MEET OUR 2023-2024 TEAM!
Interested in joining us for the upcoming season? Email us at gacequestrianteam@gmail.com to learn more!
Beth Retzlaff
Head Coach
Beth, our coach has been teaching students at Pinewood Stables starting 15 years ago. She competed in WSCA, NBHA, AQHA, Ranch Rodeo and participated in the 4-H horse project until graduating high school and then became her local
4-H club leader. Now, as an adult she competes in Ranch Rodeo as well as a sorting league during the winter months. She studied Equine Science and Equine Business Management at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas. Beth was then an Equine Director in Kansas before moving back to Minnesota, of which she resumed her position as an Instructor and Trainer for Pinewood Stable. She then received an Accounting Degree from University of Minnesota, Crookston. Beth is a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist and Kinesiologist while also being the owner and manager of Full Flex Tack (www.fullflextack.com). And last but not least she owns a chestnut gelding Quarter Horse named Bear and a donkey named Katie.
Celeste Thalhammer
Captain & Social Media Marketing Manager
Celeste is a Senior Communication Studies Major, with minors in Film and Media Studies, Dance, Studio Art, and Arts Administration. She is from Blue River, WI and has over 12 years of riding experience including in Western and English Pleasure, Trail and Obstacle, Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, and Hunt Seat riding through her work in 4-H along with local riding. She started showing at local family run shows at the age of 6 years old and then showed in 4-H with Horses where she was a Wisconsin State 4-H Horse Expo qualifier and exhibitor. Aside from 4-H she has previously worked at barns and summer camps, taking care of horses and teaching lessons to young horse lovers. She is part of our show team where she has shown in both Hunt Seat and Western Pleasure riding and has been part of the team since freshman year!
MJ TOOKER
President, Fundraising Representative
MJ is a 5th year Nursing Major from Andover, MN. She has loved horses as long as she can remember, and finally got the chance to pursue her dreams of riding in college. She has been a member of the team and officer board since her sophomore year. She has also been part of our show team in both Hunt Seat and Western Pleasure. Above she is pictured with her first lease horse, an akhal-teke named Abadon.
SAMANTHA GARDOW
Vice President & Treasurer
Samantha is a Junior Exercise Physiology major from Eau Claire, WI. She has been riding Western for 15 years, and competing in gaming for 11 years, with her favorite event being flags. She has shown horses in 4-H and has been to the Wisconsin State 4-H Horse Expo for Gymkhana many years in a row. Sam is the proud owner of a 24y/o Quarter Horse named Helga, and Piper a 14y/o Paint. She has been teaching lessons at her home barn since high school. She is part of our show team where she has shown in both Western Pleasure, Reining, and a little bit of Hunt Seat. And she has been part of the team since her freshman year!