Ann Haller and Carol Kozlowski present the first Roger Haller Educational Fund scholarships for event officials during the 2016 USEA Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
The eventing community lost a national treasure today. We are devastated to share the news that Ann Haller, one of the most effervescent personalities and hardest working servants of our sport, died while in The Plains, Virginia, for Great Meadow International. As a friend, mentor and inspiration to so many, she will be terribly missed.
The USEA shared the following remembrance this evening:
The USEA is very sad to announce that Ann Rickard Haller died suddenly today with what appears to be complications related to an ongoing medical condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at Great Meadow International this weekend and passed away at a local hospital.
Ann was involved in so many aspects of eventing and was truly at the heart of the sport. She embodied the real spirit of an eventer with a “get it done” attitude pitching in to make sure whatever needed to get done was done.
Ann worked in the press office at many events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, NAYC, World Equestrian Games, and the USEA American Eventing Championships, just to name a few. She often multitasked as the cross-country controller or took on other roles as needed.
A self-declared “army brat,” Ann grew up all over. She was a graduate H-A pony clubber from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and was a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. She continued to be involved in Pony Club for over 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach, National Examiner, Chief Horse Management Judge, past member of the USPC national eventing and horse management committees, and past member of the USPC Board of Governors. She was a Level II USEA Certified Instructor as well as being a USPC Level IV National Examiner, and an FEI Steward. In 2006, she was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement.
Ann was predeceased by her husband, Roger Haller, who died in 2016. She leaves behind a multitude of friends, her horse Master of the House, and a huge hole in the eventing community.
Indeed. We are joined by the community in extending our deepest condolences to all of Ann’s family and connections.
