Classic Eventing Nation

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 12: Win a Private Lesson with Liz Halliday-Sharp

By on Dec 12, 2022 9:00 am -

We’re celebrating the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

It’s the grand finale of our 12 Days of Giveaways, and we’ve saved a very special prize for last! We’ve teamed up with Ocala Horse Properties and Liz Halliday-Sharp to give away a private lesson with Liz at either her Lexington or Ocala home base!

One lucky winner will win the opportunity to take their horse to HS Eventing’s beautiful Ocala, FL or Lexington, KY facility at a mutually agreed upon date for a private lesson with Liz. With the most international wins in the world for three years running, Liz is one of the best riders to learn from. For those unable to transport their horse to Liz in person, a video lesson may also be coordinated.

Congratulations to Leslie M. — you’re our winner!

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 12, 2022 7:42 am -

 

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My favourite thing about December is the abundance of balls and galas on the calendar — and although I had to miss the British Eventing Support Trust ball at the Savoy in London the other day, I’ve gotten nearly as much joy from looking at everyone’s photos and outfits as I would have done if I was actually there dancing on the tables. Look at Piggy and Nic! Aren’t they a delight! A pair of angels atop the Christmas tree! Nothing gives me the warm and fuzzies more than a good eventing friendship, tbh.

National Holiday: It’s Gingerbread House Decorating Day. I’ll personally send a prize to anyone who can make a gingerbread replica of Badminton or Burghley.

US Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Every horse has a different capacity for pain, and that can make it really hard to gauge whether a problem is behavioural or pain-related. Learning how to read even the most stoic of horses, though, will only level you up as a horseman — and allow you to spot those little issues before they become really big ones. [How horses perceive pain]

New research has shown that riding can benefit people with cerebral palsy. 343 patients in total spent time using a mechanical riding simulator across ten different studies, with marked improvements in overall gross motor function as a result. Though getting kids into riding for the disabled programs can be tricky if there isn’t one locally, or there are funding issues, riding simulators could provide a seriously helpful workaround in a physical therapist’s arsenal. [One more tangible use for our favorite animal]

Incoming USEA President, Louise Leslie, brings lots to the table: she’s a proud West Coaster, for one, and she understands the amateur perspective, too. Get to know her with this Q&A from COTH. [Meet the new Pres]

Want stables of your own, but don’t have the budget? Follow this resourceful owner’s lead — she built a beautiful set of internal boxes using pallets and screws. It might take a little while, but what a result! [DIY barns for the win]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

I’m loving the look back at great horses past that Lucinda Green’s XC Academy is currently in the midst of. If you fancy learning about Regal Realm, Beagle Bay, Wide Awake, and the rest of Lucinda’s horsey heroes — plus learning lots of useful cross country tips in the process — you should definitely give the account a follow!

Morning Viewing:

Check out Boyd’s hatcam footage from his catch ride at the Sweden International Horse Show indoor eventing this month!

Ocala Horse Properties Dream Farm of the Week: A French Twist

By on Dec 11, 2022 12:57 pm -

Are you looking for a unique piece of property in the heart of Ocala, Florida that you can make your own? I may have found you the perfect one.

Come home to beautiful black board and rail fencing and drive up a Live Oak lined driveway. If you’re someone like me who owns a “dogs welcome, people tolerated” door mat, you’ll appreciate the curved iron gate and light gray columns that will greet your guests.

As you drive up to the house, you’ll be able to check on all your horses, who are hopefully grazing happily in their manicured pastures, instead of trying to find new ways to injure themselves and cost you as much money as possible (a girl can dream, right?).

Once you’ve arrived, step onto the beautiful flagstone front porch. Any barn dog would be thrilled to watch the farm from the comfort of this wide and spacious porch. Starting at the front of the house, it wraps around and extends halfway down the side. I would spend hours on this porch, sipping lemonade and watching my horses in the pasture.

The real drama of this house begins when you walk through the front door and are greeted by French-inspired architecture.

This home may be only 2000 square feet, but it has a presence akin to any mansion. If I lived in this house, I would wear those slim French cigar pants and a blouse every day. All guests would have to have their hair in a chignon and use phrases like “je ne sais quoi” and “sacre bleu!”

Walking into the living room, the first thing you’ll notice is the massive column that holds the fireplace and television. Adorned with intricate woodwork at the top, you’ll be required to watch artful black and white documentaries in order to match the overall vibe. This living room feels quite tall, thanks to the 10-foot ceilings and multi-layered crown moulding. A chair rail and wainscotting add even more texture to the room.

Feel like you’re walking through the walls of a French manor as you exit the living room through an arched doorway supported by two graceful pillars, each of which are crowned with intricate moulding. Doorways supported by pillars or columns and topped with moulding are a definite theme throughout the home.


If you’re like me and you practice self-care by taking a way-too-long bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book, then the master bathroom may just sell this house for you. An extra large corner bathtub complete with back-massaging jets will make you never want to get out of the tub. A tub like this is especially perfect for when you inevitably fall off your horse. (It happens to all of us, am I right?)


The cabinets in this kitchen are to die for. These beautiful glass-fronted cabinets will show off your perfectly matched and elegant dining ware. I can absolutely see this kitchen being the life of the party, with friends and family gathering around the granite island to discuss their last riding lesson. Or, picture yourself cooking over the sink with what looks to be a great view of your horse lounging in their well-ventilated and bright run-in shed.


This house is set up for drama. Throw open these glass double doors to make a sparkling entrance to your own dining room, where your guests will be waiting for you. The elegant details embedded into the glass are perfectly complemented by the gorgeous and intricate decorative moulding above the door. The dining room itself may be on the small side, but the beautifully curved arched doorway and intricate chandelier give it the presence of a room twice its size.

The magic of this property extends far beyond the house itself. Encompassing 21 acres, this property also includes six stalls, paddocks, feeders, and run-in sheds. If you’re not a fan of lugging around hoses or filling water buckets, this property is for you, as all paddocks have automatic waterers.


Bring your working student or live-in barn manager! This property features a one bedroom mobile home, complete with its own mini front porch and concrete patio with rudimentary grill. I can just see the barn parties now– boarders and management alike cooking hot dogs and drinking beer on a dusky summer evening.

It’s important to note that while this property does not have a formal barn, the owner is a career builder and would consider creating a custom barn for the buyer, which only adds to the property’s limitless potential. The beautifully maintained pastures are bordered by a galloping track that extends all the way around the property. Just imagine how convenient it would be to condition your horse for your next event on your very own track. Plus, this property has a round pen and hot walker to conveniently cool out your horse when you can’t do it yourself.


If you’re looking for a pocket-sized property (by Ocala standards) with a lot of personality, this is absolutely the home for you. Learn more about this horse farm on the Ocala Horse Properties website.

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 11: Win a Set of Horseware Ice-Vibe Boots

By on Dec 11, 2022 9:00 am -

It’s time to kick off the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

Today (December 11), we’re teaming up with Horseware to give away a pair of always-popular Ice Vibe® Boots! Ice-Vibe® therapeutic horse boots combine the effects of cooling and massage therapy to reduce soreness and swelling, help boost circulation and stimulate healing.

Congratulations to Emma H. from MD — you’re our winner!

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Dec 11, 2022 12:01 am -

Yesterday, Poplar Hall of historic Chesapeake City, Maryland held their second annual Christmas Parade of Horses in conjunction with their popular Holiday Market. Pony Clubs, hunt clubs, mounted police units, equine rescues, and local stables full of all sorts of horses and riding disciplines came together to deliver some holiday cheer to spectators packing the sidewalks.

And yes, that is Phillip Dutton riding alongside Santa Claus! Phillip was named this year’s honorary parade marshal and the parade was dedicated in honor of the late Rob Bowersox of Major League Eventing.

U.S. Weekend Action

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Ride Times]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Free webinar: Pippa Funnell on horse care and competition pressure

Eventing Community Shares Input and Opinions During Event Riders and Officials Town Hall

8 Shoulder-In Problems and Solutions

What Diagnostic Imaging Reveals About a Horse

Rating Helmet Safety

Hot on Horse Nation: Christmas Movie Roundup

SmartPak Pick of the Week: Do you know a horse that’s been very good this year? Maybe it’s your horse, a lesson horse you love, or a hard-working therapy horse? Enter them here to win 3 free months of SmartPaks!

Sunday Video Break: Who else loves to incorporate some bounces (or 8!) into their winter homework? EN writer, 5* rider, and law student Ema Klugman does!


Click here if you can’t see the embedded video above.

FEI Makes Changes to Maternity Leave Provisions – But Leaves Eventing Off the Roster

By on Dec 10, 2022 2:30 pm -

Jonelle and son Otis share a cuddle before the prize giving at Pau in 2021. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The FEI has made changes to the existing rules regarding maternity leave in order to introduce further flexibility and give athletes the option of adapting the duration of their maternity leave to their individual situation. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its last teleconference for 2022 held on 6 December.

The previous minimum period for a medical and maternity leave, which had been included in the Ranking Rules for Jumping, Dressage, and Driving, was six months and the maximum period 12 months.

Following various opinions expressed by athletes, who wished to have the flexibility to return to competition from maternity leave earlier than six months, the Board took the decision to shorten the minimum period to three months, without changing the maximum period, which remains 12 months. In addition, athletes will now have the possibility to come back earlier than originally indicated when they initially requested the leave. To do so, they will need to give a four-week notice for Dressage and Driving. For Jumping, a 10-week notice is required if riders want to be eligible to receive an invitation under the FEI Online Invitation System, but only four weeks if the athlete intends to participate in the event further to another kind of invitation, such as an OC invitation or a wildcard.

The relevant changes to the wording of the respective Ranking Rules will be published in the Jumping, Dressage, and Driving rules sections on the FEI website.

The provisions for medical leave remain unchanged, the minimum period being six months and the maximum period 12 months.

The Board also approved the incorporation of medical/maternity leave provisions (as updated) into the FEI Endurance and FEI Para Dressage Ranking Rules for the first time. The respective Ranking Rules will be published under the Endurance and Para Dressage rules sections on the FEI website.

The FEI Eventing Committee has considered including medical and maternity leave provisions in the Eventing Ranking Rules but is currently not in favour for risk management reasons.

Maternity and medical leave provisions for Vaulting are currently being examined by the Technical Committee and updates will be provided in due course.

“It is good news that the Board has allowed for greater flexibility regarding maternity leave,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The FEI was one of the first international sports organisations to introduce provisions for maternity leave in April 2010 and we remain committed to protecting the welfare of our athletes. These rules had been first put in place for Jumping and were gradually extended to Dressage and Driving. This had been done in order to allow athletes, who have had a baby, not to lose all their Rankings points while off the circuit.

“The FEI has listened to the riders who have expressed the desire to have the option of returning to competition earlier than six months and the FEI Board is very much in favour of supporting athletes wishing to achieve the best possible balance between family life and a high level sports career. The Ranking Rules in all the FEI disciplines are living documents and we will keep on reviewing the maternity and medical leave provisions to make sure they remain relevant and fair.”

Over to you: Eventing’s lack of maternity provisions has previously come under fire, most notably when Jonelle Price penned a salient missive after dropping from 7th in the world to 217th when she took a leave of absence to have her first child, Otto. 

“Come on FEI, why on earth is eventing not in line with other disciplines?? Maternity leave saw me plummet from #7 to #217 and that was with returning to competition sooner than most,” she wrote on social media. 

“During the period which an Athlete has officially ceased to compete due to pregnancy or a medical condition, he/she will retain 50% of the Dressage World Rankings points earned from the corresponding month of the preceding year until he/she recommences competing internationally,” stated the FEI when introducing maternity provisions for dressage in late 2018, eight years after introducing them for showjumping.

We’d love your thoughts, particularly if you’ve been directly affected by the FEI’s lack of maternity provisions. Sound off in the comments, or email us at [email protected], and you could be included in a future feature. 

 

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 10: Win a Pair of Amerigo Aluminum Stirrup Irons from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 10, 2022 11:00 am -

It’s time to kick off the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

Today (December 10), we’re teaming up with World Equestrian Brands to give away a pair of Amerigo Aluminum Stirrups!
Amerigo Stirrup Irons are made from aluminum and the special design of the surface holes creates a self-cleaning tread, as well as excellent grip for all types of boots. Furthermore, the 30 degree inclination of the hole through which the stirrup leathers are threaded allows the stirrups themselves to be constantly in the correct position therefore enhancing the grip further on the riders boots. The new Amerigo stirrup iron combines hi-tech qualities and comfort, in keeping with Amerigo’s philosophy aimed at innovation and attention to detail for both horse and rider.

Congratulations to Sarah B. from CA — you’re our winner!

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 10: Win a Haygain Forager Slow Feeder

By on Dec 10, 2022 9:00 am -

It’s time to kick off the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

Today (December 10), we’re teaming up with Haygain to give away a Haygain Forager Slow Feeder! As grazing animals, horses have digestive systems that are designed to process forage in small quantities over several hours. The Forager Slow Feeder facilitates this in modern horse management by extending mealtimes without frustrating your horse. More time eating equals less time for boredom behaviors and food scarcity stress, especially for horses on restricted diets.
Use this form to enter and check back here tomorrow (12/11) for the winner announcement! Winners will also be contacted via email.
Please note: This giveaway is shared between EN and HN, and one winner will be drawn from the total pool of entries.

Congratulations to Jaclyn P. — you’re our winner!

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 10, 2022 12:01 am -

 

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Let’s hear it for the year end award winners! I legitimately enjoy seeing the smiles of everyone lucky (and skilled, talented, and hard-working!) enough to step on stage and accept an award for a job well done all year long. I also always wonder if it starts to feel a little bit old hat to some of our very accomplished professional riders, but maybe not! You can never take anything for granted when it comes to horses, after all. When it comes to the amateurs and juniors, however, it’s always plastered all over their faces just what a big deal it is to receive one of these honors.

U.S. Weekend Action

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Ride Times]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Horse of a Lifetime: Classic Moet

Boyd Martin’s Former Groom And 4* Homebred Find Their Stride Together

FEI introduces more flexibility to maternity leave provision in Ranking Rules

Mips Defends Safety System Against Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

Popular brand with strong equestrian ties saved in £34m deal

World Equestrian Brands Pick of the Week: You can stuff everyone’s stocking with 20% off orders of $300 or more from World Equestrian Brands through 12/14/2022 with code: 2022STUFF20! Or, you know you can buy yourself a little gift — we won’t judge!

Saturday Video: Think indoor eventing is fast and furious? Try some indoor combined driving:

Celebrating the 2022 USEA Year End Award and Grant Winners

By on Dec 9, 2022 5:00 pm -

The 2022 recipients of the Rebecca Broussard Charitable Foundation Developing Rider Grants. From left to right: Sarah Broussard, Chris Talley, James Alliston, Rebecca Brown, Kaylawna Smith-Cook, Valerie Pride, Jerome and Beth Broussard. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo.

The drinks were flowing and the mid-afternoon Friday party at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention was in full swing today at the Year End Awards Luncheon, hosted by Max Corcoran and Jim Wolf. This year’s USEA Annual Meeting is hosted in the positively lovely Savannah, GA, and while I’ll have to book another trip to see the famous green river for St. Patrick’s Day, I’m not sure there could be a better spot to cap off the year in eventing land.

The Year End Awards Luncheon is a festive event, with nearly 30 recipients given USEA Foundation Awards and the end of year leaders in each division and category honored. Development grants for horses, riders, and event support were also given, which means we’ve got a whole list of winners to celebrate. Let’s jump right in — and stay tuned for more stories on some of these award recipients in the coming weeks.

First up, please join us in congratulating the USEA Leaderboard winners from 2022:

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg represent the U.S. at FEI World Championships. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Overall
World Equestrian Brands Rider of the Year: Boyd Martin (PA)
Bates USEA Lady Rider of the Year: Tamie Smith (CA)
RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year: Cassie Sanger (CT)
Capital Square USEA Adult Amateur of the Year: Kevin Keane (SC)
Standlee Premium Western Forage Horse of the Year: Dondante/Four Star Eventing Group (FL), Team Rebecca, LLC (MT)
Bates USEA Mare of the Year: Lady Chatterley/Lesley Grant-Law (FL), Stephen Brown (FL)
SmartPak USEA Stallion of the Year: Geluk HVF/Bethany Hutchins-Kristen (FL)
Pony of the Year: Coud’Poker/Donna Miller (GA)

Beginner Novice
Junior Rider: Madison Zgutowicz (GA)
Young Adult Rider: Maya Chinana (DE)
Intercollegiate: Gillian Stover (KY)
Adult Rider: Kristen Mumme (FL)
Master Rider: Carla Jimmerson (GA)
Adult Amateur Rider: Lindsay Parsley (KY)
Master Amateur Rider: Carla Jimmerson (GA)
Horse: Delilah’s Boy/Hedgerow Farm (MD)

Novice
Junior Rider: Quidley Kellermann (TX)
Young Adult Rider: Jenna Alland (TX)
Intercollegiate: Emilia Sweeny (CT)
Adult Rider: Kyla Tovar (IL)
Master Rider: Madeline Bletzacker (OH)
Adult Amateur Rider: Kyla Tovar (IL)
Master Amateur Rider: Madeline Bletzacker (OH)
Horse: Paddington/Alyssa Cairo (MI)

Katie Malensek and Landjaeger. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Training
Junior Rider: Ella Eisenbarth (WA)
Young Adult Rider: Sarah Ross (NV)
Intercollegiate: Cora Severs (KY)
Adult Rider: Ashley Kehoe (VA)
Master Rider: Katie Malensek (FL)
Adult Amateur Rider: Amber Pearson (CA)
Master Amateur Rider: Kirsten Hiles (MN)
Horse: Daktaris/Ashley Kehoe Eventing (VA)

Modified
Junior Rider: Chloe Paddack (FL)
Young Adult Rider: Kalli Core (TX)
Intercollegiate: Dorothy Dreelin (GA)
Adult Rider: Megan Tardiff (ME)
Master Rider: Brooke Kahl (SC)
Adult Amateur Rider: Abby Foltz (VA)
Master Amateur Rider: Brooke Kahl (SC)
Horse: Nata Montada SCF/Brooke Kahl (SC)

Eileen Galoostian and Ardeo Living The Dream. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Preliminary
Junior Rider: Cassie Sanger (CT)
Young Adult Rider: Kalli Core (TX)
Intercollegiate: Kiersten Miller (MI)
Adult Rider: Caroline Martin (PA)
Master Rider: Liz Halliday-Sharp (FL)
Adult Amateur Rider: Marley Stone Bourke (VA)
Master Amateur Rider: Eileen Galoostian (UT)

Will Coleman and Dondante. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Advanced
Adult Rider: Boyd Martin (PA)
Intercollegiate: Cosby Green (KY)
Adult Amateur Rider: Katie Lichten (MA)
Master Amateur Rider: Kevin Keane (SC)
Horse: Dondante/Four Star Eventing Group (FL), Team Rebecca, LLC (MT)

Next up were the grants given to fund development of horses and riders for future championship competition:

Caroline Martin receives the Connaught Grant in honor of Bruce O. Duchossois. Photo by Red Bay Stock.

Connaught Grant: Caroline Martin and HSH Blake
The Connaught Grant, in honor of the late R. Bruce Duchossois, will give $25,000 to a CCI* or CCI2* horse in the U.S. that is seen as a potential candidate to represent Team USA on an international level. The Grant, which helps offset the cost of competitions, travel in relationship to competitions, training and horse care, is the brainchild of Phillip and Evie Dutton and longtime supporter Caroline Moran.

Wilton Fair Fund: Hallie Coon
The Wilton Fair Fund allows up to $100,000 in grants to be given each year for a variety of educational opportunities for riders ages 29 and under who have not yet ridden on a senior team.

Essex Horse Trials Grant: Cornelia Dorr
The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a developing rider aged 25 and under who is competing successfully at CCI4*-S and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient develop the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Haller Educational Scholarships: Heather Gillette and Ashley Johnson
The USEA has established two educational scholarships in memory of the late Roger Haller and his wife Ann Haller. Designed to provide financial assistance to those licensed officials who are working towards promotion to the “R” license, the “S” license, or the FEI licenses. The Scholarship may be used to offset the costs involved in gaining the necessary education and practical experience required to attain promotion. The sport is in urgent need of well-trained and committed officials who can serve at the highest international levels of the sport.

Seema Sonad Junior Rider Grant: Julia Crandon
The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant is for riders 14-18 years of age who are competing successfully at the Preliminary/two-star level and who are working towards representing his or her Area at the NAYC CCI3*-S team competition in the following year. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Junior Rider ranks to the Young Rider CCI3*-S level. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Peter Gray receives the inaugural Packy Prize in honor of Packy McGaughan. Photo by Red Bay Stock.

Mike Huber Award: John Bourgoin
Donated by friends of Mike Huber, this prize is awarded annually to any NAYC coach, chef d’equipe, or team support person who best exemplifies Huber’s enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and dedication to the youth of the sport. This special trophy was earned for the first time at the 2016 NAYC. Each winner will take home their own trophy to keep as well as have their name engraved on a plaque for a perpetual trophy.

Packy Prize: Peter Gray
An award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award will include a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. 2022 is the first year this award is given.

Tremaine Cooper Cross Country Design: Derek di Grazia, John Michael Durr, Jeff Kibbe, Carsten Meyer, David O’Connor, Beth Perkins, Morgan Rowsell, John Williams
The Tremaine Cooper Fund for Cross-Country Design will be awarded annually to support the attendance of FEI Level 2 or higher course designers who are U.S. citizens at FEI Eventing Continuing Education Seminars/Clinics that are held overseas (i.e. outside of North America).

Broussard Charitable Foundation Trust Going Forward Grants: Janice Binkley, Rebecca Caulfield, Allison Eastman Lawler, Colleen Rutledge, Mallory Stiver
This educational opportunity provided the possibility to transforming members’ lives, careers, and horsemanship, along with enriching the sport of eventing. The Broussard Charitable Foundation Trust generously donated a one-time gift of $25,000 to the USEA Foundation for the Going Forward USEA Members Grant. The Grants were intended as a one-time opportunity and were offered only in 2020. However, the reception they received and the success achieved by the grant recipients inspired the Broussard family, through their Charitable Foundation Trust, to offer them each year for the next three years.

Next up were the Event Riders of North America (ERA of NA) Awards:

Above & Beyond Event Personnel Award: Jane and Tim Murray
This award is to be presented to an individual employed in a supporting career such as an event organizer, official, secretary, or other staff members who throughout the year went “above and beyond” their duties.

Amateur Impact Award: Stephanie Tassos-Reimers
This award is to be presented to an Adult Amateur that embodies a dedication to the sport of eventing, outstanding sportsmanship, and has made a direct impact on eventing in North America.

As You Like It Owner’s Award: Nancy Winter
The award is to be presented to an outstanding owner who has had a large influence on a rider’s career. Additionally, nominees will also be recognized for having made an exceptional contribution to the sport of eventing.

Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award: Hailey Burlock and Erin Jarboe (#supergrooms to Will Coleman Equestrian)
This award recognizes an outstanding groom who has had a large influence on their rider’s career and the health and well-being of the horses under their care.

Last but most certainly not least came the USEA Appreciation Awards:

Vintage Cup: John Meriweather (OR), Sally Holman (IN), Suz Roehl (CA)
The Vintage Cup is awarded to members 60 years of age and over who are competing at any level in recognized USEA competitions and who show good sportsmanship.

Ironmaster Trophy: Sandra McDonald (SC)
The Ironmaster Trophy is presented to the individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Open to anyone associated with the sport: volunteer, spectator, official, trainer, competitor, groom, or grounds-keeper.

Cornerstone Instructors Award: Natalie Hollis, Sue Berrill
The Cornerstone Instructors Award honors the lower level instructor who has inspired riders in the sport of eventing with their encouragement and long-term dedication teaching basic horsemanship skills.

Eventing Coaches Program Sue Hershey Award: Christian Eagles
The Sue Hershey Award honors an ICP certified instructor who exemplifies the values, commitment, and character of the ICP program and who has inspired students in the sport of eventing, with their instruction, encouragement, and long-term dedication to teaching correct horsemanship and stable management skills. Sue Hershey dedicated over 20 years to the development and continued progression of the Instructors’ Certification Program.

Posthole Digger Award: Tyson Rementer
The Posthole Digger Award is presented to a builder who has exhibited exceptional ability and dedication to the sport through their work.

Neil Ayers Course Designers’ Award: Derek di Grazia
The Neil Ayer Course Designers’ Award is presented to a cross-country course designer in recognition of their innovation and vision.

Wofford Cup: Jo Whitehouse
The Wofford Cup is presented by Jim Wofford to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the sport.

I’m always keen to talk to some of these award recipients to find out how they feel about this recognition, so stay tuned for more stories yet to come!

For more on this year’s USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, click here.