The NGP Board is made up of experienced professionals from across the equestrian industry, each bringing unique insight and expertise to guide the fund’s strategy and rider partnerships. With a shared commitment to advancing the next generation of talent, our board plays a critical role in horse selection, rider placement, and ensuring both competitive and financial success. Their leadership helps ensure NGP remains rooted in integrity, opportunity, and long-term impact — for investors, riders, and the sport as a whole.

Board Members

  • Andrew Welles

    Originally from Minneapolis, Andrew Welles is an accomplished Grand Prix rider with top finishes at major events including the Grand Prix of Devon, Miami Beach, the Hampton Classic, and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. After a successful junior career under Missy Clark and Chris Kappler, he launched into international show jumping in 2008. Based in Wellington, FL, Andrew runs Team Welles with his wife, Alex, where they train and develop horses and riders to the elite levels of the sport. Known for his eye for talent, Andrew has guided numerous horses and riders to 5* Grand Prix wins and Nations Cup appearances.

  • Sean Crooks

    Hailing from Seattle, Sean Crooks is a high-performance coach and trainer now based between Wellington, Florida and Eindhoven, Netherlands. A former international rider, Sean shifted his focus to developing and managing top horses and riders after injuries ended his competitive career. He has guided athletes to Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, and European Championships, and is known for his ability to identify young talent and shape them into world-class performers. Raised in a family-run riding school, Sean brings a lifetime of experience and a deep commitment to excellence. He and his fiancée, international rider Alise Oken, share a passion for the sport at its highest level.

  • Brianne Goutal-Marteau

    Brianne Goutal made history as the only junior rider to win all four major equitation finals, setting the tone for a remarkable career. A graduate of Brown University, she has represented the U.S. on numerous Nations Cup teams and competed at multiple FEI World Cup Finals. Her resume includes victories at top Grand Prix events such as the American Gold Cup. Brianne now runs a thriving business, coaching competitive riders across hunters, equitation, and international jumpers while continuing to compete at the highest level herself.

  • Kyle Timm

    Canadian rider and horseman Kyle Timm has built a successful international career, both in the show ring and behind the scenes. After nearly a decade training and competing across North America, Kyle relocated to France where he now specializes in sourcing and producing top-level show jumpers. With more than 250 horses successfully placed, Kyle’s sharp eye and experience have made him a trusted resource for professionals worldwide. He also competes for Canada on senior teams, with an impressive list of 5* podium finishes.

  • Chris Kappler

    Chris Kappler is an Olympic Gold and Silver medalist and one of the most respected figures in American show jumping. With over 75 Grand Prix wins and decades of experience, he’s built a legacy as both a rider and a trainer. He founded Chris Kappler Inc. more than 20 years ago, training riders and horses to international success. Chris has also played a key role in governance and advocacy, serving on the boards of USEF and NARG, and as an Olympic team selector and athlete representative. Honored as USEF Equestrian of the Year, Chris continues to train, teach clinics, and mentor the next generation of top professionals.

Team Members

  • Thea Bitar

    Thea grew up outside Washington, D.C., and spent her junior career showing across both the junior hunters and jumpers nationwide.

    Thea went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University with concentrations in International Business and Analytics. She spent the beginning of her career at Morgan Stanley in Miami within Private Wealth Management, covering international RIAs, single-family offices, and endowments and foundations. With experience investing across all asset classes and expertise in portfolio construction, Thea developed a strong foundation in advising sophisticated clients.

    Thea now serves as NGP’s Head of Investor Relations, leveraging her analytical background and investment experience to build strong investor partnerships and communicate strategy across riders and investors alike.

  • Addison Piper

    Addison Piper brings a lifetime in the sport to her role as Operating Manager for NGP. Born into a multi-generational horse family, she built a strong foundation that led to a standout junior career with consistent success in all rings.

    As a junior, Addison earned top national results including 5th at USET Finals, a Governor’s Cup win with a 95, 3rd in the Hunterdon Cup, and major placings at Devon, highlighted by a WIHS Jumper Phase score of 93. She also competed internationally at Spruce Meadows in U25 and 5* classes and represented Zone 4 at Prix de States and multiple NAYC championships.

    Addison trained primarily with Ashland Farms — also working as a student during summers — before finishing her junior career with Heritage Farm. She later rode on scholarship for SMU’s Division I equestrian team, earning both her B.S. and Master’s in Sport Management. Today, she oversees daily operations and strategic development for NGP, bringing together her competitive background and management expertise to support the program’s growth and long-term vision.