certified instructors

 January 15, 2024. Amber Palmer CEO of Steep Ridge Trails LLC assumed ownership of Equi-First Aid USA. Amber has been the Owner / Operator of Steep Ridge Trails, providing courses, training and services for clients and stakeholders.  

Amber hails from an extensive business career in the field of human health care, and in her words “After s

 January 15, 2024. Amber Palmer CEO of Steep Ridge Trails LLC assumed ownership of Equi-First Aid USA. Amber has been the Owner / Operator of Steep Ridge Trails, providing courses, training and services for clients and stakeholders.  

Amber hails from an extensive business career in the field of human health care, and in her words “After spending many years in the human health care world, making the transition into business ownership and directing my focus on horses has been the best decision I could have made. I love teaching courses and getting to mentor fellow instructors in their business ventures”. Amber is a visionary leader and on behalf of the Advisory Board, we’d like to congratulate Amber on her new role, and extend our deepest gratitude to Heather Davis for her dedication and leadership since the formation of Equi-First Aid USA. Heather will continue to focus her efforts on Equi-Health Canada and Canine Health Canada. 

I firmly believe in the significance of lifelong learning and sharing knowledge with others.  

Background: My passion for horses began at a very young age! At the age of 10, I began taking riding lessons and I’ve been a dedicated horsewoman ever since. My initial experiences involved western pleasure, team penning, cattle sorting, and trai

I firmly believe in the significance of lifelong learning and sharing knowledge with others.  

Background: My passion for horses began at a very young age! At the age of 10, I began taking riding lessons and I’ve been a dedicated horsewoman ever since. My initial experiences involved western pleasure, team penning, cattle sorting, and trail riding. 

During my high school years, I was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization and competed in team penning competitions across multiple states. I also bred, raised, and showcased sheep, pigs, and beef cattle bred by local ranchers. This experience instilled in me the importance of preventive care for both small and large livestock. 

Education: In 1999, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, majoring in Animal Science with an emphasis in Agricultural Education and Military Science.

In 2010, I pursued further education and obtained my Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in Organizational Development from National University.  

Teaching Experience: Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching middle and high school Agricultural Education. Additionally, I served as an FFA Advisor in North Carolina, where I taught Animal Science, Ag Mechanics, Introduction to Biotechnology, and coached livestock judging and public speaking teams. 

In 2001, I transitioned into public service but never gave up on education. I was a substitute teacher for multiple years while maintaining my public service career until I completed the Academy Instructor Certification Course (AICC) in 2015. This certification enabled me to teach California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) courses at the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute at Mira Mar college where I taught until 2022.  

More recently, I taught at Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo, California, where I developed and taught the curriculum for Introduction to Livestock Health. This course covered equine, cattle, sheep, and goat health. 

Community Involvement: In 2010, I became a 4-H project leader and later served as the community leader until 2019. 

In 2019, I co-founded the East County Grange No. 864 (Grange is the parent organization to FFA and 4-H, and it’s a family-friendly organization where no one ages out). I serve as an advisor to the current board and lead the Equine Husbandry and Pygmy Goat Projects. 

Life Long Learning: I had the privilege of working with two veterinarians who allowed me to learn from them and imparted valuable knowledge about herd health management. I assisted them in conducting health examinations of various small and large animal species. 

In the summer of 2021, my ambulatory equine veterinarian, whom I had worked for and been a client of for over 30 years, informed me about his retirement timeline. Recognizing the scarcity of ambulatory equine veterinarians in my area, I decided to refresh my equine first aid training. I enrolled in an Equi-First Aid (EFA) USA clinic which included the Equine Health & Emergency First Aid course and the Advanced Emergency First Aid/Wilderness Edition course. Upon registration, I set a personal goal to learn at least one new thing during the clinic. By the end of the clinic, I had made up my mind to work towards becoming an EFA USA instructor and help others gain confidence in being their equine partners’ first responders. 

In 2022, I became a certified EFA-USA instructor, in 2024, I became a Lead Trainer, and in 2026, I was appointed as the California Affiliate. 

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, watching our son play collegiate baseball, taking care of our of horses, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, Pygmy goats and pack of Australian Cattle dogs, trail riding, horse camping, occasional ranch sorting, leading the ECG No. 864 projects, and I am currently learning how to pack and drive equine.

  Brad is the founder of Double D Trailers and the inventor of the patented SafeTack Reverse slant load trailer design. With over 30 years of experience in horse trailer manufacturing, he is a recognized leader in equine transport safety. He is the author of The Honest-to-Goodness Truth About Horse Trailers, a published guide focused on t

  Brad is the founder of Double D Trailers and the inventor of the patented SafeTack Reverse slant load trailer design. With over 30 years of experience in horse trailer manufacturing, he is a recognized leader in equine transport safety. He is the author of The Honest-to-Goodness Truth About Horse Trailers, a published guide focused on trailer safety and design.

Brad is happily married to his wife, Alison. Together they have six children and three grandchildren. He is actively involved in his church and community and enjoys flying his plane in his spare time.

To Learn More about Brads' ventures check out the following links! 

https://www.doubledtrailers.com/

https://www.doubledtrailers.com/book

  Sara Carter is the founder and Rehab Therapist at Topline Animal Services and Rehab LLC-soon to be the southeast's first and Georgia's only bodywork based in-house rehab facility serving large and small animals as well as other livestock. She brings a unique experience to the equine industry with over 30 years hands on experience to inc

  Sara Carter is the founder and Rehab Therapist at Topline Animal Services and Rehab LLC-soon to be the southeast's first and Georgia's only bodywork based in-house rehab facility serving large and small animals as well as other livestock. She brings a unique experience to the equine industry with over 30 years hands on experience to include a unique blend of practical skill, academic training, and real world results. She holds a bachelor's degree in Animal Science with a focus on Pre-Veterinary Medicine and is both a Certified Equi-First Aid USA and a Principles of Equine Nutrition instructor. 

Sara's program is built around an integrative, whole body approach that combines bodywork, biomechanics, nutrition, herbal therapy, and biofeedback to support recovery and long term performance in animal athletes. She regularly collaborates with veterinarians, farriers, and trainers because she believes in the benefit of good communication and the value of team effort. She has written for two national industry magazines and regularly teaches educational classes and clinics throughout the southeastern United States. She is committed to helping owners better understand their animals and play an active role in their wellness journey. 

  Gina is the owner and operator of Happily Ever Acres, one of our Certified Safe Facilities located in central Florida. With a lifelong passion for horses and their well-being, Gina is dedicated to helping keep our equine friends safe, healthy, and thriving.

Her commitment to continued education keeps her at the forefront of equine welln

  Gina is the owner and operator of Happily Ever Acres, one of our Certified Safe Facilities located in central Florida. With a lifelong passion for horses and their well-being, Gina is dedicated to helping keep our equine friends safe, healthy, and thriving.

Her commitment to continued education keeps her at the forefront of equine wellness, with a special focus on equine health and first aid. Gina is passionate about giving owners and caregivers the knowledge and confidence they need to respond when it matters most.