Eileen Wilmot.
A big part of the GMHA mission is to educate future generations of riders. One way in which this made possible is through the generosity of sponsors, such as Birch Hill Farm, who provide funds to GMHA specifically ear-marked to help young riders in their quest for excellence.
The $2000 award is split between the top three riders in the Junior Preliminary Division at the August Horse Trials, which is the culminating part of the Festival of Eventing week.
Birch Hill Farm sponsors this annual award in memory of Eileene Wilmot. Eileene and her husband Peyton purchased Birch Hill Farm in 1950 and lived there for nearly 40 years. Eileen‘s lifelong mission, to further the sport of eventing by helping young people, is perpetuated by this generous award. Eileene was a generous supporter of GMHA throughout her time in Vermont.
The Junior Preliminary division of the 2014 Festival of Eventing saw 5 riders contest the prizes. Karri Bellamy riding her own Cool Connection took top honors and a $900 award, with Becky Harring on Marshall Cody in second ($600) and Abigail Flint riding Kay’s Replica for Nancy Bergen in third ($500).
On behalf of the Area 1 eventing community, we offer sincere thanks to Birch Hill Farm for their continued generous support of our beloved sport.
The Birch Hill Youth Excellence Award at GMHA has the following requirements:
To be considered, riders must submit their three best training level scores (on the same horse) for the season: 2 scores must be from GMHA horse trials, the third score may be from any recognized horse trails in USEA Area 1. Awards (1st place = $900, 2nd place = $600, 3rd place = $500) will be made to the three riders with the lowest cumulative penalties. In event of a tie, dressage penalties will be used to decide awards. Riders may submit scores for multiple horses. Completed award application form(s) must be submitted to GMHA on or before November 30, 2014.
Click here to apply.
