrian world and a track record of leadership and achievement, Jennifer is uniquely positioned to steer the foundation towards new heights of success and impact.

As an active participant in the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), Jennifer's accomplishments as an Amateur/Owner/Exhibitor have earned her numerous Championships and Top Ten awards at both State and National levels. Her deep-rooted connection to the equestrian community is further demonstrated by her role as an APHA National Director and her leadership as the Chairperson of the APHA Rules committee. In this pivotal position, Jennifer spearheads a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing and refining the APHA Rule Book, ensuring the integrity and relevance of the association's guidelines.

Beyond her involvement with the APHA, Jennifer's leadership extends to her roles as President of the SJPHC (San Joaquin Paint Horse Club) and the California Coordinating Committee. Her dedication to excellence and innovation is further evidenced by her role as a Lifetime Certified Equine Appraiser with Sterling Equine Appraisals, focusing on Western Performance Horses, Accounting, and Financial Analysis.

Jennifer's academic achievements, including her MBA, underscore her commitment to professional excellence and her ability to navigate complex organizational challenges. As President of an international archaeologist firm, she brings a wealth of strategic insight and leadership experience to the table, complementing her deep-rooted passion for horses and youth development.

Jennifer's lifelong commitment to horses, coupled with her extensive leadership experience and dedication to excellence, uniquely qualify her to serve as the Chairperson of the Board for the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. Under her guidance, the foundation will undoubtedly thrive, empowering and enriching the lives of children through equine-related activities with unwavering dedication and distinction.

Leah Struzzieri epitomizes the ideal candidate for the role of Director of Youth and Equine Programs and Vice Chairperson of PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc., leveraging her extensive expertise and lifelong dedication to the equestrian world. With over 40 years of experience as a successful competitor, trainer, and instructor, Leah possesses a deep understanding of equine-related activities and their transformative impact on youth.

Her multifaceted background encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, including English and Western riding, dressage, natural horsemanship, and driving. Leah's proven track record of nurturing championship-winning riders and horses on local, regional, and national stages underscores her ability to cultivate talent and instill a passion for horsemanship in young enthusiasts.

Beyond her accomplishments in the arena, Leah is nationally recognized as one of the top Senior Certified Equine Appraisers, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. Her meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of equine valuation ensure the foundation's assets are managed effectively to support its mission of empowering youth through equine-related activities.

As Vice Chairperson of PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc., Leah's leadership extends beyond program development to strategic planning and community engagement. Her involvement in various horse organizations and initiatives, coupled with her legal consultation and expert witness testimony experience, uniquely position her to drive meaningful change and advocate for equine welfare and youth development.

Leah's unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of equestrians and her dedication to the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc.'s mission make her an invaluable asset to the organization. With her leadership at the helm, the foundation is poised to continue making a positive impact in the lives of young people through the power of horsemanship.

Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax is an internationally recognized horseman, educator, and equestrian judge with over 30 years of experience in the horse world. A lifelong advocate for youth empowerment, Fairfax brings a unique blend of horsemanship, artistry, and mentorship to his role as Director of PonyUp4Kids Foundation. He is one of the few African-American carded judges in the industry and has officiated shows across the U.S. and internationally. 

Known for his warmth, humor, and deep knowledge, Fairfax has inspired generations through his teaching at Newark’s Arts High School and his work with community-based equine programs. A recipient of the 2019 Spirit of the Horse award from the Rutgers Equine Science Center, he is also widely recognized as the original horseback-riding Scarlet Knight for Rutgers University Football. Through PonyUp4Kids, he is committed to making horsemanship accessible, inclusive, and life-changing for children and families from all walks of life. 

Matt Vale is a professional horseman and wellness practitioner dedicated to deepening the connection between horses and humans. A lifelong equestrian, Matt comes from a well-known, multi-generational horse show family and began his own winning career in the show ring at a young age. Turning professional, he quickly found success in the competitive world — but also discovered that horses offered something far more powerful than ribbons and trophies.

Driven by a calling to explore the deeper emotional and intuitive bonds shared between horses and people, Matt stepped away from the traditional show circuit to immerse himself in wellness education and mind-body practices. Over the past several years, he has studied various holistic and somatic-based approaches to healing, integrating those insights into his unique horse and human connection coaching.

At PonyUp4Kids Foundation, Matt leads transformative equine experiences that emphasize trust, communication, and emotional wellness. Through his coaching and connection sessions, participants learn to become more grounded, self-aware, and confident — guided by the presence and wisdom of the horse. Matt’s approach supports children, adults, and families on their own personal journeys, helping them access growth, healing, and resilience through the power of equine partnership.

Caitlin Sundblom is a pioneering figure in the equestrian community, leveraging her lifelong passion for horses to make a profound impact as a founding director of the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. With a vision for empowering children through equine-related activities, Caitlin serves as the Community Director, spearheading efforts to engage with the community and promote awareness of the foundation's mission.

In her role, Caitlin orchestrates a variety of outreach activities aimed at introducing people to the benefits of interacting with horses. She organizes open houses, demonstrations, and school visits, creating opportunities for individuals of all ages to experience the transformative power of equine-assisted activities firsthand. Through these events, Caitlin seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the unique bond between humans and horses and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for these majestic animals.

Caitlin is also dedicated to expanding access to equestrian opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds. She collaborates closely with local schools, youth organizations, and community centers to establish partnerships and develop programs that provide young people with access to riding lessons, educational workshops, and therapeutic riding experiences. By breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces, Caitlin ensures that every child has the chance to benefit from the profound lessons and joys that horses have to offer.

As a founding director of the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc and the Community Director, Caitlin Sundblom embodies the spirit of generosity, compassion, and commitment to service. Her tireless advocacy and dedication to expanding access to equine-related activities are instrumental in advancing the foundation's mission of empowering children to reach their full potential through the power of horses.