March 12, 2026 – United States Para Equestrian Association Announces 2026 Board of Directors Updates
March 12, 2026| USPEA Welcomes Dr. Jenna Encheff to Board of Directors and Announces Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Travel Grant Recipient Audrey Guiteau |
| Organization expands expertise with new board member while supporting the next generation of para dressage athletes |
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| USPEA Welcomes Dr. Jenna Encheff to Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jenna Encheff |
 Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Travel Grant Recipient Audrey Guiteau. Photo courtesy of Audrey Guiteau. |
| Contact: Eleanor Brimmer, Presidentelliebrimmer@uspea.org WELLINGTON, Fla. -July 12, 2026 – The United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jenna Encheff to its Board of Directors and recognize Audrey Guiteau of Houston, Texas, as the latest recipient of the Jonathan Wentz Memorial (JWM) Initial Classification Travel Grant. USPEA Welcomes Dr. Jenna EncheffDr. Jenna Encheff brings nearly three decades of experience in physical therapy, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and para-equestrian classification to the USPEA Board of Directors.She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1995 from the University of Toledo in consortium with the Medical College of Ohio. Following graduation, she joined the Medical College of Ohio (now the University of Toledo Medical Center), where she specialized in treating patients with spinal cord injuries, wheelchair fitting and prescription from 1995 to 2002. In 2004, Dr. Encheff joined the faculty in the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Findlay, where she later earned a Ph.D. in Exercise Science/Biomechanics with a minor in Research and Measurement from the University of Toledo in 2008. After eleven years at the University of Findlay, she joined the faculty at Trine University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and earned certification in Manual Physical Therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT).Today, Dr. Encheff teaches anatomy, neuroscience, and musculoskeletal courses while also providing equine rehabilitation services throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. She earned certification in Equine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2017. Since 2019, Dr. Encheff has served as a Licensed Para-Equestrian Classifier through the United States Equestrian Federation. She is also the owner of 3 off-the-track Thoroughbreds and enjoys trail riding in her free time. “We are so excited to have Jenna join us,” said USPEA President Eleanor Brimmer. “Her knowledge as an active national classifier will be so helpful to our new and emerging athletes. As an all-volunteer organization, we work hard to ensure we have diverse knowledge and skill sets available to best serve our athletes, their teams, and supporters.” Jonathan Wentz Memorial Classification Travel Grant AwardedUSPEA is also proud to announce Audrey Guiteau as the newest recipient of the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Initial Classification Travel Grant. Guiteau traveled to Wellington, Florida, during the March CPEDI to receive her national para-equestrian classification, where she was classified as a Grade III athlete. She has already made her debut in the FEI Intermediate Para Dressage tests and is beginning her competitive para dressage journey. “I am very grateful to have been awarded the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Initial Classification Travel Grant to start my para dressage journey,” said Guiteau. “This was my first opportunity to meet other para dressage riders, and it was very inspirational to see their dedication. I also had a wonderful classification experience at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. None of this would have been possible without this travel grant. Thank you so much, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Initial Classification Travel Grant assists aspiring para dressage athletes with travel expenses associated with obtaining their initial classification, an important first step toward national and international competition. |