Northeast Florida Equestrian Society
Northeast Florida Equestrian Society/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies, Inc. (NFES) is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, also duly qualified and registered as a non-profit operation and solicitor by the State of Florida.
NFES holds the management contract for the Jacksonville Equestrian Center from the City of Jacksonville.
NFES has been in operation for over 10 years and has been the JEC manager since October 1, 2014. NFES consists of a Board of Directors, an advisory board consisting of community leaders or advocates and a confirmed consultant list of experts in various fields of finance, law, event creation or planning, construction, security, operations, grants and donor solicitations.
Our mission: To serve as a premier center where community events and horsemanship unite, bringing people of all abilities together for entertainment, education, and inspiration.
Carolyn LaRose
CHAIR
Carolyn La Rose is an entrepreneur, conservationist, barn owner and AQHA trainer. She owns and operates La Rose Performance Horse in Jacksonville FL, a boarding, breeding and training facility, specializing in AQHA/APHA/PHBA western pleasure and hunter under saddle horses, along with rehabilitation of exotic and endangered animals. After pursuing her degree in equine science and business management at Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania, Carolyn worked for numerous professionals in the equine industry. Working for AQHA, APHA and even ApHC trainers, specializing in the pleasure and the all-around events, she also worked for specialized veterinarians, theriogenology and large breeding facilities, standing stallions, foaling mares and learning neo-natal care. After working for other professionals successfully training, showing and expanding her breeding knowledge, Carolyn opened her facility in Jacksonville Florida in 2012. She has since had AQHA, PHBA, APHA, PtHA, ApHC, NSBA and Congress champion and reserve champions in all different events. Carolyn continues to train and show, but her passion and focus has been developing her breeding program and raising top quality foals for the future of the pleasure horse industry.
Taylor McLendon
VICE CHAIR
Dr. Taylor McLendon grew up in the Saint Augustine area and always knew she wanted to make it home. From a young age, she spent nearly every day riding and most weekends competing in western performance events across the country.
She earned her veterinary degree with high honors from the
University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, graduating as
Salutatorian of her class. During vet school, she served as class president for
four years, president of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical
Association (SAVMA), was active in the Student Chapter of the American
Association of Equine Practitioners (SCAAEP), and completed a certificate in
Veterinary Business Management.
Dr. McLendon’s passion has always been equine lameness and
sports medicine, which remain the primary focus of her practice. She was
mentored by the talented Dr. Peggy Fuller for 3.5 years before purchasing
Mandarin Equine Veterinary Service in July of 2022.
Outside of work, Dr. McLendon enjoys spending time on the
water, running marathons, and vacationing at Walt Disney World. Most of all,
she loves time with her husband, Josh, their son, Grady, and their daughter,
Evan.
Robert Peterson
Treasurer
Robert Peterson is the Chief Financial Officer of DLP Capital and a Partner in the firm. He simultaneously serves as Board Member and Chief Financial Officer of DLP Bancshares Inc., a holding company that owns DLP Bank, a North Florida commercial bank for which Peterson also serves as Chairman of the Board. Robert brings to these institutions more than forty-five years of experience in the commercial, retail, multifamily and residential real estate industries as an accounting and finance expert with extensive asset management and development experience.
Prior to joining DLP Capital in 2015, Robert began his real estate and finance career at the Buckeye Companies, where he rose to become Vice President of Finance and Information Technologies. At the time, the company was the largest full-service commercial office owner/developer/operator of its kind in the region, with businesses including building contractor, property management, brokerage, and parking facilities, among other operations. Robert served for thirty-seven years in leadership roles with the organization, its principals’ family offices and their real estate companies including General Manager and Chief Financial Officer for Citinational-Buckeye Building Company which was a collaboration between Buckeye and City National Bank—one of the largest banks in California and for the Malibu Bay Company.
Robert has a long history of serving in civic, community and charitable organizations including co-founding the Great Western Reining Horse Association with its annual Low Roller Reining Classic and Best Little Derby in the West (the sixth and seventh largest NRHA events worldwide). Other past service spanning forty years in various capacities includes director of Pershing Square Property Owners Association, multiple board or committee memberships for the National Reining Horse Association, Idaho Reining Horse Association, Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Health Champions, a five-year term as the Chartered Org Rep for the Centennial District of the Boy Scouts of America and several community and church leadership related positions and youth development programs.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. His recognitions include being named a “CFO of the Year” by Lehigh Valley Business and “Ultimate Finance Executive” by Jacksonville Business Journal.
Jen Miller
secretary
Jen Miller has been involved in the Hunter/Jumper world since a very early age. Born and raised in Jacksonville, she has lived and trained all over the country. After graduating from the University of South Florida with a Business degree in Economics, she started her professional riding and training career. Working under elite trainers and managers taught her the ins and outs of the hunter/jumper world and how to properly take care of horses and turn them out for them to perform at their best. Now based just south of the Equestrian Center, she has a farm in Oakleaf Plantation where she runs her hunter/jumper training business. Her goal is to focus on each individual and keep it simple and safe.
Jen has been on the Board since 2019 and currently serves as Secretary. She would like to see the Equestrian Center recognized as a top facility in the region for all horse-related events as well as a concert venue, outdoor events facility, and place people are proud to visit.
Donna Kelley Gysin
My name is Donna Kelley Gysin and my dad, Charles Kelley, served on the JEC Board of Directors. I truly believe the Jacksonville Equestrian Center was the love of his life.
I grew up with lots of cows, chickens, a donkey and many horses. My Dad taught me about God and his amazing creations. He taught me to love animals, especially how to take care of them. He told me at night while we were sleeping, the animals in the barn talked to each other. I still believe this to be true.
My Dad was known as Charlie to his friends and was instrumental in working with the Department of Interior for pursuing the 2,000 plus acres conveyed to the City of Jacksonville for the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. He was convinced that a world class equestrian center would attract people and events from all over the country, and it does!
Dad served on the NFES Board of Directors from the beginning, and astutely kept all the historical records of JEC and the all-important DOI conveyances, deeds and correspondence. Joanne Connell was with me at Dad’s bedside in Hospice. We talked about what Dad had done for the city, the trails and the JEC. Through tears, we joked that dad was waiting on Joanne’s visit so he could elicit a promise that his work continues. I assured Joanne that even though Dad was unconscious, he was still listening, advocating for JEC and was spiritually present forever. An hour later Dad left us to be with his Lord.
I truly believe the JEC was the love of Dad’s life.
Here are some of the projects my father volunteered or was recognized for:
- The design of the main building, the specifications for the horse barn and parking for the horse trailers at the JEC.
- Charlie served on the Better Jacksonville Oversight Committee, the City’s funding mechanism to build the JEC, pool and ballfields.
- A cowboy himself, Charlie was determined to have trails opened to the public for use by not only equestrians, but hikers, cyclists and nature observers alike.
- To fully reach this dream, at the ripe “young” age of 80, Charlie took on a new project – to improve the trails and make them ADA compliant so everyone could enjoy them. He recruited volunteers and donors to refurbish an existing pavilion out on the trails.
- In 2009, Charlie received recognition for a lifetime of community service in which The Jacksonville City Council officially, by resolution 2009-639, named the Charles Kelley Pavilion in his honor.
- He also volunteered countless hours for the Baldwin Rails to Trails project.
- In 2004, Charlie was awarded the First Coast Envirothon Anchor for Outstanding Leadership and Support.
The JEC is a hidden gem and a precious commodity to the City of Jacksonville and I am proud and honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.
Eric Smith
Lane Samples
Lane Samples was born and raised in the Maxville community within Duval County. From an early age rodeo, equestrian events, and ranching were the main attractions in his life due to the influence of his father, who was a professional bull rider and horse trainer. These interests helped lead Lane to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas where he attained a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business Management, as well as competing for the rodeo team at the university. While at TSU, Lane was actively involved in TREAT, which is a therapeutic riding program for people with mental and physical disabilities. This program developed a strong passion in Lane to serve the people around him, while utilizing horses. After graduating from TSU, Lane moved back to the Jacksonville area.
Lane is now an Agriculture teacher at Oakleaf High School and is an advisor for FFA. Serving the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a great privilege for Lane to serve his community and to share his passion for equestrian events, as well as the equestrian community.
Bree Alban
Bree Alban is the owner of Windemere Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, Florida, a full-service boarding and lesson barn offering adult and youth riding programs for both English and Western riding with a primary focus on the Appaloosa horse breed. Born and raised in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area, Bree is a graduate of The Bolles School. Bree attended the University of Florida and graduated from the College of Business. Bree has been involved in her family’s business, Ring Power Corporation, in various management positions and serves on the company’s board. She is also a recently elected member of The Flagler College Board of Trustees. Bree enjoys riding in her spare time and is an avid supporter of her barn and involvement in show circuits. Bree and her husband, David, live in Jacksonville with their children Lee (16) and Carson (9).
Richard Reichard
Retired Assistant Chief / Director of Administrative Services, City of Jacksonville
Richard Reichard dedicated 29 years to Jacksonville Fire Rescue, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. In that role, he led a team responsible for apparatus and equipment procurement, contract management, compliance oversight, and forecasting departmental needs.
Following his distinguished service with Fire Rescue, Richard was appointed by the Mayor as Director of Administrative Services for the City of Jacksonville, retiring on July 3, 2026. He oversaw multiple divisions, including Environmental Quality, Procurement, the Ombudsman’s Office, Solid Waste, 630City, Animal Care and Protective Services, and Fleet Management – managing a motor pool of more than 4,500 vehicles.
Richard brings extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving. He has served on several boards and committees, including the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee (MBRC), the Public Nuisance and Abatement Board (PNAB) and the Police and Fire Pension Funds Advisory Board (PFPF).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard is an active member of Immaculate Conception Church and remains deeply committed to public service. As a board member, he applies strategic insight, financial acumen, and stakeholder engagement skills to advance organizational missions and long-term sustainability.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration; State of Florida Licensed Paramedic
Hobbies: Traveling, golf, hiking, biking and outdoor activities