Returning President: Luanne Leonard
Executive Secretary: Anne Bailey Johnston
If you would like to email the entire Board, please send your email to the SWVHJA Office and it will be forwarded. Board member emails are can be accessed by clicking or hovering over the name.
PRESIDENT: Phillip Williamson
Phillip Williamson is the Director of the Equestrian program at the University of Lynchburg. He has worked in multiple college riding programs prior to his position at Lynchburg. He also holds his USEF "r" judges card in hunters and equitation and has shown professionally across the east coast in the hunters and jumpers and coached students to ribbons and championships in local and rated horses shows at all levels. Phillip's dedication to local, grassroots showing comes from his early days as a competitor in Colorado Hunter Jumper Association competitions. He feels strongly that our association provides valuable opportunities for those looking to enjoy horse sport while learning and growing their horsemanship and riding skills.
VICE PRESIDENT: Anne Lesko
I’m Anne Justis Lesko and first joined the Southwest Virginia Hunter Jumper Association when showing my large pony in the late 1980’s. I was very fortunate to have parents who showed and fox hunted. They helped us manage our animals in our little barn at home, always quick to share their knowledge and support. Horses have always been a central part of our family, either through breeding, thoroughbred racing, hunting, or showing.
As a junior, I showed in the Children’s Hunter and Equitation through SWVHJA. I went on to show in the Junior Hunter division and equitation with Reynard’s Ridge, owned by Mike and Alicia Rosser of Southern Pines, North Carolina. As an amateur, I rode on the Hollins team, showing in ODAC, ANRC, IHSA, and open shows.
My husband, Richard Lesko, showed in the Junior Jumper division. We have two children, Henry and Ginny, who share our love of horses. We have a small farm in Scottsville, Virginia, where we keep our horses and care for them at home, as a family.
I serve on the board of the Association because I feel that our mission, particularly the of promotion good sportsmanship and horsemanship, is important. As an amateur and as a parent of riders, I believe that having a well-run, local horse show association creates the community of support that many need as they find their way through life with horses.
SECRETARY: Diane Hinch
I have been active in the horse world since an early age. I adventured into a multitude of equine areas, beginning with showing both locally and on the A circuit, moving on to training, boarding and teaching as well as fox hunting with the local hunt club. While a member of the Glenmore Hunt Club, I held the positions of President, Whipper in, and Secretary. Additionally, I hosted and taught the Stuart Hall Riding Program for about 10 years. Also, I volunteered as the 4H leader for one of the Augusta County Clubs for over 30 years and have been District Commissioner for the Glenmore Hunt Pony Club for numerous years. I have several other responsibilities within Pony club on a regional and national level, to include Horse Management Organizer; National Examiner; National Chief Horse Management Judge and other jobs as assigned! I have owned and run “Twin Hills Farm” and “Windy Springs Farm”, for numerous years where my daughter and I teach, train and coach at shows. My son rides and maintains it all!! It is a family affair! I can’t remember how long I have been a member of SWVHJA or how many times I have served on the board, but it has been a great experience. Now, since I have had the time to do all these things, you must know I am not a spring chicken!! Oh yeah, and I serve as a horse show secretary, you have probably seen me around!!
TREASURER: Heather Weaver
Heather grew up in Southwest Virginia and started riding lessons through 4-H, mainly competing in fun shows, dressage, and eventing. In high school she became more involved in the hunter/jumper/equitation rings. She attended Hollins University and showed at SWVHJA events, as well as riding on the IHSA and ODAC Team. She currently runs a small training facility on their family farm in Botetourt County, Landmark Hill Stables.
PARLIAMENTARIAN: Gordon Reistrup
Members at Large:
Robin Mellen and her family have run Smallwood Farm in Crozet, VA for the last 60 plus years. Robin grew up riding and showing ponies and horses in Virginia, graduated from UVA and began working for The Jockey Club. Since 1992, she has been involved in the breeding, raising, training and showing of ponies and horses. Robin oversees the breeding operations of Smallwood Farm’s ponies and horses which includes the cross bred stallion Maple Side Wish List and Thoroughbred stallion Friend Or Foe. She is a past board member of The International Hunter Futurity and Virginia Thoroughbred Association board and currently on the Virginia Pony Breeders Association board.
Jamison is a full-time professional civil engineer and a longtime member of SWVHJA. She began riding in 1999 at Vineyard Farm under the tutelage of the late Sarah Davis, kickstarting a passion for horses, Thoroughbreds especially, and hunters. Her junior years were spent bouncing between horses and divisions (and in the dirt!), prior to finding success in the 2’6” divisions with a talented Thoroughbred named Bailey. She graduated from UVA in 2013 and moved around the state for work, riding and showing whenever possible. In 2020 she moved home to Hot Springs, VA permanently and returned to Vineyard Farm. The same year she purchased her first horse, Z Town, and reentered the show ring. Since purchasing Z, she’s had mixed success in many of the SWVHJA amateur and open divisions and in the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program championships and performance awards. When she isn’t working or at the barn, she might be found volunteering with Bath Animal Welfare Foundation, trail running, or walking Snaffle and Tonka, her unruly dogs, around the family farm.
Sarah is the Stable Manager and Road Manager for Memory’s Hill Stables. She regularly competed as SWVHJA junior member from the intermediates through the children’s whilst developing a passion for horses and horse care. She continues to show as a member of the organization, and assists Memory’s Hill in hosting SWVHJA shows and other events. Sarah frequently travels with Memory’s Hill to all levels of horse show, attending SWVHJA shows and USEF rated shows, handling everything from show entries, set up, horse care, and rider needs. When she is not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her horse, Millie, and her dog Elmer.
I have been instructing for over 40 years from the beginner to advanced level and travel to my students for individualized attention. I coach at both local and rated horse shows and offer clinics for multiple disciplines. In addition to instructing, I also judge Hunter/Jumper and Equitation shows as well as other disciplines. My passion is raising Welsh/TBx ponies. Many have done well in the show ring and have gone on to Pony Finals. I run a small boarding facility in Ruckersville. I also am a huge supporter of 4 H and all it has to offer our youth after taking advantage of the program as a 4 H member many years ago.