About Us
One Voice.
Many Breeds.
All Disciplines.
The Louisiana Equine Council is a non-profit organization established to provide a unified voice for all Louisiana equestrians regardless of equine breed or discipline. We address industry issues through a variety of committees and promote the Louisiana equine industry as a whole. We provide education and development in the equine world through LEC sponsored clinics, horse fairs and events around the state. We offer a variety of ways for equestrians to learn more, get involved, and have fun with their horses. The Louisiana Equine Council is a state resource for all things equestrian.
Meet The Team
Though all of our team members have varied professional backgrounds, they all have one thing in common, a passion for horses and the drive to make positive changes for the overall equine industry in our state. With years of experience in horsemanship and professional resume's that can't be surpassed, each individual contributes those skills and knowledge making this an A+ team.
Our Officers
Dr. Rachel Cezar-Martinez, DVM, President
Dr. Rachel Cezar-Martinez is from Oakdale, LA and has been riding horses for over 40 years, enjoyed growing up in 4-H and becoming a veterinarian.
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However, Dr. Rachel gives her credit of who she has become to her mom and dad that are both born and still raising a heck in Soileau (Oberlin), LA.
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Fortunately, with her husband, Dennis, moved their farm little over a year ago, Double Z Cowboy Corral, from Washington DC, where they would promote riding horses and raising animals, so their kids, Zaiden aka Bubba and Zoey aka Sister, can be raised around their grandparents and enjoy the rich Louisiana Creole and Cajun culture which she cherishes extremely.
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Dr. Rachel looks forward to serving as President of the LEC and look forward to supporting the Louisiana horse and all the people that enjoy them as well.
Lisa S. Bell, Treasurer
Lisa S. Bell is a 58 year life-long resident of Southern Louisiana. Most of her life has been spent in rural St. Tammany Parish, with Folsom being her current home. Her formal education is in Education and Nursing and is and RN in the Emergency Department at St. Tammany Hospital. She and husband, David, own Reposo Farm & Feeds, where horse boarding and a specialized feed store occupy most of her time.
Friends and family introduced Lisa to horses as a child, but she actually bought her first 2 horses for her 40th birthday! For several years she volunteered with a horse rescue agency developing a health rehab program and evaluating potential new horse owners. Lisa currently owns 4 horses and 2 donkeys, among other animals on the farm. She enjoys both leisure trail riding and competitive trail events.
Sharyon Thompson, Secretary
Sharyon Thompson currently serves as president of the Louisiana State Appaloosa club. She has worked with animals most all of her life. She has showed multiple breeds of dogs and finished champions in several breeds.
For several years she showed Persian cats and took international wins each year that she showed. She worked as an adult leader for the 4-H for many years in West Texas with the dog and horse program there. Sharon enjoys riding sidesaddle and carriage driving as well as trail riding.
Jesse Jordan has been a horse rider for over 28 years and a professional trainer over 18 years. He has experience with over 15 breeds in over a dozen disciplines. He has worked with horses in both English and Western style of riding.
Jesse specializes in colt starting and problem solving with deep roots in Natural Horsemanship.
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Daniel Lyons, Past President
Daniel Lyons graduated from UL with a BS Degree in Dairy Science. He is an advocate for agriculture and is active in numerous industry organizations on local, state and national levels. Together with his wife Genevieve, they own and operate Lyons Den Farms. 2000 acres of pastures and hay fields, taking great pride in producing quality hay for both equine commercial establishments and farm and ranch customers. Daniel also breeds and sells registered working quarter horses. Daniel developed his passion for horses as soon as he could sit in the saddle helping his grandfather with his sulky horses. Through the years, he has competed in many events and was involved in 4-H, FFA and later at UL’s Block and Bridal clubs taking active roles in various leadership positions. Daniel is an avid supporter in continued adult education through LSU's Master Horseman Program. He has a passion for the story of agriculture and the education of the consumer and youth. “There is a need for the general public to know how important it is to keep the whole industry growing, thriving and intact for the future of the youth and adults involved with the horse industry.”
Our Board Members
District 1 - Michelle Barr
In 1975 Michelle moved to Louisiana, and also began her affiliation and passion with all things equine. Over the ensuing years she has been involved in almost all aspects of the equine industry: showing, training, teaching, judging, TD, ownership, IHSA, USPC, breeding, therapeutic riding, Special Olympics, show and clinic production, as well as equine research, not just in La but all across the nation.
Michelle and her horses (and also her students) have successfully competed in H/J, equitation, dressage, eventing, competitive trail, and even extreme cowboy races! She has also participated in countless breed parades and side saddle demonstrations with her rare breed Cleveland Bay horses.
Michelle has served on the board of numerous equestrian organizations both statewide and nationwide, and holds multiple certifications in the industry, including holding the only side saddle instruction certification/judge's card in the state and currently serves on the Alumni Board for the Louisiana Scholars' College.
District 2 -Robbin Rosalis
Robbin Rosalis has lived in northeast Louisiana all her life. She graduated from ULM with a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Robbin worked for the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services for thirty years before retiring.
Her equestrian endeavors have included showing in breed shows and open shows, Western and English with a little hunt jump. Her registered stock has included Quarter, Paints, Morgans, Haflinger, and Racking with an assortment of amazing grade horses.
Currently, she is a dedicated pleasure rider who loves trails. When she is not riding she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery, dog rescue, gardening, and writing. Her genre is fantasy fiction, and her books are available on Amazon.
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District 6 - Dr. Clint Depew
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At Large - Howard Cormier
Howard J. Cormier is a retired county agent with the LSU AgCenter. He worked in Vermilion Parish with 4-H, Water Quality, major crops, and horse owners until he retired in 2008. He continued to work half time with the Master Horseman Leader Development program in the Southwest Louisiana, having taught over 350 adults. He retired again in January of 2021, but continues to work with 4-H youth and Master Horseman volunteers.
At Large - Edwin S. Happy Broussard III
Edwin “Happy” Broussard, better known as Happy, comes from a ranching and farming
background and has personally owned ranches and farms in Louisiana, Mississippi,
Colorado and Texas. He is the secretary treasurer of a farming corporation that was
started in 1890 by his grandfather, George P. Broussard, Sr. Inc. The corporation has
rice, sugar cane, crawfish and timber land. He has had experience in dealing with oil,
gas and uranium leases. He is a past president of the Iberia St. Mary Cattleman’s
Association and a past president of the Iberia Right to Life Organization.
Originally from southern Louisiana’s Gulf Coast (Cajun Country), Happy attended
Louisiana State University and University of Southwestern Louisiana. He played on the
LSU Rugby Team and still holds an intramural track and field record at LSU in an event no longer run, the 100 yard dash.
He managed a highly successful insurance agency for many years prior to his career in
real estate, and was a licensed broker in Colorado, Texas and Louisiana specializing in farms and ranches. Happy also served on the board of directors of the oldest bank in
Louisiana at the time for a number of years.
Happy holds four designations in the real estate industry. He has an ALC designation
(Accredited Land Consultant). The ALC designation is the most prestigious REALTOR® designation that can be earned in the farm, ranch and land real estate industry. He also has an ABR designation (Accredited Buyer Representative), a CNE designation (Certified Negotiation Expert) and a GRI designation (Graduate Realtor® Institute).
Clint Depew is one of the founding members of the LEC. He is a retired professor from the LSU Animal science Department. He served as the Horse Specialist until his retirement. He has conducted horse clinics and taught horsemanship for 40 years.
BIO is forthcoming
At Large - Amy Lang
Amy Lang has been a resident of Louisiana since 2012. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from New Mexico State University and a Master's degree in Equine Business from Midway University. Amy grew up riding and showing hunter/jumper horses in Texas and was recruited to ride for New Mexico State University's Division I Equestrian Team. At NMSU, she served as the Captain of the Equestrian Team, was a member of the NMSU Horsemen's Association, and was an All-American Athlete for the Equestrian Sport. Amy moved to Baton Rouge after college and taught riding lessons at BREC Farr Park. She eventually moved up to the Education Curator for the lesson and therapeutic program, then became the Equine Technician for their large herd of horses. She then moved to Folsom and worked for Greene, Lewis & Associates as a veterinary technician for their large reproduction and sport horse medicine clinic. After receiving her MBA in 2021, she opened her own company, ARL Creative, where she does marketing and digital creation for equine businesses.
Amy resides in Folsom and has a retired Irish Sport Horse mare named "Genia." She also helps manage a family-owned Saddlebred farm in Bush.
Board-Appointed - Gregory Mink
Greg Mink is an Army veteran who retired after 20 years of service in 2023. Greg grew up getting to see many different aspects of the equine world. From watching horse racing, arena polo, and show jumping to learning to become a horseman. Greg now enjoys trail riding with his wife, Vanessa, and time with their dogs. He is also an avid chicken enthusiast and specialty breeder.
As a board member Greg strives to bring a voice to the voiceless, both equine and human, something he did daily while serving in the Army.
Board-Appointed - Adam Thibodeaux
Adam Thibodeaux was involved with horses while he was in school. He resumed his equine
activities when his daughter joined 4-H several years ago.
He enjoys volunteering with youth
through the Master Horsemen Program as well as assisting with 4-H clinics, camps, and shows.
He is a lifelong resident in Lafayette Parish.
Board-Appointed - Emmerson Lyons
Emmerson Lyons is currently a Junior at McNeese State University with a diverse background in agriculture. From livestock to ag media she has a burning passion for telling the story of the average farmer and rancher and advocating for agriculture. She is currently studying Animal Science and plans to pursue a career in large animal embryology and reproduction.
Emmerson comes from a long line of agriculture advocates and strives to continue to bring forth that legacy and make an impact in agriculture starting with our youth to help build a bright future. She has recently become involved with the Louisiana Equine Council and will be working towards bringing forth more media presence and promotion for our organization and industry.
