Albion College

A Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) master-level instructor, Randi Gardner joined the Held Center staff in October.  Previously an instructor, stable manager, and team coach at YMCA Camp Letts Equestrian Center just outside of Washington, D.C., Gardner has a wealth of experience working with horses and riders in multiple disciplines, including hunt seat, western, eventing, dressage, and even polocrosse.  Prior to her work at Camp Letts, she was the barn manager and head riding instructor at Reverie Acres Riding Academy, the first United States Pony Club-approved riding center in Maryland.  Gardner was also the center administrator for the USPC program at Reverie Acres, as well as the leader for the stable’s 4-H club.

Since coming on board as coach in 2011, Gardner has had many individuals and the team compete at the IHSA regional, zone and national levels. The Albion College hunt seat team was the champion regional team in 2013 and 2014, and Gardner coached the team's first individual rider to IHSA Nationals in 2014. She also serves as the associate director of the Held Equestrian Center.