Clay Teske

President and CEO

I enjoyed a 21 year career as an Air Force Intelligence Officer, serving in a variety of positions, many in joint service with the other U.S Military components, and NATO allies. After my military retirement, I was privileged to work for 19 years as a Defense Contractor managing the development of computer software supporting the Department of Defense Intelligence Information Systems and the National Intelligence Agencies. During my active duty Air Force career, I was stationed at Offutt AFB for three separate tours. By the time I retired from the Air Force, I had lived in the Omaha area longer than in any other place in my adult life, so when I decided to retire from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel, it seemed to be a natural thing to stay here.
 
I grew up with horses and have always loved them. I was raised on a farm in North Dakota where we used horses in our everyday farm and ranch work. When my daughter showed interest in riding, she began in Western Pleasure with an Appaloosa and later a Quarter Horse, here in Nebraska. We were transferred to Northern Virginia when she was about 10 years old, and she started riding in Pony club events where she developed an interest in dressage. Upon our return to Nebraska I became a "Horse Show Daddy" and got involved with the Nebraska Dressage Association (NDA). That was how I met and became a great fan of Lowell Boomer who, in addition to founding USDF and TDF, was also the founder of NDA. As I became more involved with NDA (serving as Treasurer, Vice President, President) and with dressage in general, I also became more active in USDF and for several years served as USDF Region 4 Awards Chairman and on the USDF Awards Council and Bylaws Committee.

	Clay Teske in his cherished role as "horse holder," with his daughter's horse, Farley Artful.

When Lowell asked his son John to take over as Chief Executive of the Foundation, the two of them approached me at a Nebraska Dressage Association annual meeting and awards banquet and asked me to join the Foundation's Board of Directors. I was immensely honored then, and I continue to be honored now to know and work with the exceptional group of dressage superstars who comprise the Foundation's Board of Directors. 
 
I have been a proponent of the Musical Freestyle in dressage, believing that it can help build the kind of spectator base that is needed for dressage in the U.S. to attract major corporate sponsors. I was pleased to have the opportunity to work with Mike Matson (who is now also on the TDF Board) and Wendy Insinger to establish the Dancing Horse Fund at TDF. Judy Noone, Lazelle Knocke and Kay Meridith supported us in this effort for which I thank them greatly. Establishment of that fund has been a personal high point in my association with TDF.