COMPANY LEADERSHIP
Emily Wendt
FOUNDER, CEO & PRESIDENT - RIDER'S RELIEF
Emily Wendt brings over 30 years of equestrian experience and more than two decades in brand strategy and leadership to her role as CEO of Rider’s Relief. After college, Emily joined Big Red Rooster Flow as its third employee, helping scale the startup into a nationally recognized petroleum brand management firm, serving blue-chip clients like Exxon-Mobile and BP Amoco. Emily successfully managed the site design and activation of thousands of petroleum sites across the nation. The company that grew her career was eventually acquired by Marmon Holdings,Inc., a division of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.
After helping the two companies successfully merge, Emily was driven by a personal journey to overcome chronic pain and riding anxiety, Emily went on to found Rider’s Relief with the mission of creating effective, natural wellness solutions that are safe for athletes who can’t risk therapies that impair cognitive function. Her leadership blends a deep love for horses with a rigorous commitment to product safety, innovation, and trust.
Under her guidance, Rider’s Relief has become a respected name in equestrian wellness, pioneering natural wellness formulations and expanding into new therapeutic categories. Emily leads with a clear vision to empower riders at every stage of their journey.
Tom Woods
BUSINESS STRATEGY & OPERATIONS
Tom Woods, MS is a product design, innovation executive, skilled at crafting flawless brand experiences from initial concept to public production within collaborative, innovative, and enjoyable working environments. Adept at aligning stakeholders around a unified vision and defining roadmaps that blend consumer needs, engineering capabilities, and marketing strategy.
An entrepreneurial spirit known for leading award-winning multifunctional teams with experience across 10 different industries. As a life long tech guru, Tom embraced the transformative potential of AI very early and was the Vice President of Product at Acuity Ads, an AI led programatic ad buying company. Tom has dedicated significant efforts to training tailored AI models to enhance product development and strategic innovation. Tom is a Smart-Home /Internet-of-Things (IOT) enthusiast and prolific inventor with over 50 patents in product design.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Dr. Katie Barnett
RIDER HEALTH, REHABILITATION, & WELLNESS
Katie Barnett, BS, DPT, received her Bachelor of Science double major in Biology and Applied Health Science, with an emphasis in fitness management at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. She also received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Katie has a background in ICU acute care, cardiac rehabilitation, chronic pain, pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics. Katie has also worked directly with first responders (firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and police officers) to develop an injury triage program to initiate immediate care at time of injury and a return to work program. She is also a certified manual therapist and has certifications in trigger point dry needling. Her interests and endeavors are focused in the areas of injury prevention, orthopedic, sports rehabilitation, as well as, wellness and fitness programs. Katie is also a former Iron Man athlete.
Katie Hawkins
EQUINE ATHLETE FITNESS & REHAB
Katie Hawkins, BS, MA, is a nationally respected equine bodywork and rehabilitation specialist with over 25 years of experience in horse care, equine bodywork, rehabilitation and fitness. She is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist (CEMT) and FEI Permitted Equine Therapist, certified to work on elite-level athletes across all disciplines. She also holds advanced certifications in equine rehabilitation, kinesiology taping, acupressure, and equine trigger point therapy.
Katie is the Owner & CEO of Unbridled Equine, a rehabilitation & conditioning-focused practice that integrates science-backed modalities and movement-based therapy to support horses recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or optimizing for peak performance. Unbridled Equine operates in partnership with Pinnacle Rehab Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas — a cutting-edge facility offering comprehensive equine rehab and wellness services. At Pinnacle, Katie leads hands-on rehab programs designed to retrain movement, rebuild strength, and restore soundness through purposeful exercise, therapeutic bodywork, and strategic cross-disciplinary collaboration. Unbridled Equine at Pinnacle Rehab Center also hosts the Equine Rehab & Wellness Conference, an annual national event that brings together veterinarians, therapists, trainers, and riders to share knowledge and advance the practice of integrative equine care.
Nicole Salazar
SHOW STABLE OWNER, RIDER (HUNTER /JUMPER), & EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER
Nicole Salazar is a lifelong rider, equestrian business owner, and passionate advocate for the sport. Alongside her husband, professional rider and trainer Johnny Salazar, she has built a thriving business through JSL Equestrian, a full-service hunter/jumper training and show program. From managing operations and horse care to client relations, marketing, and long-term program development, Nicole plays a central role in fostering a program centered on excellence, horsemanship, and community.
Nicole also extends her passion for the sport into the lifestyle space through her various social platforms, where she engages a wide audience with equestrian life and style content.
Professionally, Nicole also brings a strong background in business development and client partnership strategy, leveraging her expertise in creative staffing and marketing to support brands across beauty, wellness, fashion, and consumer goods. This unique blend of professional acumen and equestrian passion allows her to bring both a business-minded and community-focused perspective to the Riders Relief Advisory Board.
Beth Venezia
PET BEHAVIOR, AGGRESSION & ANXIETY TRAINING
Beth Venezia, CPDT-KA, FDM, is a certified professional dog trainer with more than 20 years of experience working with dogs and their families. Her career began in 2004 with her Newfoundland, Harvey, whose size and personality inspired her to pursue professional training. After earning her first certification in Columbus, Ohio, she went on to manage a large training facility in Illinois before founding her own practice, Harvey & Co., in 2006.
Beth specializes in reactivity and aggression cases, helping owners establish clear communication with their dogs while reducing fear-based behaviors. Her philosophy is rooted in science-backed methods, applied behavioral analysis, and a strong commitment to positive reinforcement. She emphasizes education and safety as tools to reduce owner surrenders and behavioral euthanasias, giving pet parents hope and practical strategies for success.
Beth is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and a certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through Kim Brophy’s L.E.G.S. program.