2018 NWHA Board of Directors
Jerry D. Ouellette, Chillicothe, IL ‐ Central Region Director
Jerry D. Ouellette (pronounced: w uh ‐ L EH T) and his wife Alena got involved with the
Tennessee Walking Horses in 2010. Both fell in love with the breed while searching
for riding lessons for their daughter and became involved with the Illinois Walking
Horse Association (IWHA). Jerry joined their board in 2012 and has been the
President of the organization since 2015. As President, he successfully worked to
increase membership, sponsorship, and promote the TWH breed. He also serves on
the Board of Directors for the IHPBEA and a member of the Wisconsin and
Minnesota Walking Horse organizations. He is most proud of the accomplishments of
the IWHA Youth Program. His passion for promoting the TWH breed and getting youth
involved drives him and he loves both trail riding and showing.
Beth Jennings, Hemet, CA ‐ Western Region Senior Director
After fifty years training most breeds and disciplines of horses and riders at all
levels of equestrian contests from A to Z, Beth continues to train, breed, show and
instruct plus exhibit at fairs/expos with her clients on their TWHs. She also trail
rides both for fun and competitively in addition to arranging trail riding
adventures for gaited horse enthusiasts, now sanctioning those events with
NWHA. Her main goal is to promote the joy of the sound, flat shod Walking Horse
in all avenues of equestrian competition and individual use, while advocating the
ideals of NWHA.
Merleene Pacheco, McGregor, TX ‐ At‐Large Director
Merleene has ridden and shown in multiple disciplines since childhood. In 2000, following
her enlistment in the Marine Corps and having two daughters she entered back into the
horse world and in time opened her own boarding & lesson facility in Stafford,
Virginia. It was during this time when her good friend, told her that “one day she
would go gaited and never go back!” While still in Virginia, Pacheco traveled to NWHA
shows as a dressage scribe and her interest was stirred. Upon moving to Texas and
meeting her husband, Leo, she stepped out into the gaited world. She is a CHA
certified riding instructor and was the manager at Highlander Ranch, a local community
college facility. This position fit well with her experience in event and office management,
leadership, and personnel training. Merleene also served as Region 8 Director for Texas
Equestrian Trail Riders Association (TETRA). Merleene now owns and operates Fox Run Ranch standing
her stallion, The Eternal Flame. Merleene & Leo hope to continue breeding outstanding quality walkers for show
and trail. They also enjoy trail riding and showing their walkers and hope to share their love of horses with their
eight grandchildren.
NWHA National News 7