The Instructors

Russell Reid

Faculty/ Agriculture Department Chair

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.

Susannah Campbell

Faculty/ Head Equine Instructor 

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. 

Tess Turk

Faculty/ Head Rodeo Coach/ Equine Instructor

Tess was born and raised in Elko, NV and went on to attend the University of Montana Western where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Horsemanship and Business Administration. Throughout college, Tess competed in the Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying, and Team Roping events where she qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo every year. Following her education, Tess went on to ride with Reined-cowhorse trainer, Nick Dowers, for several years where she was able to hone in her horse training knowledge. With her background in horsemanship and competition, she is committed to helping the rodeo athletes develop their skills at a regional and national level while encouraging success in the classroom. In her spare time, Tess loves to travel, compete in Ranch Rodeos, and spend time with her family. She currently teaches the Colt Starting class in the Equine Program. 

JP Tanner

Faculty/ Beef Program Instructor

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 Edication, 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 course. 
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, training her horses and enjoying the many benefits of living in such a beautiful small town.

Claire Guynes

Interim Ag/ Equine Program Coordinator/ 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 managing and 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

Associate Faculty/ Instructional Assistant/ Ag/Equine Program Coordinator

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. Crystal started her employment at Feather River College for the Equine Studies Program in 2005 where she manages the horses, coordinates student activities, and facilitates courses taught by faculty and associate faculty. She teaches AGEQ 102 Introduction to Equine Science and AGAS 125 Animal Feeds and Nutrition at the college currently.

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