Merial Champions’ Summit Provides Unique Venue For Horse Trainer Collaboration
Rob and Mary Meneely enjoy a moment of downtime at the second annual Merial Champions’ Summit. Image provided by Merial.
By: Brittany Bevis
A group of accomplished horse professionals including trainers, judges, exhibitors, and clinicians recently gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, but they weren’t there for a horse show. The event was the second annual Merial Champions’ Summit, held May 19-21.
For the second year in a row, Merial brought in a group of professional horsemen to discuss, interact, and participate in sessions about equine health, financial planning, insurance, equine law, and profitability. Attendees this year were Chris Arentsen, Jon Barry, Brad Kearns, Whitney and Michael Lagace, Steve Meadows, Rob and Mary Meneely, Keith Miller, Jim and Deanna Searles, Adam Wainscott, and Blake Weis.
Whitney Lagace, Brad Kearns, Mary Meneely, and Steve Meadows participate in a fun exercise. Image courtesy of Merial.
Merial’s Senior Equine Brand Manager Beckie Peskin is a lifetime AQHA member and has competed in all-around events at the AQHA World Show and All American Quarter Horse Congress. As a result of her experiences, she knows first-hand that the fast-paced world of the horse industry allows little downtime to reflect on how to implement better business practices.
Whitney Lagace, Keith Miller, Adam Wainscott, and Jon Barry. Image courtesy of Merial.
Hosts of the event included
- Beckie Peskin- Merial, Senior Equine Brand Manager
- Meg Green, DVM- Merial, Veterinary Professional Services Team
- Andy Bennett, DVM- Merial, Veterinary Professional Services Team
- Kelley Mundrick- Merial, Equine Brand Associate
Presenters included
- Mitzi Michaelson of Merrill Lynch
- Ann Hollis Investment Associate with Merrill Lynch
- Lance Allen, DVM, CIC Markel Director and Executive Underwriter
- Jessica Hormand, SmartPak, Senior Director of Equine Health
- Susan Tuller, SmartPak, Senior Director of Barn Programs
- Denise Farris, Esq. of Farris Law Firm, LLC
- Jim Gibby, Equine Professional Consultant
Click here to read biographies of the hosts and presenters.
