Dr. Camie Heleski

Dr. Camie Heleski received her Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in equine behavior and welfare (from Michigan State University); her M.S. was also in Animal Science, with an emphasis on equine nutrition and exercise physiology. She worked at Michigan State University for 25 years as Coordinator of their Horse Management Program. During that time, she coached the collegiate horse judging team for 16 years and the introductory dressage team for six seasons. 

In 2016, Dr. Heleski began teaching at the University of Kentucky in the Equine Science and Management program, where she teaches Equine Industry Issues, co-teaches the Equine Senior Capstone course, and also teaches the multi-species Animal Behavior & Welfare class. Her applied research interests revolve around equine behavior and welfare, horse-human interactions, sport horse welfare issues and working equids in developing regions of the world. 

Heleski has been actively involved with the International Society for Equitation Science as a council member and Honorary Fellow. One of her recent publications was a co-authored piece in Sustainability: “Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate’—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective.” This article led to multiple invited speaking opportunities, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Heleski was fortunate to grow up on an Arabian horse farm, where she helped her family with training, showing, breeding, and managing horses. As part of her Ph.D. dissertation, she helped establish the annual Animal Welfare Judging & Assessment competition. This led to receiving the AVMA Humane Award for Non-Veterinarians.  Camie has been a member of the FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission since its inception in June of 2022.

Dr. Emily Sandler-Burtness

Dr. Sandler-Burtness graduated from Colorado State University in 2000 and then completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. 

In 2003, she started Pacific Coast Equine Veterinary Services and has a particular interest in performance horse welfare, lameness, and imaging. She has served as an FEI Veterinary Delegate since 2007, including being member of the veterinary commission at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon 2018, Tokyo Olympics 2020/1, World Equestrian Championships in Pratoni 2022, and has been appointed Foreign Veterinary Delegate for Paris 2024 Olympics next summer. 

Currently, Dr. Sandler-Burtness lives in San Diego, CA with her husband Jeremy, son Nathan and a variety of four-legged critters. 

Sally Ike

Sally Ike who worked with US Equestrian for more than 30 years, being an integral part of US Equestrian’s success and growth since 1989. Ike managed countless responsibilities and held numerous titles throughout her tenure, including Chef de Mission, Discipline Director of Eventing, Managing Director of Jumping, and Director of Vaulting Activities. She also served as the jumping team leader for every Olympic Games, Pan American Games, FEI World Equestrian Games, and FEI World Cup Finals from 1990 through 2008. An accomplished equestrian, Ike successfully competed at the Burghley Horse Trials in 1967 and completed the 1968 Badminton Horse Trials on Evening Mail, earning an Olympic team nomination. She was selected as a non-traveling reserve for the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Ike is a current USEF 'S' Eventing Judge and 'S' Eventing Technical Delegate.