These Are The People That Make It Happen

Below you will find the people we owe all our success to. Without their involvement, OPRC would not be the fun loving club it is.

Insurance: Kim Normandin

Orlando, FL
insurance@oprc.us

I grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania and had a pony when I was a young girl but the riding bug didn't get me until about 8 years ago when I purchased my first horse, a Paso Fino. Wow, did our lives change that day! I've lived in sunny Florida now for about 16 years and currently own 4 horses, a 10 year old Paso Fino, a 9 year old Quarter Horse, and 2 miniature horses that I use for driving. I love just about anything to do with horses and the friendships I've made with other horse lovers are ones that will last a lifetime.

I am currently the membership coordinator for The Mane Event chapter of OPRC in Orlando, FL. I enjoy trail riding, and have been taking regular lessons in dressage and most recently have been learning to drive.

Joining the OPRC is one of the best things I've ever done. The energy that comes from conversations with other members is incredible. I was in a down hill slide with my horse when a friend invited me to a chapter meeting. How quickly things can change when you find the right crowd! And there are people out there looking for groups like ours. So spread the word about OPRC, you could be changing someone's life for the better!

Region 1 Membership Coordinator: Kim Normandin

Orlando, FL
region1membership@oprc.us

Kim, who is currently Membership Coordinator for the Mane Event chapter, will now also be handling Region 1 membership duties for National OPRC.

Region 2 Membership Coordinator: Kelly Smith

Hollywood, MD
Email: region2membership@oprc.us

Kelly Smith has been a member of the Freedom OPRC in southern Maryland since 2005. She immediately jumped in with both feet and was instrumental in keeping the chapter alive. She has served as Vice President since 2006 and hasn't stopped contributing since. She has now agreed to be the Region 2 membership coordinator and we are so happy she joined us.

She grew up riding anything that would stand still long enough for her to get on its back. Her parents thought this "Horse Thing" was just a phase. Kelly rode (and still does ride) those horses that nobody else believes in. Kelly's passion is to rescue horses whose future is at risk and teach them all they need to know to be someone's beloved animal, then she finds them their "forever" home and kisses them good-bye.

Above you see Kelly riding her Percheron paint cross, Nicky. Nicky came to her as a baby that was barely able to stand, because he was so malnourished. When she first brought him home, she wasn't sure what breeding he may have been, but it soon became apparent that he was going to be something BIG.

And big he is. Nicky is a gentle giant and, with Sky and Irish (both OTTBs), has found his forever home with Kelly.

Webmaster: Pat Hrubiak

Davidsonville, MD
webmaster@oprc.us

Pat learned webcraft at NASA Goddard where she works and helps out with the NOPRC website on rainy days when the good times aren't rolling down on the farm. Her playmates are Sir (retired), who's done it all and Sugarfoot (pictured) who does a little of everything that looks fun. Pat is a member of the Formidable Founders Chapter of Lothian, Maryland.

Public Event Insurance: Bonnie Pickle

La Plata, MD
insurance_request@oprc.us

I have been a member of OPRC for 2 years now. Time really flies! I joined after much encouragement from Sheila Haviland, who I met in my desire to be around horses. I have a wonderful husband, Robert, and a great family that do not understand this desire, but support me in it. I am very thankful for that. I did not start riding until I turned 50, after finding out I had a serious heart and lung issue. I decided that I had to start riding right then! A short time later I joined OPRC. I have never owned a horse, so it seemed strange to join a "riding club". It was the best decision I have ever made. Participating in the club has given me so much. Great friends, great fun, and experiences with horses and the horse world I never imagined having. I plan to continue to learn to ride and care for horses as this journey continues.

Special Projects: Linda Gerlach

Mansfield, IL
special_project@oprc.us

Linda has owned horses for half a century. She successfully ran the Stay'in Alive chapter in Illinois. During her years as a chapter president, Shiela noticed her superior management skills and professionalism. The moment her chapter released her from her presidential duties Shiela begged her to join the National team. As expected, she is doing a superior job running the special projects program.