Westchester Horse Council Board of Directors

Debbie Shecter - President: Debbie, a lifelong horse lover, has only recently joined the ranks of horse owners. After doing some riding as a teen, she took time out to raise her family, and now that the kids are grown and out, has the time to devote to her horses. She started riding again several years ago on vacation, and the bug seems to have bitten for good. Trail riding at River Ridge Stables became a regular event a little over three years ago. Looking for more consistency and comfort, Debbie bought her Tennessee Walker mare Molly almost two years ago. Needing a knowledgeable instructor to familiarize them with the breed, Debbie and her husband Steve were introduced to Carla Scienze, who in turn told them about the WHC. A second Tennessee Walker named Champ was bought for Steve, and they both ride as often as their busy schedules permit. Debbie can be reached at zyzygy80@aol.com.

Larry Mignone - Vice President: Larry Mignone is a firefighter in Eastchester. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree. He's been a member for 4 years and has been riding since he was 18 years old. Larry first rode English but now rides mostly Western. Larry and his red roan Appalosa, Red Hawk, have been partners for 14 years. Red Hawk was foaled on May 13, 1972, in Jamestown, SD and is registered with the ApHC and the ICAA. Larry estimates the pair have traveled over 3000 miles together, clocking 1800 hours on the trails! Larry rides mostly on the Saxon Woods trails and Nature Woods Study trail in New Rochelle. Red Hawk and Larry have been hunter pace Champions twice and Western Reserve Champion and Western Division Champion also. Sadly, when Larry's beloved horse was 30 years old, he became blind as a result of Moon Blindness. For about 8 months Larry was able to ride Red Hawk on familiar trails which he knew very well and over which they had travelled many times, often, they would ride with new horses or nervous horses, Red Hawk always showing them his strength and confidence. Now, Red Hawk is enjoying full retirement. Larry visits him every day and hand walks him. Larry is a member of the WHC Trail Committee and works to keep the trails clean and safe.

John D. Baruc - President Emeritus: At one time, John served as the Vice President of the New York State Horse Council. In 1983, he founded the Westchester Horse Council with Elizabeth Bartholomew. John can be reached via email at jdbaruc@aol.com.

Sue Baruc - Secretary: Sue is a resident of Pound Ridge with her husband, John, and has been an active member of the Westchester Horse Council for many years. Sue's interest in horses stems back to her days as a proud "Horse Show Mom" for her daughter.

Mary Jane Anderson- Member At Large: Mary Jane Anderson has been an active member of the Westchester Horse Council for over two decades. She has had many horses over her lifetime, but the one who was the most dear to her was Duke's Delight. Duke was a black Tennessee Walker show horse who accumulated many ribbons throughout his show career. He was also used on the Rockefeller Trails for many years. The other horses she has owned were all Walking Horses. Mary Jane has a special place in her heart for that breed. She is considering once again (for the 5th time) buying another Walker.

Darby Callahan- Member At Large: Darby has ridden and owned horses for over 25 years. Right now Darby has a 20 year old Pony of the Americas and a two year old Chincoteague Pony. Darby began riding when her daughter was taking lessons- she decided why should her daughter have all the fun. Darby works at an outpatient psychiatric clinic as a clinical psychologist, and also teaches yoga at a local studio.

Viola Powrie- Member At Large: Viola has always loved horses and asked for a pony from Santa for every year until her parents finally got her one. She and her Dad raised and trained Shetland ponies until after she graduated High School. After a long break from horse owning, she finally go her dream horse, an 11 year old Missouri Fox Trotter Gelding sorrel and white paint named Secret's Rising Eagle, but known to his friends as Hawk. Hawk and Vi love riding the trails in Twin Lakes Park both alone and with their friends. She hopes to be able to take him to her small horse farm in Albany County when her husband retires and looks forward to riding in the 5,400 acres of Partridge Run State Park.

Klaus Selmayr- Member At Large: Klaus joined WHC in 2008. He has had an affinity for horses since he was a boy in Germany but did not start riding on a regular basis until the age of 44 when he bought his first horse in 1983. He has been on the trails in various parts of the US ever since. Klaus has been a Westchester County resident since his German employer transferred him to the US in 1975. After his retirement 3 years ago from a career as a financial executive Klaus was able to do what he had been thinking about for a number of years, namely become a farrier. At the end of 2005 he graduated from the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing and then apprenticed for 2 years for a local farrier in Westchester. Since April of 2008 Klaus has been working on his own. In his free time he loves to ride with his friends on the Westchester trails. Anyone who wants to be shown the trails in the Pound Ridge Reservation please contact Klaus at “KlausTheFarrier@Optonline.net”.