Welcome to Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association of California
Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association of California was formed in 1969 by Arabian horse breeders in Santa Cruz and Monterey. They started with several clinics, lectures, trail rides, a tack auction and a potluck dinner; added an all Arabian horse show, as well as a contest for the Club logo. The winning design is still the Gold Coast Trademark and a source of pride for its members. In 1985 Gold Coast Arabians acquired its own charter.
Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association’s goal is to promote and enjoy the beauty and versatility of the Arabian Horse. We encourage our members to invite other Arabian horse lovers to join GCAHA. Our club also welcomes all non-Arabian horse breeds and owners to join as associate members and enjoy various membership benefits.
Current activities for the Club include group participation in local hosted trail rides, clinics, and special club outings. GCAHA also has an High Points Achievement Program wherein members can earn points towards rewards while enjoying and having fun with their lovely Arabians. Monthly board meetings and committee meetings are open to members and their guests.
Meet Our Board Members and Directors
President, Todd Azevedo
Todd Azevedo became a career horseman at age 17, apprenticing with top Arabian horse trainers and competing at Regional and National Arabian Championships. He served as President of the Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association in 1996, 2020, and 2021, and founded the GCAHA Youth Program, which earned national recognition from the USEF in 1997. Todd has been a dedicated supporter of FFA and 4-H programs, developing communication and training methods for equine education.
In 2000, Todd managed Deshazer Arabian Horse Breeding Farm in Texas, where he helped develop the oocyte embryo transfer method for the Arabian Horse Association. In 2005, he purchased his equine facility in Aromas, California, and in 2014, he incorporated his equine business with his wife Darlene as Horse Play, Inc. From 2017 to 2019, Todd served as the Western Coach for California State University Monterey Bay. His journey led him to found Horseplay YOUTH, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Todd believes that non-verbal communication between horse and human is the perfect place to start understanding the soul’s purpose.
Vice President & Social Media Director, Audra Soltis
I got my first horse when I was 2 and my horse (Cody) was 1! She was a chestnut Quarter Horse mare who took great care of me through my teen years. I spent my early years competing at local rodeos, trail riding, and just being a typical crazy horse girl!
From my early to late 20s, I didn’t have my own horse, so I rode friends’ horses while focusing on my career, getting married, having kids, and navigating life—until I decided one day that 10 years was long enough to go without a horse to love. My first foray into adult horse ownership was an Arabian! I wasn’t looking, but he found me and became my true heart horse. We had 10 wonderful years together until I lost him to an enterolith colic.
Of course, one horse has now turned into six horses and a husband who is the best self-proclaimed “stable hand” ever. I couldn’t be happier! I will always have an Arabian in my life now—once an Arabian owner, always an Arabian owner!
Treasurer, Darlene Azevedo
Darlene Azevedo is the owner of Horse Play, Inc & Founder of Horseplay YOUTH, Inc. Darlene has worked in the equine industry for 15 years. Formerly a mortgage underwriter, she now enjoys everything the equine industry has to offer regarding the entire lifespan of her equine friends, showing and most of all getting new people connected to horses. Darlene is also a past president of GCAHA, she treasures the club and all it has to offer for the equine surrounding communities.
Secretary, Crystal Knode
My name is Crystal Knode. I have three grown children: (1) Tiffani who is married with 4 children and lives in Wisconsin; (2) Tyler who lives in San Francisco and (3) Alex who lives at home and is currently working on her Ph.D. Alex has an 18-year-old half Arabian gelding (Sunny). We also have a dog (Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Bailey) and one turtle. I work full-time at a law firm in downtown San Jose as a legal assistant. I have been working in the legal profession for the last 40 years.
I have owned or leased horses since I was 15 years old, and my daughter Alex has ridden since she was two years old. Over the years, I have been involved in various horse related activities which include showing (both as a rider and a show mom) and trail riding. In the past, I was also involved in endurance riding and ride and tie events as well as show jumping (when I was in my 20s). I have previously served on the GCAHA board as Vice President and presently serve as the Club Secretary.
Founding Member and Past President, Michelle Gagne
Youth Coordinator, High Point Program Director, Rachel Leal
Rachel Leal’s journey with horses began at just two years old, growing up on the East Coast in Florida where her passion for these magnificent animals took root. At nine, her parents gifted her a two-year-old Arabian mare—a partnership that would shape the trajectory of her life. Working alongside her mother, Rachel helped train her mare, and within six months of beginning formal training with the mare’s breeder, she competed in her first horse show. That experience ignited a lifelong love for competition.
After high school, Rachel pursued showing horses professionally, dedicating herself to the Arabian breed that had captured her heart. Her commitment to the equestrian community extended beyond the show ring through years of leadership in the 4-H program, where she served as a local club leader, mentoring young riders and fostering the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen.
Today, Rachel channels her 25+ years of industry experience and five years of professional showing into Gilroy Hills Equestrian in San Martin, California, where she serves as owner and manager. Her facility specializes in Arabians and provides comprehensive boarding, personalized riding instruction, and training services for riders of all ages and abilities. Rachel’s approach combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence, creating an environment where both horses and humans thrive.
Rachel’s lifelong dedication to Arabian horses, coupled with her leadership experience and commitment to education, makes her a valuable addition to the Gold Coast Arabian Horse Club board.
Board Member, Regina Matthews
I have loved horses since I can remember. Throughout my life, I have ridden and worked with many different breeds—Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Saddlebreds, Morgans, Paints, and Arabians—and I respect each of those breeds and their many talents. Of all those wonderful breeds, I love the Arabian most and never tire of learning about them and being with my three beloved Arab family members.
I have worked with youth in the 4-H program for over 30 years, teaching them about horses and watching them learn, grow, and master their horsemanship. Though recently retired from active leadership, I remain a resource leader for those youth, having served as a Horse Project Leader, Coach of the Santa Clara County 4-H Hippology and Horse Bowl Teams, Chairperson of the County 4-H Horse Committee, Chairperson of the State 4-H Horse Committee, and Manager and co-developer of the State 4-H Horse Classic Championship Educational Event Competition and Horse Show.
I have served on the Board of the Gold Coast Club in the past and held the office of Vice President. I love working with the group and helping out with the horse shows and other events. I would like to again serve on the Board and help make our events successful and fun for everyone. I appreciate your allowing me that opportunity. Thanks!
Board Alternate & Social Media Director, Sina Croom
My name is Sina Croom and my husband, our three children have called San Jose our home for the last 9.5 years. I have loved horses for as long as I can remember and became more involved in the horse world about six years ago when my daughter began riding. While I do not have riding experience myself, I have been actively involved through supporting my daughter, helping a not-for-profit with running various horse summer camps and assisting them on the administrative side. Last summer, my daughter fell in love with the Arabian breed when she began riding an Arabian mare named Rain in her lessons. That experience sparked our family’s appreciation for the breed and ultimately led to us becoming the proud owners of FV Aur Shameless last December. Although my hands-on horse experience is still developing, I value education, good horsemanship, and thoughtful stewardship of the breed. I am excited about the opportunity to become more involved in the Arabian world and to contribute my time, perspective, and commitment to the Gold Coast AHA.
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