Tootie Bland, the dynamic and zany producer of Road to the Horse is a former stunt woman, a mini cart racer, a cowgirl and an impromtu cattle rancher. Tootie grew up riding horses and rodeoing. It was after she married her handsome cowboy, Steven Bland that a dinner conversation among friends turned into the idea for the "in a whisper" challenge, first held in Fort Worth. After the success of that event meant that Tootie and Steven could keep the cattle they mortgaged to fund it, Road to the Horse was planned and executed. Clinton Anderson matched wits with Craig Cameron and Van Hargis in Murfreesboro, TN and the rest, they say, is history. Road to the Horse has changed the face of modern horsemanship and it turned more people on to the idea of gentle communication and the psychology of the horse than anything before it ... and maybe ever. Tootie's successful continuation of the event after the sudden tragic death of her husband Steven in 2005 was miraculous. Because of the earnest passion Tootie has for horses and the impact RTTH has made, each year it only gets better. Because of her dedication, her contribution to the industry as a whole, Tootie Bland is a our #1 most influential women in the horse industry today. To learn more about RTTH and buy tickets for the 2009 showdown visit www.roadtothehorse.com

photo: Heidi Nyland

Lynn Palm

Lynn has been in tireless pursuit of helping horse owners better understand and ride their horse for three decades. Her schools, workshops, dvds and newletters inspire hundred of thousands of horse owners daily.

Lynn's awards and accodlade would fill a museum hall. She is one clincian that has certainly put herself in the shoes of those she teaches by working hard on an almost unequaled show career. Additionally, Lynn leave no one out: riding both western and English and passing all the knowledge down to her students.

As if her 30 year gift to the horse industry wasn't enough ... last year Lynn realized a dream and put together "Women Luv Horses" a three day retreat where women only, could meet great horsewomen on a intimate level. They could shop to their heart' desire, learn and be entertained in the evening with fashio shows, musical reviews and more.

The energy that Women Luv Horses gave off was so positive and upliftingthat many women had "once in a lifetime moments". For this reason, Lynn Palm is our #2 most influential woman in the horse industry today. www.lynnpalm.com

Jane Savoie honestly is one of the most influential women in the world, horse or no horse! She is the Zig Ziggler or Tony Robbins of the horse world all while being one of the most talented dressage diva's of all time! She doesn't just walk the walk ... she trots the extended trot! Jane is a teacher, a speaker, a coach, an author, and a living legend in equestrian Olympics and high level competition. Despite her regal resume, Jane is down to earth and funny. Listening to this vibrant lady will inspire you well beyond your ability to half-halt. We strongly encouage you to visit Jane's excellent website and subscribe to her newsletter. You join the ranks of hundreds of the top riders in the last 20 or so years to benefit from the superlative insight of the delightful Jane Savoie! www.janesavoie.com

photo: Rhett Savoie

Stacy Westfall redefines the term "Girl Power". She is a mom first with three young boys. She's a champion reiner with world-class-go-down-in-history-take-your-breath-away-rides! Stacy is not only influential but she is empowering! Stacy's story began like so many women horse owners today ... as a horse crazy little girl. WIth her mom's unique instruction, Stacy developed the habit of "thinking like a horse". It's that well honed habit that has won numerous freestyle reining competitions and the 2006 Road to the Horse. Stacy attended the University of Findlay, known for their excellent equine studies programs and refined her already vast training talents. When she met her husband, a reining trainer, Jesse Westfall ... the foundation was completer and her path was set. Stacy's life and triumphs are an inspiration to young girls and women especially. The thought that Stacy too, was once just a horse crazy little girl gives her fans the courage to broaden their own riding skills. Stacy Westfall is to the horse industry today what Mary Lou Retton was to America in the 1980's. Stacy's amazing bridless bareback ride at the NRHA fururity was highlighted by the Ellen Degeneres show in the spring of 08. That's what we call influencing America on the subject of horses! Learn more about Stacy at www.westfallhorsemanship.com

photo Jerry Johnson for Equine Extravaganza

Sylvia Scott turned her life long love for horses into a lifetime of learning and evolving. She married principles of her education in psychology with her natural ability with animals (especially horses) to become one of the most intuitive teachers of natural horsemanship today.

Sylvia's Virginia Natural Horsemanship Center is located in Blacksburg, VA and is a beacon to students of NH princples all over the world. Sylvi's DVD series shows her effective teaching style, her attention to minute details overlooked in many other similiar programs and is broken down for easy understanding.

Sylvia is a mom to three grown children (Justin, Trevor and Aleshia) and wife to Daryl Scott. Trevor serves our country in Afganistan: his second tour in the middle east.

Learn all about Sylvia at her website www.naturalhorsetraining.com (note* Sylvia’s site is to horse training what Moby Dick or Great Expectations is to English Literature! Don’t expect to breeze through it!)

photo: Tess Vanattia

Julie Goodnight:

Long before Julie had a show on RFDtv, she was a horsemaster! Raised in Florida loving and riding horses on the hunter/jumper circuit.

Throughout school she worked within the racing industry and today travels the country speaking about the relationship between horse and rider. Julie has become known for her clear, concise communication skills and her ability to help people crystallize their knowledge into applicable skills.

Julie is mom to Hunter and wife to Rich Moorehead. Look for Julie on RFDtv, learn more about her on her website www.juliegoodnight.com.

photo: the incredibly talented Heidi Nyland

Kerri Kent

Kerri Kent’s stamp on the horse industry is different from many of our women. She started out as a horse loving swimsuit designer on the west coast. She applied knowledge with knowledge and developed the first line of Kerrits Clothing (comfortable riding wear) more than 20 years ago. These days she’s again an industry pioneer being one of the first equine related companies to add a line of environmentally friendly clothing appropriately dubbed “GRASS”. Kerri is a leader and an innovator and a credit to our industry. Learn about Kerrits clothing at www.kerrits.com

Melisa Pearce’s growing influence in this industry is hopefully reflective of people’s inner desire to be inspired and uplifted. Melisa’s business “Touched by a Horse” is more than a deck of cards or a daily inspirational email. Her life is a ministry of hope and acknowledgement that attitude does really determine your altitude. Melisa’s own look inside herself combined with her education is psychotherapy and the profound nature of horses put her in the perfect spot for creative karma to envelope her and allow the concept of Touched by a Horse to come out of the cerebellum and turn into a real project. Through her cyber horse “Wisdom”, Melisa uplifts and challenges horse lovers daily to be the hero in their own life.

“Our lives are shaped by unforeseen circumstances. Our being human means we choose our own responses and reactions to them….often maturing as we grow. Through friendships and with guidance our own truth is formed as we step into our destiny. Horses can be your dearest guides, most profound teachers, and sweet trusted confidants on life’s journey.
Blessed are those of us who experience the whispers from a horse’s heart.
~Melisa Pearce

We here at HorseSouth are inspired by Melisa and her efforts to help people see the greatness within. We encourage you to all visit www.touchedbyahorse.com and sign up for Melisa’s daily emails!

Templeton Thompson

Templeton is a singer-song writer / Nashville veteran with more tunes under her belt that Carters has pills. Along with her uplifting lyrics that compel you outside to bond and ride your horse, comes Templeton's bright energetic soulful personality.

With a line of clothing that has folks wearing the mantra to "Dream Big, Work Hard, and Have Faith, Templeton is changing lives with her music, her message and her example. With songs like "Girls and Horses", "Horse that can fly" and "Cowgirl Creed", Templeton has droves of young horse crazy girls as fans.

There is no greater difference one can make than to inspire or lead a child along a better parth. For that, Templeton is among our top 10, 50 Most Influential Horsewomen! Visit her website today and order a CD her song will inspire you and make you smile!

www.templetonthompson.com / www.planetcowgirl.com

Jodi Hendrickson

Jodi is currently the publisher of Western Lifestyle Retailer, Equestrian Retailer & Equine Veterinary Management, the entire B2B line up for Cowboy Publishing Group. She’s a South Dakota cowgirl living in Texas. She’s a mama to two girls Ollie Grey and Scout Larue and wife to Rob. No doubt her role at CPG puts her in the top 1/3 of our list, but it’s really Jodi’s spirit that resonates through the pages of the publications under her wing. From provocative, outside the box fashion shoots that create enormous stir in this industry and beyond, to well crafted pieces that help a struggling tack store understand merchandising on a deeper level leading them to better profits, Jodi is making a lasting mark on the horse industry. At only 34, she’s had a whirlwind career and no doubt her star (albeit a behind the scenes star) will only rise. We are proud to know this amazing cowgirl and excited to see what she comes up with next.
To learn more about Jodi, read her entire bio HERE

Susan Ebert

Susan grew up in the south ... in the bluegrass of Kentucky. She was riding with her “PawPaw” before she could walk! She recalls his big albino Tennessee Walker, Bill, escorting them around the family farm. Susan spent many years showing and eventing Thoroughbreds that she helped rehab after their racing careers, but now is just as apt to be found horseback quail hunting, working cattle or simply trail riding near her home in the Hill Country of Texas.
As Associate Publisher & Editor of the equestrian trade title Western & English Today, Susan uses both her expertise from 20+ years in national consumer magazines and her Masters degree from the University of Texas to identify and analyze trends in both the Western & English arenas. “I am able to work directly with many of the manufacturers as they develop their new products,” explains Susan, “whether it’s tack, boots, apparel or jewelry. In this role, I can evaluate the whole research and development process, and gauge retailers’ reactions to it, both at trade shows and in the pages of our magazine, so that we may help retailers select the very best of the products available to them.” The great care Susan takes in her job is reflected everyday in retail stores all over the Nation. Her attention to detail and compassion for the horses and horse people make her an asset to not only her publication but to the industry as a whole!