Memorable Moments at the USEA Year-End Awards Luncheon

We’ve just wrapped up the Year-End Awards Luncheon at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in Washington, D.C. The awards are always a bittersweet ceremony as we celebrate our friends in the sport who have succeeded in their endeavors and honor those we love and have lost. These are just a few of the many memorable moments that stuck out to us today.

Tamie Smith won the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant. Tamie won the $10,000 Developing Rider Grant in 2012, which she credited it as a turning point in her career. This was supposed to be the last year of the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider and Travel Grants, but Jerome Broussard announced today that he will continue awarding these grants in the coming years. Mai Baum, ridden by Tamie and owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell won the Overall Horse of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Tamie Smith won the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant. Tamie won the $10,000 Developing Rider Grant in 2012, which she credited it as a turning point in her career. This was supposed to be the last year of the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider and Travel Grants, but Jerome Broussard announced today that he will continue awarding these grants in the coming years. Mai Baum, ridden by Tamie and owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell won the Overall Horse of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Heather Morris and the Team Express Syndicate's Charlie Tango are the first to receive the $25,000 R. Bruce Duchossois, which was announced at the Convention last year in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois. This grant is given to a one- or two-star horse that shows U.S. team potential. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Heather Morris and the Team Express Syndicate’s Charlie Tango (Intermediate Horse of the Year) are the first to receive the $25,000 Connaught Grant, which was announced at the Convention last year in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois. This grant is given to a one- or two-star horse that shows U.S. team potential. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Amy Barrington won the Ironmaster Award, which is given to an individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Amy Barrington won the Ironmaster Award, which is given to an individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Amy suffered a traumatic brain injury after a riding accident in 2013 and recovered to return and remain active in the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Henry Glick accepts the Governors Cup for his late wife Seema Sonnad. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Henry Glick accepts the Governors Cup for his late wife Seema Sonnad. The Governors Cup honors volunteers who dedicate themselves to the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Pollards' Trakehner stallion Halimey is the first horse to be honored with the new Stallion of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Pollards’ Trakehner stallion Halimey is the first horse to be honored with the new Stallion of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kyra Stuart and Heidi Vahue received the Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy, which acknowledges an event organizer's commitment to the sport. Kyra (pictured) and Heidi organized the Stuart Horse Trials for 26 years and announced this year that 2015 would be the event's last year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kyra Stuart and Heidi Vahue received the Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy, which acknowledges an event organizer’s commitment to the sport. Kyra (pictured with USEA CEO Jo Whitehouse) and Heidi organized the Stuart Horse Trials for 26 years and announced recently that 2015 would be the event’s last year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Caroline Martin is the USEA Young Rider of the Year for a record fourth consecutive year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Caroline Martin is the USEA Young Rider of the Year for a record fourth consecutive year. Caroline is also the Advanced Young Adult, Intermediate Young Rider and Preliminary Young Adult Rider of the Year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Brian and Penny Ross, who ran the Virginia Horse Trials for 25 years and stepped down last year,  received the USEA President's Award for lifetime service to the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Brian and Penny Ross, who ran the Virginia Horse Trials for 25 years and stepped down last year, received the USEA President’s Award for lifetime service to the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Click here for a complete list of Appreciation and Year-End Awards given today. Congratulations to everyone!