Keeley Gogul Named President of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation

KEELEY GOGUL NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION

Keeley Gogul recently took over the position of President of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation. She fills the seat of trainer, rider and judge Geoff Teall, who has been president of the AHJF for the past three years. Past president Louise Serio will remain in the position of Vice President.

The 39-year-old Miami University (OH) Magna Cum Laude graduate is looking forward to the challenge and brings with her some excellent credentials. She graduated in 1992 with a degree in communications. She started her work career at Maypine Farm and it was there that she met her future husband Jeff, a hunter trainer.



From the horse world she decided to try her hand in the corporate world and spent four years first as a corporate Branch Manager for Enterprise Rent A Car then as an account executive for a video production company.

After experiencing life outside the horse world Keeley happily returned in September of 1998 to start Flagship, a nationally recognized "A" level hunter/jumper program operating out of the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club in Gates Mills, Ohio, with Jeff in September of 1998. They were married in 2001.



Her affiliation with the AHJF Advisory Board began in the fall of 2007 and by 2008 she was named as a member of the Board of Directors. Keeley is also a past member of the USEF Safety Committee and a current member of the USHJA Junior Hunter Task Force.



Geoff Teall, Wellington, FL, was among those who felt that Keeley was the perfect person to fill his shoes for an organization that he not only presided over but helped to create. His decision to step down from the presidency was one he made after careful consideration.



“It is with very mixed emotions that I give up the Presidency of the AHJF. It has been an honor to lead such a small organization that has had a large impact on our hunter industry, and the rest of the equestrian community,” explained Geoff.



“I feel that we have led the hunters back towards where they needed to go, and I am proud of myself, as well as of all the people involved with the AHJF that have made this possible. I am also very excited that we will now begin to introduce some new blood to our organization, and some new ideas and viewpoints. It is very important for all of us that we continue to stay fresh and current with what is happening out there. I am very excited to have Keeley take over the reins.”



For Keeley the honor of being named President of the AHJF is not only something she is looking forward to but a position she takes with pride and conviction.



"Following in Geoff's footsteps is both an honor and a huge responsibility. In creating the AHJF, Geoff and Louise have built an organization that is focused, functional and responsive to its members,” commented Keeley.



“The various programs that have emerged from the AHJF, such as the World Champion Hunter Rider program and the Emergency Relief Fund, are great contributions to our sport, and an example of what this dedicated organization is capable of creating. As we go forward over the course of the next several years, it is my vision to work closely with the Board of Directors to expand on these successful programs while continuing to build a strong membership base and developing other member-driven programs to support our industry."



Past President Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA, the initial inspiration behind the creation of the AHJF, agreed with Geoff that Keeley is the right choice to continue their vision.

“Bringing new blood into the AHJF is the next faze for the organization. Geoff and I both thought of Keeley to succeed him. We are very proud of what we have accomplished and feel Keeley will keep it going with renewed strength and energy,” commented Louise.

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan and the AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge. While these programs are the nucleus of the organization, the continued support of its colleagues is critical to the AHJF. Over the past 16 years the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) has supported nearly 50 people in times of need, distributing close to $450,000. The AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund was established in 1995 to provide emergency financial support to individuals and families involved in the hunter and jumper sport. The monies come from the AHJF, private gifts and from other donations, which are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

For information about the Hunter Classic, the AHJF or its programs, contact the AHJF at PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, call 508-835-8813, fax 508-835-6125, email ahjf@earthlink.net or visit their web site at www.ahjf.org.