New Officers and Directors Named to Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation Board
Harrisburg, Pa. – March 27, 2026 – The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation is pleased to announce the election of new officers and the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors.
Officers elected to a one-year term, beginning April 1, 2026, and continuing through March 31, 2027, are as follows:
- Chairman – Max Hempt
- 1st Vice Chairman – Lannie Lipson
- 2nd Vice Chairman – Lexie Mowery
- Treasurer – Rick Hornberger
- Secretary – Susie Baker
Joining the Board of Directors are Andrew Ellis, Kelsey Bernini Lawrence, William Schaub and Ken Smith. Each brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the equestrian community, further strengthening the PNHS Foundation’s leadership and vision as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show prepares to celebrate 80 years in Harrisburg, Pa. in 2026.
As a Pennsylvania native, Bernini Lawrence brings to the Board of Directors a deep appreciation for the history and prestige of the horse show, paired with firsthand experience as a competitor. Bernini Lawrence got her start with a strong junior career, including finishing in the top 25 at the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the PNHS. Following her junior years, Bernini Lawrence attended Centenary University, where she earned her degree in equine business management while also helping their Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and American National Riding Commission teams earn multiple national championships. Today, Bernini Lawrence owns and operates Pembroke Pointe, a training and sales program based in New Oxford, Pa.
Ellis, of Aiken, S.C., is a lifelong horseman who today specializes in equestrian event management, announcing and commentating, consulting and safety planning. Alongside his wife, Catherine Ellis, Andrew Ellis co-owns and operates hunter/jumper training and sales operation Haven Hill Farm. As a certified emergency medical technician (EMT), Andrew Ellis formerly served as chair of the U.S. Equestrian Federation Safety committee. He was a founding director of the United States Hunter Jumper Association and has been heavily involved with numerous additional USEF and USHJA committees.
Schaub, of Wellington, Fla., and Lexington, Ky., has owned and operated Over the Hill Farm for over 40 years, and he is closely associated with some of the top ponies, hunters, juniors and amateurs in recent history. Throughout his ongoing tenure, Schaub has trained riders to more than 100 tricolors at Capital Challenge, the PNHS, the Washington International Horse Show and the National Horse Show – among numerous other accolades. Schaub holds his “R” judging card status for Hunters, Hunter Breeding and Equitation and has recently judged at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, the Winter Equestrian Festival and the USEF Junior Hunter National Championship, among many others.
Alongside his wife, Emily Smith, Ken Smith owns and operates Ashland Farm in Wellington, Fla., and Lexington, Ky. Founded in 1993, Ashland is considered both a leading hunter/jumper sales barn and a top training operation known for developing some of the top junior riders in the industry. Ken Smith, and the students at Ashland, have extensive experience training and competing at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Most recently, Ashland riders swept all three of the top spots in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the 2025 PNHS.
“We are proud to welcome Andrew, Kelsey, Bill and Ken to the PNHS Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Susie Shirk. “They are each respected industry professionals who bring their own diverse perspectives and experiences while also simultaneously sharing in a commitment for the betterment of equestrian sport and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.”
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to “Enriching Lives Through Equestrian Sport” by supporting therapeutic riding and equine rescue programs. Established in 1946, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show is the largest source of funding for the PNHS Foundation and hosts the country’s top competitors at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., each October. The 80th edition of the prestigious, U.S. Equestrian Heritage Competition will be held October 8-18, 2026. To learn more about both the PNHS Foundation and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, visit www.PAnational.org.
