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2007 USEA Annual Convention Celebrates
Winners at Every Level
Colorado Springs, Colorado—Over 500 members of the
United States Eventing Association made their way to Colorado
Springs, Colorado for the 2007 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention,
presented by Nutrena, held December 6-9 at The Broadmoor.
Over the weekend the association proudly honored the recipients
of its 2007 Year-End awards at the Dinner and Dance, sponsored
by Maui Jim Sunglasses.
USEA Horse of the Year honors went to Theodore O’Connor,
the twelve-year-old, 14.2-hand Thoroughbred/Arab/Shetland
gelding (Witty Boy—Chelsea’s Melody) owned by
The Theodore O’Connor Syndicate, LLC. With three-time
Olympian Karen O’Connor in the irons, the talented
pony tallied several wins this year, including individual
and team gold medal at the Pan American Games in Rio de
Janiero. They also won The Fork CIC3* in April and were
third at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4*. In addition to the title
Horse of the Year, Teddy’s owners received a $1,000
purse sponsored by SmartPak Equine.
The USEA is proud to present a new perpetual trophy this
year in honor of the achievements of gifted eventing ponies
at all levels of competition. The Theodore O’Connor
USEA Pony of the Year trophy, to be given each year to the
highest pointed pony at any level, is named in honor of
the brilliant pony who has taken the eventing world by storm.
While Teddy earned the award for 2007, as the trophy’s
namesake he will not be eligible to win the trophy in the
future.
The USEA Rider of the Year for the eighth straight year
was Phillip Dutton, who resides in West Grove, Pennsylvania.
Dutton rode internationally for his home country, Australia,
for many years until lucky for the U.S., last year he became
an American citizen and changed his competitive nationality
so that he would be eligible to represent his adoptive home,
the United States. Phillip represented the U.S. for the
first time in what promises to be a long, American medal
winning career, at the Pan American Games July, 2007 where
teaming with Annie Jones’ and Susan Stimson’s
Tru Luck he was a member of the gold medal winning team
and also brought home an individual silver medal. In addition
to this achievement, Dutton outdid himself again this year
with admirable performances at both horse trials and three-day
events, including top placings on Annie Jones’ The
Foreman (1st at Fair Hill CCI3*), Acorn Hill Farm’s
Woodburn (third at the Fair Hill CCI3*, first at Wits End
CIC3*, and first at Five Points Horse Trials in Advanced),
Bruce Duchoissois’ Connaught (second at Rolex Kentucky
CCI4* and seventh at The Fork CIC3*-W), and Tru Luck (ninth
at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, eighth at The Fork CIC3*-W,
and second at the Red Hills CIC3*-W). All of these accomplishments,
plus countless others, gave this amazing rider a total of
946 points, and earned him a $1,000 purse.
Karen O’Connor of The Plains, Virginia had one of
the best years of her career, earning for a record tenth
time the USEA Lady Rider of the Year title. Her successes
this year included impressive performances at every star
level, including the Pan Am individual and team gold medals
with USEA Horse and Pony of the Year Theodore O’Connor
(who she also teamed with to win The Fork CIC3*). Karen
also had a fantastic year with several of her other mounts
including Jacqueline Mars’ Hugh Knows (second at Morven
Park in Advanced, first at Richland Park in Advanced, and
fifth at Fair Hill CCI3*), Dick and Vita Thompson’s
Upstage (first at Wits End in Advanced, second at Richland
Park CIC3*, and sixth at Red Hills CIC3*-W), and Joan Goswell’s
Mandiba (second at Richland Park in Advanced and second
at Florida CCI2*), among numerous others. In addition to
the well-earned title of USEA Lady Rider of the Year, Karen
also received a $1,000 purse and product from sponsor Auburn
Labs, makers of APF.
Corinne Ashton of Princeton, Massachusetts received this
year’s USEA Adult Amateur of the Year honors as well
as a $1,000 purse sponsored by Stackhouse Saddles. Ashton
had a stellar year with her 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding
Dobbin winning the Advanced division at the Wellpride American
Eventing Championships, the Advanced division at Millbrook,
the Advanced/Intermediate division of Morven Park, and the
Advanced division at Southern Pines, with high placings
at other prestigious events as well.
The USEA Young Rider of the Year trophy, along with a $1,000
purse sponsored by Maui Jim Sunglasses, was presented to
19-year-old Tiana Coudray of Ojai, California. Coudray worked
with primarily two mounts this year, both at the intermediate
and advanced levels. She and King Street were fourth at
Ram Tap in Advanced, won the Galway Downs CIC3*-W, and was
second in Advanced at Twin Rivers. With Ringwood Magister
she won the CCI* at Galway Downs in November and won the
CCI* at Twin Rivers in May.
Jam, owned and ridden by Bruce Davidson of Unionville,
Pennsylvania, earned USEA Mare of the Year honor, and a
$1,000 purse, for the third year in a row. This eleven-year-old
Thoroughbred mare, sired by Shar, started the year off winning
the Advanced division at Poplar Place Horse Trials, then
placed third at Maui Jim CIC3* in July, and this fall traveled
across the Atlantic to place tenth at the Burghley CCI4*,
all with owner, and eventing legend, Bruce Davidson in the
irons.
These winners as well as many others were honored at the
USEA Awards Dinner and Dance. Following is a list of the
other honorees:
USEA Appreciation Awards
Governors’ Cups
The USEA Governors’ Cups are presented annually to
the volunteers who form the backbone of eventing. These
are individuals who labor tirelessly behind the scenes at
the many jobs associated with the running of the sport.
Andrew and Ruthie Harbison
Danny Thomas once said, “Success has nothing to do
with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s
what you do for others.” He could have written these
words about Andrew and Ruthie Harbison, popular Florida
riders, trainers, and farm owners who were honored for what
they do for the sport in a non-traditional, “outside
the box” manner.
In early 2007 when Kim Meier was seriously injured in a
schooling accident, Ruthie stepped in and mobilized the
scores of people who wanted to help, but didn’t know
how to go about it. She organized an on-line auction on
the Chronicle of the Horse Bulletin Board, secured donations
of clinics and lessons from upper level riders, stallion
services from several breeders, and contributions of scores
of items that raised over $40,000 to help offset Kim’s
expenses.
Mere months later when Ralph Hill suffered a catastrophic
accident, Team Harbison once more sprang into action. Andrew
drove endless hours back and forth from Georgia to Ocala
transporting Ralph’s horses and belongings, taking
many of these horses to the Harbison’s own Suwannee
farm until arrangements for their future could be made.
He was also a constant presence at the hospital during Ralph’s
early critical days. Ruthie organized the Ralph Hill Care
Pages and helped muster bracelets and tee shirts to defray
some of the huge medical expenses incurred. Now with Ralph
thankfully on the road to recovery, Andrew and Ruthie are
still at his side helping to bridge the gap between memory
and the present.
Tim Murray
There are few people who have given to the sport of eventing
in a more significant way than Tim Murray. Locally in Area
I he is an active competitor and a tireless volunteer treasured
for his calm demeanor, big smile, and deep knowledge of
whatever job he has offered to do. More often than not he
can be found competing and volunteering on the same day.
Tim has given just as generously to the sport on the national
level. He has served on both the USEA Board of Directors
and the USEF Eventing Committee and continues to participate
on several sub-committees. He continues to act as co-chairman
of the USEA Young Riders’ Committee even though his
daughter has aged out of that program. He was co-chairman
of the USEA Annual Meeting when it was held in Boston, and
has served as a trustee on the USEA Endowment Trust, having
framed the charter for that group’s activities.
Beyond the above, however, Tim is probably best known and
most beloved for his Travolta like moves on the dance floor.
It can be confirmed that he even sold himself as a dance
partner at one point to raise money for Young Riders. Boogie
on, Tim!
Deeda Randle
Deeda is well known in the west as an organizer, a busy
eventing and dressage technical delegate, an eventing judge,
a clinician, a breeder, a rancher, a devoted wife and mother,
and a tireless volunteer in her beloved sport of eventing.
To round out her resume, she has taken on the job of Chairman
for USEA Area IX.
Last year, she answered the call to organize the revitalized
Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials and succeeded in melding
it into a proud, cohesive and well-functioning unit. Her
daughter Kari served as the competition secretary and shared
equal kudos with her mother. Deeda will play a similar managerial
role at the 2008 North American Young Riders’ Championships
when it returns to the Colorado Horse Park.
Deeda functions in a quiet and efficient manner, but one
senses a core of steel beneath the calm exterior. Her fairness,
responsiveness, and attention to detail make her both a
popular official and all around respected champion of the
sport of eventing.
Shelley Ryan
Shelley Ryan has been closely involved with the sport of
eventing in Area VIII for the past 14 years, and has been
a tireless worker for Pony Club at the club, regional and
national levels. She is currently a Vice Regional Supervisor
for the Pony Club Midsouth Region and serves on the USPC
Board of Governors. Her daughters were all active Pony Clubbers
who evented through the Young Rider levels.
Shelley works full time, but manages to be overall organizer
for three events at the Kentucky Horse Park—the Midsouth
Region’s Megarally, the Midsouth USPC Horse Trials,
and the Keeneland Pony Club’s popular Jump Start Horse
Trials. Additionally, she is actively involved with the
Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association and can be found
at innumerable local shows and events volunteering and adding
her own brand of quiet organization to the activities.
Beth Stoker
Beth’s nomination form was entitled “Volunteer
Extraordinaire,” and her C.V. backs up this accolade.
Hailing from Lawrence, Kansas, she has been a backbone of
the sport of eventing in the Midwest for the past 25 years.
She earned her BHSA certificate after graduating from high
school and worked with horses full time in Boston until
her return to Kansas in 1994. There she maintained her passion
for eventing while earning a double degree in Accounting
and Administration, and she is currently a corporate income
tax auditor for the state of Kansas.
Beth began volunteering as stadium coordinator with the
Heritage Park Horse Trials in 1994, and for the past six
years she has served as its tireless organizer. On her watch
the courses have undergone significant upgrading with ongoing
improvements. In 1995 she also added the Mid America Combined
Training Association to her list of volunteer activities,
and has served as its President for the past two years.
In 2007 Beth was named as Chairman of USEA Area IV, and
in her quiet way, she has nurtured and expanded the many
Area activities, all the time continuing to ride, coach,
and volunteer whenever and wherever needed. She truly proves
the adage: “If you want something done, ask a busy
person.”
Courtney C. Reeves Memorial Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the young individual who exemplifies
sportsmanship, the spirit of the sport, and who gives back
to the sport.
Kyle Smith
Kyle, who hails from Ohio, is being awarded the Courtney
C. Reeves Memorial Trophy in honor of both his dedication
to the Young Riders’ Program and for the courage and
mettle he showed during the NAYRC this past year. He was
serving as groom for the Area VIII teams and on the Friday
of the competition he learned that his beloved horse and
partner of many years, Summer’s Gift, “Gus,”
had been euthanized in an emergency situation at home. Not
wishing to distract the riders from the job they were there
to do, he never mentioned this to anyone. He held it together
until after the competition when the kids were talking excitedly
about the upcoming NAYRC in Colorado and making plans for
Kyle to anchor the team with Gus. Only then did he share
his grief.
Kyle loves the sport of eventing and gives back to it in
many ways—riding, coaching, and being a cheerleader
for his peers, grunt work. He tirelessly volunteers to help
his mother, Jackie Smith, manage the Young Rider camps and
the events they hold at their farm, and he is always willing
to lend a hand wherever needed and in whatever capacity.
Posthole Digger Award
This award was established by Neil Ayer to be presented
to a cross-country builder in recognition of their talent
and dedication to their craft.
Chris Milanesi
Chris was born in Chester, Vermont and graduated in 1976
with a degree in Political Science, not exactly a background
consistent with building cross-country jumps! He has been
building since 1974 and his work is earmarked by his meticulous
attention to detail. He constructs each fence with the same
skill that a master craftsman would manifest creating a
piece of furniture for a living room. Chris’s resume
includes two Olympic Games, Los Angeles in 1984 and Atlanta
in 1996, as well as practically every event in Area I and
many in Areas II, III and V. He lives in Old Chatham, New
York.
The Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy
This new award, donated by the Popiel family in memory
of legendary organizer Andrew Popiel, honors the unsung
heroes of eventing—the organizers. Nominees were chosen
by Area personnel from a list of current organizers.
Penny and Brian Ross
The well-deserving co-winners of the inaugural presentation
of this award, Penny and Brian Ross, are legends in their
own time who need little introduction. Brian is a popular
official, having served at competitions from the grass roots
to the Olympic Games, and his wife Penny is an on-the-go
event organizer and secretary of both recognized and unrecognized
events. Her entry level “starter horse trials”
in the USEA Areas II and III can rightly be said to be directly
responsible for both the promotion of the sport and the
potential involvement of scores of future eventers in recognized
horse trials. Not to be overlooked are the vastly popular
recognized competitions at the Virginia Horse Center which
Brian and Penny co-organize. Additionally, Penny devotes
countless hours as chairman of the USEA Organizers’
Committee.
Not to rest on their laurels, three years ago, they undertook
the running of the North American Young Riders’ Championships,
a daunting task that they handled with great aplomb, caring
for the future stars of our sport. They are truly deserving
recipients of this significant award.
The Neil Ayer Course Designer Award
Newly established by Helen Ayer, in memory of her late
husband Neil Ayer, this award commemorates Neil’s passion
for cross-country design and is presented to a cross-country
designer in recognition of their innovation and vision.
This is the first time the members of the USEA were asked
to determine the recipient of this award – after the
votes were tallied, the 2007 Neil Ayer Course Designer Award
was presented to John Williams of Southern Pines, North
Carolina. John initially made his name known as a top international
rider, with Carrick earning team gold at the 2002 World
Equestrian Games and team bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The pair also finished the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* in second
place in both 2002 and 2004 (in the modified division),
and took fourth place in the Burghley CCI4* in 2003. When
he isn't in the saddle, you can find John throughout the
country designing cross-country courses from the novice
to FEI levels, including the Jersey Fresh CCI2* and CCI3*,
and the 2005 and 2006 Wellpride American Eventing Championships.
As You Like It “Above and Beyond” Award
Presented by Sara Kozumplik, this award is presented to
a horse owner who has competed at the preliminary level
or higher and has gone “above and beyond” in support
of their rider(s), helping them achieve their goals.
Lynn Blades
Nominated by Carol Kozlowski, Lynn Blades has been a highly
involved owner for 17 years. Introduced at the racetrack
by Dr. Joe O’Dea, Carol has gone on to event four horses
home bred by Lynn and her late father Lee. Lynn and Lee
became impressed with the talent and attitude of Carol’s
legendary ride, Hideaway’s Erin Go Bragh, and started
a breeding program that produced four lovely half breds,
each started from scratch by Carol. Two of these went on
to anchor Carol’s string up through the levels—Gaelic
Holiday and Take Time.
When sidelined with an injury, Carol stood with Lynn and
watch their friend Sharon White compete Gaelic Holiday,
and in Carol’s own words, “I realized what a helpless,
nerve-wracking, nail biting experience it is to be on the
ground. I don’t know how owners do it!”
Carol went on to say about her nominee: “What has
made all this so special for me is that Lynn and her late
father became much more than clients. Lynn is one of my
closest friends. She always has a smile on her face and
a spring in her step, and her unflinching devotion to giving
her horses the best of care has made my job easy. But beyond
being the owner that every professional would love to ride
for, Lynn's support for me personally and for the sport
she loves is beyond compare. A faithful and generous financial
supporter of the USEA events all over the country, she gives
freely of her time as well and has been known to show up
at a work day for local events still dressed for the office.
She has her work gloves ready to go and pushes that wheelbarrow
with a smile.”
The Ironmaster Trophy - presented by the Ayer family
The 2007 Ironmaster Award goes to Kim Meier, a life-long
eventer—a rider, a trainer, a breeder, a teacher, a
mother—who we honor and celebrate today for her unique
contributions to the sport that go way beyond her equestrian
related skills.
Kim has brought three homebreds along to eventing’s
advanced level – Chamakazi, Chobalt, and Test Run,
(“Merle”). In 2004, Kim added to Merle’s
list of accomplishments by finishing tenth at the Rolex
Kentucky CCI4* and completing the Burghley CCI4* five months
later.
In 2006 tragedy struck Kim’s Seven Hills Farm in Worton,
Maryland when EHV-1, neurologic equine virus, was brought
onto the farm by a two-year-old from Pimlico. Four of Kim’s
homebreds were infected including Merle. Merle survived,
but Test Pattern, a full sister, and Kim’s daughter
Kelly’s horse, Just Testing, succumbed to the virus.
Kim brought Merle back slowly, competed in a few intermediate
events in the fall of 2006, and in January of 2007 traveled
to Florida with Merle to train with Ralph Hill with an eye
toward competing in the 2007 Rolex CCI 4*.
In mid-January 2007 Kim fell from Merle while schooling
over some show jumps and sustained damage to two cervical
vertebrae, rendering her a quadriplegic. Since then she
has participated in extensive rehab and has regained limited
movement in her arms. Eight months of hospital, rehab center
and nursing home living later, she has moved back home to
her farm and can rejoice in the company of her beloved animals.
Despite these circumstances, Kim will always consider herself
an eventer. She has cheered on her young horse, Enough Testing,
a full sister to Merle who competed at the novice level
and in Young Event Horse classes this summer with a former
working student, Jennifer Ward, in the irons. She is teaching
again and has judged three unrecognized events. She is also
making plans to enter the USEF Officials’ Program to
earn her judging license.
Wofford Cup
This special award is given each year by the Wofford family
to honor someone whose service to the sport has made a profound
impact.
Margaret Good
Margaret Good has been a fixture in the equestrian community
for 30 years. In 1976 she became involved with the Loudoun
Hunt Pony Club and served as the club’s secretary and
treasurer. In 1981 she became the DC for Loudoun Hunt Pony
Club and has held this position ever since. In 1980, she
was approached by the than USCTA to become an organizer
when Morven Park’s Major Lynch passed on. Working with
seed money and with the help of her husband Ron Good, Grace
Dawson and others, Morven Park’s first horse trials
commenced in 1981. More than 25 years later, Margaret is
still the organizer. In addition, she organizes three other
horse trials in Area II. Margaret has always been the type
of person who does her work quietly behind the scenes. She
calmly steps up and offers to assist and support eventing
in Area II in many ways. She is truly one of the sport’s
unsung heroes!
Worth the Trust Scholarships
The Worth The Trust Instructional Scholarship Program was
the brainchild of Joan Iversen Goswell from Valencia, Pennsylvania.
Joan understood that the road to success is not always a
smooth one, especially for those with limited resources.
With gratitude toward the sport and for her champion horse,
Worth The Trust, Joan created this scholarship program to
assist the young adult and adult amateur riders in the sport
in achieving their goals.
The program consists of two scholarships, one for adult
amateur riders, ages 26 and up, and the other for young
adult riders between the ages of 16 to 25. The funds, $2,000
and $3,000 respectively, are to be used to improve their
riding skills under the tutelage of a top class eventing
instructor. All funds are to be used for instructional purposes
only, such as clinics, working student arrangements, or
private or group instruction. Applicants were asked to submit
an essay explaining the importance of the scholarship to
them, how they intend to utilize the funds, and their ultimate
goals. They were also required to contribute volunteer service
to a national or local charitable organization, Pony Club,
local eventing association or horse trials.
Worth The Trust Young Adult Scholarship
Sarah Robb of New Waterford, Ohio is currently working
full time at a Tractor Supply Store and attending Youngstown
State University as a full time student. Achieving one goal,
placing tenth in the Morven Park CCI1* Young Rider Division,
Sarah is now ready to move to the next level. Through the
generosity of the scholarship, she will be given the opportunity
to live in Virginia and study with some of the top trainers
of the area and “figure out this dressage thing that
we all hate, but yet have a solemn respect for.” Sarah’s
additional goals are to become a lower level certified instructor
through the USEA’s Instructors’ Certification
Program, finish her degree in biology with the possibility
of future studies through veterinary school to specialize
in equine lameness and surgery.
Worth The Trust Adult Amateur Scholarship
Cynthia Zitko of Hanover Park, Illinois may not compete
at highest levels, but her passion is just as vital. Riding
on a limited budget, the scholarship will allow Cynthia
to continue to train and achieve her goal to qualify for
the 2008 Wellpride AEC that just so happens to be in her
backyard. Volunteer extraordinaire for area horse trials,
Cynthia has always given to the sport and appreciates this
opportunity to refine her equestrian skills with some of
the best the sport has to offer.
Christine E. Stafford Eventing Groom of the Year Award
This year two recipients were honored; one professional,
one amateur.
The Professional Groom of the Year went to Emma Ford of
West Grove, Pennsylvania. Emma came to the U.S. from England
in the late 90s to work for the Iorio family where she groomed
for Adrienne through the four-star level. She then went
to work for Phillip Dutton at True Prospect Farm where she
not only travels to competitions with Phillip’s daunting
string of horses, but also plays an important part in the
farm’s day-to-day operation at home. She turns out
horses that look their very best and makes sure that they
are mentally and physically as comfortable as possible.
The Christine E. Stafford Eventing Groom of the Year went
to Jeff Beshear of Somerset, Virginia. Jeff, a native of
Lexington, when not grooming for his wife, Emily, is a partner
in a busy equine practice in Charlottesville, Virginia.
He received his DVM in 2000 from Ohio State University,
and his specialized interests include sport horse lameness
with an emphasis on diagnostic imaging and reproduction.
He is an avid foxhunter and shares Emily’s passion
for Eventing.
***
Following are the final year-end USEA Leaderboard award
winners:
2007 USEA Year End Awards
Sponsored by Nutrena
Advanced Young Rider Kate Luce
Advanced Adult Rider Phillip Dutton
Advanced Adult Amateur Rider Dana Widstrand
Advanced Master Amateur Rider Corinne Ashton
Advanced Horse Theodore O’Connor
Intermediate Young Rider Tory Smith
Intermediate Adult Rider Sarah Cousins
Intermediate Adult Amateur Rider Leigh Mesher
Intermediate Master Amateur Rider Corinne Ashton
Intermediate Horse Loose ‘n Cool
Preliminary Junior Rider Missy Miller
Preliminary Young Adult Rider Tiana Coudray
Preliminary Adult Rider Bruce Davidson, Jr.
Preliminary Master Rider Sarah Cousins
Preliminary Adult Amateur Rider Ashley Dalton
Preliminary Master Amateur Rider Shanon Baker
Preliminary Horse Cyrillic
Training Junior Rider Chaney Detmer-Lillard
Training Young Adult Rider Alexa Perkiel
Training Adult Rider Cristin Stoop
Training Master Rider Mary Jordan
Training Adult Amateur Rider Darrin Mollett
Training Master Amateur Rider Mary Jordan
Training Horse Paxton Abbey
Novice Junior Rider Annie Read
Novice Young Adult Rider Shannon Danahey
Novice Adult Rider Jessica Hirleman
Novice Master Rider Linda Walnes
Novice Adult Amateur Rider Jessica Hirleman
Novice Master Amateur Rider Linda Walnes
Novice Horse Casual Friday
Beginner Novice Junior Rider Brittany Vinson
Beginner Novice Young Adult Rider Elizabeth Miller
Beginner Novice Adult Rider Michele Sargent
Beginner Novice Master Rider Tracey Montgomery
Beginner Novice Adult Amateur Rider Michele Sargent
Beginner Novice Master Amateur Rider Tracey Montgomery
Beginner Novice Horse It’s a Dun Deal
USEA organizers also received kudos for their hard work,
dedication and continued service to the sport of eventing.
The honor role of those recognized is as follows:
Blue Ribbon – 5 to 9 years of service:
Kathy Arrandale (Encore)
Sallie Ausley (Red Hills)
Trish Bashaw (Picabo)
Susie Beale (Radnor Hunt PC)
Laura Beaver (Gemwood, Greater Dayton)
Michele & David Buford (Weave A Dream)
Rick Caldwell (The Ethel Walker School)
Teresa Craig (Powder Basin)
David Crystal (Stuart)
Christine Dyson (Senator Bell)
Erik Fleming (Over the Walls)
Ann George (Golden Spike)
Bill Graves (River Glen)
Kate Gress (Penny Oaks)
Janet Gunn (CDCTA)
Marvin Harwood (Queeny Park)
Alicia Henderson (Tryon)
Lucinda Henderson (Derbyshire)
Carolyn Hoffos (Copper Meadows)
Margie Hutchison (ENYDCTA)
David Jeffery (Hill N’ Hound)
Fernanda Kellogg (Fitch’s Corner)
John & Sue Kreutzer (Spring Gulch)
Pat Magner (Fancy Hill Farm)
Brian McElheny (Dunnabeck)
Tom & Sandy Mercier (Hunter Oaks)
Sylvia Ochs (Red Hills)
Van & Claudia Rea (Hunter Oaks)
Nancy Roth (Missouri Wine Country)
Jean Rosenfield (Heritage Park, Longview-Mill Creek PC
)
Jeffray Ryding (The Event at the Downs, The Event at Goose
Downs)
Sue & Buck Smithson (Longleaf Pine)
Bunnie Sexton (Shepherd Ranch PC)
Beth Stoker (Heritage Park)
John Thurman (Moonrock)
Larry Tobias (Penrose)
Tammy Turner & Family (Northwest Equestrian Center)
Lellie Ward (Paradise Farm)
Lena Warner (Otter Creek)
M. Stanley Wiggs (Spring Bay)
Terri & Mike Williams (Crosstar)
Bob & Kay Willmarth (Richland Park)
Bronze Medal – 10 to 14 years of service:
Andrea Binkley (Marlborough)
John Camlin (Caber Farm)
Lisa Campbell (Kingsbury Hill)
Robert Dennison (Hopeland)
Sarah Greer (South Farm)
Tim Griest (Briar Fox Farm)
Halina Hapworth (Middleburg)
Martie Healy (Basingstoke)
Coleen Hersson (CDCTA)
Bob & Tracy Hewlett (Holly Hill Farm)
Jocelyn Hill Dickson (Sayre School)
Julea Hovey (Hopeland)
Pam Johnson (Amwell Valley)
Beverly & Nelson Jones (J-3 Ranch)
Robert Kellerhouse (Galway Downs)
Fernanda Kellogg (Fitch’s Corner)
Dru Malavase (Stuart)
Luigi & Caroline Meneghelli (Inavale Farm)
Howard Nelson (Silverwood)
Jan Nestrud (Fox River Valley)
Ron Preston (Hidden Hollow)
Mina Payne Cooper (Stoneleigh-Burmham)
Penny Ross (Fort Bragg)
Sue & Buck Smithson (Longleaf Pine)
Ritch Temple (North Georgia)
Christie Tull (Greenwood)
Emmett Turner (CDCTA, Difficult Run)
Melinda Weatherford (Northern Colorado)
Cindy Wilson (Flintridge)
Janet & Glenn Wilson (Pine Top)
Kim Voller (Trott Brook)
Julie Zapapas (Jumping Branch)
Silver Medal – 15 to 19 years of service:
Don Bauer (Hearthstone, Stillwater)
Helmut & Diana Boehme (Slow Journey)
Elizabeth Chilcott (Erie Hunt & Saddle Club, Lost Hounds
PC)
Dave Emmons (Hunters Run)
Joannah Glass (Bryn Lea Farm, Sporting Days)
Ami Howard (Olney Farm)
Peg Hull (Erie Hunt & Saddle Club)
JJ Johnson (Middle Tennessee PC)
Shelley Lambert (Rocking Horse, Sharpton Stables)
Sam Lindsey (Meadowcreek Park)
Lynn Mahoney (Lincoln Creek)
Gillian Perry (Kent School)
Pat Richardson (Genesee Riding & Driving Club)
Brian & Penny Ross (Virginia)
Alice Sarno (Coconino)
Mary Ann Scott (Seneca Valley PC)
Libby Stokes (Round Top)
Kyra Stuart (Stuart)
Lefreda Williams (Southern Pines)
Glenn Wilson (Pine Top)
Gold Medal – 20 to 24 years of service:
Rebecca Broussard (Herron Park)
The late Cindy Burge (Deep Creek)
Fran & Tom Cross (King Oak)
Denis Glaccum (Fair Hill)
Joyce Hampton (FareWell Farm)
Sally Hinkle (Mystic Valley)
Anne Hustad (Happy Valley Farm)
Ann Kitchel (Huntington Farm)
Dan Kowalewski (Wayne DuPage)
Katie Lindsay (Wayne/Maui Jim)
Linda Reynolds (MCTA)
Katherine Ryan (Happy Valley Farm)
Philip Sawin (Pine Hill)
Dave & Jackie Smith (Winona, Stone Gate)
Platinum Medal – 25 plus years of service:
Paul Adams & Family (Flora Lea)
Jane Atkinson (Kentucky)
Janet Briggs (University of New Hampshire)
Bill Burton (Ram Tap)
Gretchen & Robert Butts (Waredaca)
Linda Chatfield (Whidbey Island)
John Cory & Family (Pleasant Hollow)
Jack Ernst (Jubilee)
Mary Fike (Midsouth)
Susan Robinson Farmer (Abbe Ranch)
Ann Getchell (Groton House)
Margaret Good (Loudoun PC, Morven Park)
Randee & Tammy Hallman (Meadows of Moorpark)
Susan & Blake Harris (Spring Run)
Christine Hayworth (Penrose Farm)
Pamela Johnson (Amwell Valley)
Joan Keegan (Flat Creek)
Mary Lu Lampton (Midland)
Dr. Chauncey & Pat Thuss (Cahaba)
Margaret Lindsley Warden (Middle Tennessee PC)
Over the weekend the USEA also welcomed its new board members,
Darren Chiacchia, Ann Glaus, and Brenda Mittleider, and
thanked those board members who had finished their terms:
Kerry Millikin, Patte Clement, Jennifer Bodtmann, Dana Lynd-Pugh,
Jim Moore, Beth Lendrum, and Kyra Stuart.
In addition to honoring horses, owners, riders, and organizers,
the purpose of the Annual Meeting and Convention is to give
members the opportunity to sharpen their skills in order
to meet the challenges of the sport. This is done in part
through seminars, which featured top professionals covering
topics including everything from proper stud use and current
therapies in equine sports medicine to training solutions
from top riders. In addition, the Convention included the
G10 Summit on Saturday, a day-long national forum that included
discussions led by some of the top names in the sport including
USEF President David O’Connor and international competitor
Eric Smiley of Ireland. The forum--which was audio broadcast
live on the USEA website and moderated by incoming USEA
Chairman of the Board Kevin Baumgardner—also included
presentations from the various constituencies within the
USEA including the Adult Riders, Young Riders, Organizers,
Officials, and Instructors’ Certification Program.
The audience was welcome to ask questions throughout the
day and an impressive exchange of ideas took place for nearly
eight hours.
The weekend also included board and committee meetings
of every kind, but despite all the hard work, there was
also lots of fun to be had, with Thursday evening's Board
of Governors’ welcome reception sponsored by Pegasus
Design Group, the Friday evening Area IX reception at the
scenic Cheyenne Lodge, as well as the pinnacle of the Convention—Saturday
night’s Pan Am Games Celebration Reception, sponsored
by The Fork, followed by the USEA Year-End Awards Dinner
and Dance, presented by Maui Jim Sunglasses, where over
$3,600 was raised in a last-minute auction thanks to the
support of Pegasus Design Group who offered a sustainable
dog house to the auction, and Fernanda Kellogg, organizer
of Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, who donated a gorgeous
Tiffany & Co. necklace and bracelet.
Additional sponsorship was provided by Adequan, Amerigo,
Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency, Lamplight Equestrian
Center, Practical Horseman, Rebecca Farm, Wellpride, Stackhouse
Saddles, SmartPak Equine, Charles Owen, Horse Quencher,
and SUCCEED.
For more information on the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention,
including other award winners, visit www.useventing.com
and click on the Convention logo on the home page.
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