Leigh Anne Claywell Named USEF Director of Competitions
Friday, August 25, 2006
Lexington, KY—Leigh Anne Claywell has recently joined the United States Equestrian Federation® as Director of Competitions. In December 2005, she graduated from the University of Miami’s School of Law in Florida. A native of Bardstown, KY, Claywell received her M.S. in Sports Management from the University of Kentucky in 2002, and her B.A. in English from the University of Kentucky in 1996. Claywell’s duties at the USEF include leading a staff of five in the Competitions Department, overseeing the competition application process, working on the new date rotation system, and overseeing the Safety Committee and Federation Representative Program.
Claywell has a long history of working in the horse industry. Her stint in the Thoroughbred racing world includes her work as administrative assistant for the Drugs and Medications Department at the Association of Racing Commissioners, and as assistant to the president for Nicoma Bloodstock, a full-service bloodstock agency, where she also evaluated Thoroughbred racehorses. She has also worked for the United States Pony Clubs, which she has been actively involved in during her life.
In 1998, Claywell joined the American Horse Shows Association in New York City, NY, as the assistant to then-president Alan Balch. When the company moved to Kentucky, she became the Director of Eventing and Vaulting Activities. She left the position to continue her education.
“I’m thrilled to be back with the Federation and excited about working with everyone involved with the Federation,” said Claywell. “The Competitions Department faces many challenges ahead, but I believe we have the staff to meet that challenge, and I look forward to it.”
“Leigh Anne’s educational background coupled with her passion for the sport made her a perfect fit for the position,” said USEF’s Executive Director Lori Rawls. “At this key time, we are fortunate to have her leading our team in the Competitions area.”
Claywell enjoys performing in three-day events with her Thoroughbred gelding, Polamalu (aka Jake). She has been riding since she was eight years old. When not riding, competing and working around the farm, she enjoys reading, watching sports and spending time with her two Jack Russell Terriers.
For more information, please contact Maria Partlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (859) 225-6941 or mpartlow@usef.org.
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