Annual Awards to Celebrate Members’ Achievements at 2025 USHJA Annual Meeting Evening of Equestrians

Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 3, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the recipients of select 2025 USHJA Annual Awards to be celebrated at the Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner, presented by Desert International Horse Park, during the 2025 USHJA Annual Meeting. Chosen by their peers for their achievements and contributions to the sport, these honorees will be recognized at the awards banquet in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, December 9.

This year's Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award, which recognizes past or current owners who have been loyal patrons of the industry, is presented to Caroline Moran, of Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Moran's decades-long commitment to equestrian sport has made a lasting impact. Widely admired for her generosity and steadfast support, she has championed top riders and trainers as an owner in both the Hunter/Jumper and Eventing worlds. In addition to her ownership, Moran is the visionary behind numerous grooms awards, providing meaningful recognition to the essential caretakers of our beloved horses. 

The goal of the Amateur Sportsmanship Award is to recognize Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur exhibitors who exhibit a degree of excellence and integrity by supporting their fellow competitors and volunteering their time and resources to various aspects of the industry. This year's recipients are Isabel Baker, of Portland, Oregon, and Sheila Murphy, of Quincy, Massachusetts. 

Baker is the founder of the Kindness Movement, which promotes sportsmanship, fosters supportive communities, and combats bullying at horse shows. Through initiatives like “kind cards” and fundraisers for Just World International, she inspires riders nationwide to lead with compassion. Baker continues to compete in Jumpers and rides for the University of Southern California’s IHSA team, mentoring teammates and celebrating their successes.

Murphy has devoted her life to advancing equestrian sport. After competing in IHSA at Boston University, she coached collegiate teams for over 20 years, guiding riders to IHSA and NCEA Championships. Murphy has organized and sponsored countless competitions, established sportsmanship awards, and served on multiple committees and boards. Her fairness, integrity, and service, alongside her career as a nursing educator, have earned recognition from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

The Jane Marshall Dillon Award recognizes equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders beginning their education in the Hunter/Jumper discipline. This year's recipients are Fran Dotoli, of Chepachet, Rhode Island, and Nancy Unger-Fink, of Southwest Ranches, Florida.

Dotoli has dedicated her career to teaching riders of all levels with patience, integrity, and a focus on horse welfare. She works with beginners, Juniors, and Amateurs while mentoring young professionals, hosting clinics, and providing educational resources. Dotoli's instruction builds both riding skills and life lessons, earning her the gratitude of generations of students.

Unger-Fink has spent over 40 years running her own barn and coaching riders to IHSA National Championships and Grand Prix competitions. She teaches IEA teams and local shows, mentors aspiring trainers, and volunteers extensively in her community. Unger-Fink's commitment to education and rider development led her to become one of USHJA’s newly Credentialed Instructors in 2024.

This year's Vital Horse Show Staff Award, which honors the sport's support staff whose role is essential to competitions' success, is awarded to Pat Duncan, of Wellington, Florida, and Kenn Marash, of Ocala, Florida.

Duncan can always be found ringside at major horse show venues, including WEF, Devon, Kentucky, and more. Known for his organization, problem-solving skills, and genuinely friendly demeanor, Duncan goes above and beyond to ensure that every horse show runs smoothly. His dedication and positive attitude truly exemplify the spirit of this award. 

Marash's unmistakable voice has graced every major show in the nation, including Devon, WEF, indoors, and beyond. Renowned for his eloquence, particularly during introductions at major Equitation finals. Beyond his talent as an announcer, Marash is beloved for his kindness, warmth, and professionalism, making him a pillar of the horse show community.

The USHJA Youth Leadership Award identifies potential future leaders in the equine industry and recognizes Junior members for their achievements. This year's recipient is Carlota Padron, of Pinecrest, Florida.

Padron maintains a 4.36 GPA while competing in the 1.20m Junior Jumpers, participating in the USEF Interscholastic Athlete Program, and representing her region at the 2025 USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships. She actively contributes to her school and parish community, participates in photography programs, and seeks to make equestrian sport more accessible to others. Guided by her faith, Padron is inspired by animal rights, justice, and service, and she hopes to make equestrian sport more accessible while continuing to progress as an athlete.  

This year, Maddie Shoop-Gardner, of San Carlos, California, has been named the USHJA Nominee for the USEF National Youth Sportman's Award. Each year, young riders apply through their discipline’s affiliate organizations to be considered for this prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication to promoting the equestrian sport.

Shoop-Gardner is a student and competitor, maintaining a 4.42 GPA while actively participating in IEA, USEF, USHJA, and Pony Club. Beyond the show ring, she has contributed over 350 volunteer hours at Stanford Red Barn, mentoring riders and caring for horses; serves as IEA Zone 10 Youth Board Representative; and is a Kindness Movement Ambassador, advocating for inclusion and anti-bullying initiatives. She also founded Carlmont High School’s Equestrian Club, volunteers at a therapeutic riding center, and writes equine-related articles on topics such as equine-assisted therapy and access to the sport.

 Awarded posthumously for meritorious service to equestrian sport, this year's J. Arthur “Bucky” Reynolds, II Award of Merit honors Rodney Jenkins.

Jenkins began his equestrian career on field hunters and went on to become one of the most legendary Show Jumpers. He captured the American Gold Cup, the National Horse Show Grand Prix, and the Washington International Grand Prix multiple times. He also represented the United States on Nations Cup teams, competed in World Championships and World Cup Finals, and earned team and individual silver at the 1987 Pan American Games. Throughout his career, Jenkins rode some of the sport’s most iconic horses, including Idle Dice and The Natural. 

The USHJA congratulates this year’s Annual Award recipients. In addition to these nomination-based awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award, President's Distinguished Service Award, and Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced during the Evening of Equestrians.

The USHJA extends thanks to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti. A special thanks also goes to Desert International Horse Park​, RingSide Pro, New England Equitation Championships, and US Equestrian for their support of this year's Annual Meeting. 

Tickets for the 2025 Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner, presented by Desert International Horse Park, are still available. For more information, visit ushja.org/annualmeeting. 

Photo: Terisé Cole/USHJA