The Board of Directors of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, is thrilled to announce the naming of Vanessa Coleman to the position of Chief Competition and Operating Officer.
Photo courtesy of EEI.
EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE), the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations.
Born in St. Louis, MO, Coleman grew up in Georgetown, KY. After completing three years at the University of Kentucky, she moved back to St. Louis to finish her BA in Business at Lindenwood University. While living outside Kentucky for nearly 20 years, she worked as an accountant, ran her own barn, and organized a local horse trial. She returned every year to volunteer at the Kentucky Three-Day Event for her mother, who was the Chief Steward of horse inspection. She began volunteering for the Event during her time as a member of the Keeneland Pony Club and also gained experience grooming for a competitor. In 2008, Coleman moved back to the area. Then-Event Director Janie Atkinson asked her to help with the event and she has been on staff ever since.
Kentucky Horse Park plays host to the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, put on by EEI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Coleman steps into the role of Chief Competition and Operating Officer after holding the position of Senior Director of Competition since the spring of 2013. She is responsible for overseeing all competitive aspects of EEI’s events, including coordination with contractors and volunteers. Before that, she served as Director of Ticketing and transitioned to lead Sponsorship in 2012. She is known for having quite a bit of knowledge and history with the event.
Coleman tries to give back to the sport by volunteering and supporting other local events as much as her schedule allows. She has been an eventer most of her life and still owns two horses, Rooster and Schoo. She and her husband, Anthony, love to travel and spend time with their daughter, Alexa.
“Few people in our sport are as universally liked and respected as Vanessa,” said EEI Chief Executive Officer Molly Day. “Vanessa has played an integral role in the Kentucky Three-Day Event achieving its position of worldwide prominence, and EEI is incredibly fortunate to have her as a key member of our team.”
