The Instructors

Russell Reid

Faculty/ Agriculture Department Chair

rreid@frc.edu (530) 283-0202 extension 260

Russell Reid has been involved in the Equine Studies business as an Outfitter/Guide for over 40 years and a faculty member at Feather River Community College since 1978. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master of Science degree in Recreation Administration from California State University, Sacramento. In addition to his teaching duties, Russell operates three pack stations during the summer months and owns a cattle, hay and horse ranch in the beautiful American Valley.

Rick Leonhardt

Faculty/ Agriculture Business

rleonhardt@frc.edu (530) 283-0202 extension 260

Rick is a third-generation cattle rancher in American Valley.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from CSU Chico and a master’s degree in finance from Golden Gate University.  Rick has been involved with cattle ranching and the beef industry his entire life.  He is past president of the Plumas/Sierra Cattlemen’s Association where he has been a member for over 25 years.  Rick has taught many business and ag-business classes at FRC along with ag-business classes for the BS in Equine and Ranch Management degree since its inception in 2016.  His interests include all aspects of ranching and livestock, especially regenerative practices in animal agriculture.

Rick is also very active in the community as a member and past president of the Quincy Rotary Club, member of the Plumas/Sierra Farm Bureau, board member of the Central Plumas Recreation and Parks District, and a volunteer for many other local organizations and activities. 

Susannah Campbell

Faculty/ Head Equine Instructor 

scampbell@frc.edu (530) 283-0202 extension 261

Susannah Campbell comes to us from Discovery Bay, CA. She is an alumni of Feather River College graduating in 2013 with an Associate of Science degree in Equine Studies. She went on to earn her Bachelor Degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University followed by her Masters degree in Equestrain Education from William Wood University. After graduation, Susannah spent 7 years working under Reined-Cowhorse Trainer and FRC Alumni, Nick Dowers where she was able to train and show in the NRCHA for many years. Susannah is very passionate about the performance horse industry and all that it entails including training, selling, marketing, competition help, and medical assistance. Susannah currently teaches the Sale Horse class, Equine Equitation courses, and Colt Starting courses. 

Zack Brown

Faculty/ Head Rodeo Coach

Zack Brown was raised in Red Bluff, CA where he competed in junior and high school rodeos. After high school, he attended Feather River College, and competed on the rodeo team making it to the College National Finals. Zack earned his Bachelors in Business Management from UNLV while on rodeo scholarship. He led his team to the CNFR multiple years while in Vegas. Zack has competed in steer wrestling, saddle bronc, bull riding and roping, but found his passion in bareback riding. He has been competing in the PRCA for 11 years and continues to do so. Qualifying for the California Circuit finals 11 times, multiple trips to the National Circuit finals and many wins in rodeos all over the USA. Zack is excited to return to the school that jump-started his career to develop a distinguished and successful rodeo program. His commitment, drive and passion for rodeo brings a new level of performance to his colleagues and team.

Zack says his favorite things about FRC are the students he gets to instruct on a daily basis, and the beautiful Rodeo grounds that he calls his classroom now.

J.P. Tanner

Faculty/ Beef Program Instructor

jtanner@frc.edu (530) 283-0202 extension 402

J.P. Tanner is a graduate of Utah State University and received his masters from the University of Nevada Reno. He comes to Feather River after spending 11 years working for Montana State University. He has worked with hundreds of 4-H youth and many livestock and forage producers in his time spent in Montana. He has worked with many government agencies (Forest Service, BLM, NRCS, and State Lands) over his years in Extension as well. J.P. has many interests but two of his main interests are in beef cattle production and livestock nutrition.

Carolyn Shipp

Associate Faculty/ Equine Instructor

Carolyn Shipp graduated from FRC in 2010 with her Associates Equine Studies. She went on to study Communications at Fresno State, where she competed in reining and horsemanship for the school's nationally ranked Women's Equestrian Team. She then obtained her Masters Degree in Agriculture Education, Communications and Leadership from the University of Missouri. After school, she moved back to Quincy and spent several years working with Van Batchelder at XO Cow Horses in Vinton, CA where she developed her skills in colt starting and training cow horses. She has competed successfully in NRCHA, cutting and ranch versatility events. Carolyn currently teaches the Equitation One and Fundamentals of Showing courses. 
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, training her horses and enjoying the many benefits of living in such a beautiful small town.

Claire Guynes

Interim Instructional Assistant/ Equine Instructor 

Claire Guynes is originally from Oregon but currently hails from Greenville, CA. In 2021, she graduated from Feather River College where she earned an Associate of Science Degree in Equine Studies and General Agriculture, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine and Ranch Management. Claire is currently working towards earning her Masters in Equestrian Education from William Woods University. She enjoys assisting with the breeding program at Feather River, and looks forward to spring time every year to meet the new foals. Her free time is spent on riding her personal horses and managing her 20 acre farm in Greenville. Claire is ecstatic to be a part of FRC’s Equine team where she currently teaches the Mare and Foal classes along with her role as the Agriculture Assistant Program Coordinator. 

Crystal Anderson

Agriculture & Equine Program Coordinator - Equine and Ranch Management Associate Faculty

Crystal earned her Master of Science from the University of Arizona Department of Animal Sciences where the area of her research was in equine reproduction. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science from The University of Arizona. As the Program Coordinator, Crystal organizes activities and courses within the Agriculture Department. She teaches multiple courses in the Equine and Ranch Management Bachelor Degree Program, including Introduction to Equine Science, Animal Feeds and Nutrition, Advanced Horse Management, and Reproduction, Genetics, and Breeding Systems of Livestock. Crystal has been riding, showing, and breeding horses for the majority of her life.  She started riding Dressage and Show Jumping while living overseas.  Crystal has a new found love for ranch versatility events.  In her spare time, you can find Crystal and her daughter on their ranch where she raises ranch versatility horses, sheep, and border collies. 

Anna Poldervaart

Associate Faculty

Anna graduated from Feather River College in 2013 with an Associate's Degree in Equine Studies with an emphasis in Horse Training. She has successfully trained and competed in many riding disciplines, with a current focus on showing APHA Western Pleasure horses in all-around events. She also enjoys teaching riding lessons and helping with 4-H events. She is currently coaches the FRC Show Team. 

Gene Armstrong

Associate Faculty

Professor Armstrong earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, in 1973. He has taught Farrier and Equine Science at Cal Poly since 1966. He has been a professional farrier for over 50 years and is currently an Updated Certified Journeyman Farrier. As an associate faculty member at Feather River Community College, he teaches the Elements of Horseshoeing course.

FRC Agriculture Program

agriculture@frc.edu • 530-283-0202 ext. 272

570 Golden Eagle Avenue • Quincy, CA 95971