Karen hails from Burleson, Texas and is a 30-year member of the American Shetland Pony/American Miniature Horse Registry and has served on many committees within the organization. Starting on the Youth Committee in 1998, she managed youth awards and youth teams for both national shows. She then served on the Rules Committee for 14 years and was later asked to assist on the Committee of Committees. In 2002, Karen was appointed by the President to serve as the Amateur Chair where she served for 14 years and created an updated Amateur program. In 2018, she was again asked by the President to take over the newly formed Carriage Committee to update (and tailor to the breed ring) their carriage rules in accordance with the USEF, the American Driving Society, the British Driving Society, and the Carriage Association of America. As a result, the organization's carriage division has since grown and blossomed tremendeously.