Meet the Board
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President
Emily Surfus
Hello! My name is Emily Surfus and I am the new E.M.H.A. President. I am really excited to be part of this association again and look forward to serving on the board.
I come to you with years of experience as an enthusiastic equine owner, with background in running barrels and team roping. I grew up showing St Clair County 4-H, in the horse, hog, and beef projects. I have also competed in M.R.A., Superkicker Rodeo, M.B.R.A., and N.B.H.A., both at a state and national levels. Currently, my husband and I own five quarter horse mares that we enjoy roping and trail riding with. Most recently I added ranch horse competition to my resume in 2024 at E.M.H.A.
In addition to being a horse addict, I am also an outdoor enthusiast. I spend most of time biking, running, hunting, and maintaining the family farm. We cash crop and raise beef, pork, poultry, and rabbits to sustain our family.
If I'm not outside enjoying God's country, you can find me spending time with family playing cards, board games, and just enjoying each others' company. I truly feel Blessed to live the life I do and I am honored to serve E.M.H.A.
Vice President
​COMING SOON...
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Treasurer
Shyann Wehrwein
Hello, My name is Shyann Wehrwein. I am 22 years old, I have been a member of EMHA for the last 6 years, I aged out of St.Clair county 4H in 2021,
I am currently a 4H leader with High Hopes and Horsemanship Club, and the Assistant Coach for Landmark Academy’s Junior and High School Equestrian Teams. I have assisted where I could to help with EMHA for the last few years.
This is my first time having the opportunity to serve as a board member. I am very excited to put my love of numbers to good use, to help the Association.
Secretary
Whitney Thomas
Hello! My name is Whitney Thomas, and I have been a member of E.M.H.A. since 2009. This is my second term as secretary, and prior to that, I was a speed delegate for 4 years.
From a young age, I loved horses. At 15, I got my first horse, Luke, a 3 year old Arabian. He and I have shared many memories and adventures. He is now 23 and takes care of my daughter, Dakota. We also have Odin, my horse, and our mini, Bailey.
My daughter, Dakota, and I share a mutual love for horses. We spend a lot of time together caring for our horses, trail riding, and showing at the Armada Fair and at E.M.H.A. Dakota is also involved with 4-H, showing Luke and Bailey.
We enjoy time outdoors by biking, swimming, and kayaking. If we aren't outside, then we will most likely be doing arts and crafts or just chilling with our bird, Tiki.
I am excited to serve on the E.M.H.A. Board again, and I can't wait to see you all in the show pen!
Points Secretary
Anna Gierszewski
​Hello, my name is Anna Gierszewski. I have been the point secretary for the past 2 years. This will be my 3rd year on the board, but I have been around the board for over 9 years as my mom served as point secretary for 7 years and I took over after her.
I’ve been a member of EMHA since I was 12 years old, going on 12 years now. I have done or tried every discipline around. I’ve been riding horses since I was 3 years old. I currently have 4 horses. Zahara (Pintaloosa), Zenia (OTTB), Zeke (OTTB) and Ziva (paint). They are known as the 4 Z’s.
Besides EMHA, I’ve was part of the St. Clair County 4H program for 8 years, shown jumpers at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio and the Kentucky Horse Park with Zahara, In 2022 I took my then 4 year old OTTB Zeke to compete in hunters for the Retired Racehorse Project, Then in 2024 Zeke and I competed at Stable View in Aikens, SC for theThoroughbred Incentive Program for Western Pleasure.
Zenia’s true passion is barrels, Zenia and I competed in the Thoroughbred Incentive Program for barrels at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2023. Ziva is only 3 and last year was her first year showing she is still figuring the show world out.
Speed Delegate 1
Josh Campbell
Hi, I'm Josh Campbell. I grew up around horses on my grandparents' farm. To me, it was my second home. In 2008, I really started to get into more of the showing aspect with 4-H, then with my grandpas' help, we started Team Penning, Sorting, and Roping. I was hooked on Gymkhana in my 4-H years and always followed the adrenaline. Now, I am still an adrenaline follower. I have been following EMHA for about five years running in the Gymkhana events. On the side line of EMHA, I recently started CMSA Mounted Shooting. I look forward to being on the EMHA board, not only helping out but also running my up and coming racer and shooting horse for the next two years. Let's make these next few years a blast. See you all out there kicking up the dirt.
Speed Delegate 2
Hi! My name is Annette Reeves, and I'm excited to join the EMHA board this year as a speed delegate.
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I'm married and have three, now adult, children. My husband served 20 years in the Marine Corps, and we retired here in Michigan as this is where our families live. I've been showing with EMHA for the last two seasons after returning to the show ring after 40 years away.
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I am a therapeutic riding instructor and a caregiver for a person with special needs. I showed horses as a child, and in 2009, after 23 years, I was able to return to having a horse in my life when I bought an OTTB. I am a 4H leader and assist with an equestrian team with my daughter. I have a sweet Tennessee Walking Horse as my new equine partner, and we're enjoying this new adventure.
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My favorite thing about EMHA is the amazing sense of family, support, and sportsmanship that are the cornerstone of the organization. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in the ring.
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Pleasure Delegate 1
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Pleasure Delegate 2
Emily Dort
Hello. My name is Emily Dort, I’ve been a member of EMHA for the last 10+ years
I’ve been riding horses since I was 3, learning my from Aunt. I’m now a mother of 2 beautiful little girls who loves horses just like myself. My oldest daughter Lilian rides and shows, where as my youngest Artemis, just likes to be around them.
My husband Kyle, has become the best show dad there is, from taking pictures to holding onto the horse for his daughter (and me).