Officers and Directors
Shirley Righi ~ President
Shirley Righi, a horse enthusiast has loved horses as far back as she can remember. She began riding at an early age, and participates in a variety of equestrian disciplines, although her greatest love is trail riding. She supports AZ Endurance Riders and serves as a judge for Wild Rose Trail Obstacle Events. Wild Rose supports first responder. programs. Her interest in BCHA began in New Mexico riding with a friend who packs and cleans trails with the New Mexico Gila Chapter. Shirley recently retired from her Nursing career as VP Chief Nursing Officer. Her professional career provided her with a variety of skills, from strategic planning to business operations. She hopes to have an opportunity to combine her love of horses with the skills she learned throughout her professional career.
Sheila Shattuck ~ Vice President
Sheila Shattuck, a resident of Apache Junction, is an avid trail rider with a passion for the western lifestyle and keeping it alive for future generations. She is very active in many equine organizations and advocacy groups including, Superstition Horseman Association (SHA), where she currently holds the position of Program Director, the Arizona Trail Association, Friends of the Tonto, and the Tucson Saddle Club. She is also a lifetime member of the Indiana Trail Rider’s Association. Her other activities include Director of Arizona Cowgirls for Christ and Buckboard Ministries Cowboy Church.
Chip Wilson ~ Treasurer
Chip was one of the Founding Members of the East Valley Back Country Horsemen and became Treasurer four years after the founding of our Chapter. He has been longtime supporter of the mission of BCHA — “Keeping Trails Open for All” — and will continue to be involved. Since moving to AJ in 1990, he has been involved with horse issues. He was President of the Superstition Horsemen’s Association (SHA) for seven years and is currently the President of the Arizona Horse Council. In addition, he is currently serving on the Arizona Department of Agriculture Board, Large Animal Commission. Chip has finished serving over 9 years on the AJ City Council and was just elected Mayor for the next two years. Chip will continue to be actively involved with EVBCH as your Treasurer.
Pam Gaston ~ Secretary
Karen is a 26-year veteran of the BCHA. As the founding secretary of the 4CBCH in Durango, Colorado, she also served on the Education and Public Affairs Committees. Additionally, she raised Tennessee Walking Horses as well as completing the Colorado Trail of 500 miles. She and her husband, Ottie, have packed hunting camps and elk for many years. The Ottersteins also were instrumental in starting other Colorado chapters.
Marj Christensen ~ Director & AZ Back Country Horsemen Secretary
Having loved horses all her life she rode in MN and SD. After retirement she was able to spend winters in Arizona. When approached about joining EVBCH she felt it was a good organization to support trail maintenance and help to educate other riders on LNT – Leaving No Trace. She feels we all are very blessed to have public lands available for horseback riding. Having kept the farming records and working as an Administrative Assistant she felt capable of maintaining the membership list for our chapter.
Chris Larson ~ Director
Chris has lived in the beautiful state of Arizona her whole life. She worked for 30 years for the city of Mesa as police/fire dispatcher and 911 operator. She has always loved horses and participated in many aspects from gymkhanas, showing, NATRC, and now thoroughly enjoying trail riding on her new mustang, Sally. She is looking forward to doing all she can to help EVBCH keep the trails clear and keep them open to equestrians.
Mike Fredrickson - Director
Mike grew up as a ranch kid and remains the owner of a ranch in Moscow, Idaho. He has trained under renowned horsemen Richard Shrake becoming a certified resistance free trainer and earned the reputation as an expert in horsemanship and training the “Natural Way.” His goal is to be the catalyst for the love of horses and the people they carry.
Mike was a member of the Twin Rivers Back Country Horseman for 5+ years, then founded and served as president for the Palouse Back Country Horsemen Chapter. He was encouraged to start the new chapter in North Central Idaho to better serve the vast area of the Palouse Region where they closely worked with the US FOREST SERVICE building and maintaining their trails. Mike is currently chief financial officer and head trainer for the Chief Joseph Foundation that work closely with tribal leaders and members to maintain and develop the mounted scholars and youth programs for tribal youth and members with working hand in hand amongst all the tribal people. The indoor arena area with bathrooms and class rooms were just completed to handle and maintain the NIMIPU traditions and their way of life. All this is done using the horse as the center focal point. Mike is the only non-tribal person involved in a fiduciary and leadership capacity.
