Denny Emerson is the poster child for the Vermont equine industry. His list of accomplishments and the breadth of his knowledge reflect the diversity of the equine community in Vermont. We will welcome Denny back to kick off the 6th Equine Industry Summit with his informative and inspirational keynote address.

Owner of Tamarack Hill Farm in Strafford, Vermont, Denny Emerson is the quintessential all-around horseman. He is the only equestrian to have won both an international gold medal in eventing and a Tevis Cup buckle in endurance. In 1972, Emerson was named United States Eventing Association’s Rider of the Year. He is an author, educator and always both an advocate for and student of the horse. He is a staunch supporter of the Vermont Equine industry and enthusiastically shares his knowledge, observations, and humor through his postings on social media.

Jackie Folsom was elected as president of Vermont Farm Bureau in November 2023.  Previously, she has served as secretary to the Board of Directors, 1st Vice President, Chair of the Women’s Committee and Policy Director.  She has over 30 years of experience working in various agricultural organizations and businesses, including Cabot Creamery.  She and her husband, Roy, operated a small dairy farm in Cabot for 35 years and sold the barn complex five years ago; now they focus on selling round bales to local farmers.

They are the proud parents of a son and daughter and four grandchildren (ranging in age from 26 to 7).

“I think it”s so important when farmers and ag businesses meet together to discuss challenges, issues, differences and similarities and make a commitment to better their industry.”

Nicole originally hails from Alaska and Utah, but Vermont is now her home.  She graduated Vermont Law School in 2012.  After graduation, she gained experience in litigation, land use, Act 250, landlord-tenant, property, and bankruptcy law. In 2017, Nicole returned to VLS and today she directs the Small Business Law Clinic and the Vermont Small Business Law Center (f/k/a Entrepreneurial Legal Lab or VLSell) at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

Heather Pelham was appointed to role of Commissioner of the Department of Tourism and Marketing in November of 2019, after serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Vermont since June 2015. Pelham continues to serve a leadership role with the Chief Marketing Office. Prior to joining state government, Pelham was the managing partner of a central Vermont advertising and design firm, developing brand strategies and integrated marketing campaigns for small business, nonprofit and higher education clients. Also, an accomplished designer, Pelham has 20 years of experience in creative strategy, graphic design, and web development. Pelham is a graduate of Brown University and lives with her family in Randolph Center.

Kelly and her husband have owned The Bunkhouse in Washington, VT since 2014. The Bunkhouse is an equine facility that provides lodging for trail riders and their horses. A lifelong horsewoman and native Vermonter, Kelly received a degree in Equine Science and Management from Morrisville State in NY.  She then went on to work as a trail guide in MT, WY then NC. Next was Gelinas Farm in NH where started horses under saddle and taught lessons using Natural horsemanship principles which she continues today. The Bunkhouse offers year-round lodging, with May-Oct being predominantly a bring your own horse facility. Guests come to stay and trail ride with their own horses while enjoying cozy accommodations for horse and rider.  The Bunkhouse is off-grid, surrounded by remote wilderness trails and able to host clinics and other equine events.

Born into the horse industry, Colleen has been involved in all aspects of the horse world. Having taken over the family business, Pond Hill Ranch, with her brothers and sisters in 1998, Colleen has been on several local, state, regional, and national horse industry association boards of Directors and related horse industry panels.  Colleen is passionate about horse tourism, and helping Vermont evolve into a strong horse destination is a lifelong goal.

Margot grew up riding horses and started volunteering at the UVM Morgan Horse Farm while still in high school. Her love of and connection to the Morgan Horse Farm spans two decades. She is passionate about the farm’s history and bloodlines.  She is especially interested in agritourism and her role as Director of the UVM Morgan Horse Farm allows her to promote Morgan horses and the equine industry in Vermont.

Clark Hinsdale is an eighth generation Vermonter who has spent his professional career serving his community. Currently the Chair of the Ferrisburgh Selectboard, Clark has also been a member of municipal planning commissions, zoning boards, and state commissions on recreation, housing, and conservation. He also has experience in organizational leadership serving several terms as president of the Farm Bureau, and director of numerous local and state-wide non-profits. As a planning and permitting consultant and a farmer, Clark understands farming, land use, and advocacy.