James Arrigon Receives Second Annual Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant

Jim Arrigon 2022Lexington, Ky.—Jan. 6, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to congratulate the 2022 recipient of the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, which supports the furtherance of equestrian education. James Arrigon was announced as this year's recipient at the 2022 USHJA Annual Meeting during the Evening of Equestrians on Wednesday, December 13. 

“I’m very appreciative to USHJA for the award, but it is especially meaningful to win because Naomi was a friend and colleague in the horse business," said Arrigon. "She urged me to pursue a judge’s card years ago when I was too busy and just trying to raise a family and make a living. Naomi spent her life in service to IHSA and USHJA, and I am humbled to benefit from her legacy."

Arrigon, of Gibson, North Carolina, is a lifelong equestrian looking to expand his horsemanship knowledge as a judge. After over 30 years as a collegiate equestrian coach and trainer, he pursued becoming a licensed official and currently holds his "r" Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation and Hunter cards. With the help of the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, Arrigon hopes to earn his "r" Jumper card, then become a "R" judge. 

As a coach, Arrigon has led numerous riders and teams to Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, Interscholastic Equestrian Association and National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Champion titles. He served as IHSA’s National Secretary for 25 years and was awarded the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 for his excellence in coaching and service to the association. Arrigon was a longtime friend of Blumenthal, referring to her as a mentor and friend through their time together on the IHSA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. 

The grant, which was created in partnership with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and The Professional Horsemen's Association of America in honor of the late Blumenthal, awards $1,500 to at least one member per year. The grant can be used in any of the following areas:

  • Hunter/Jumper Licensed Officials Education as a judge, course designer or steward
  • USHJA Instructor Credential
  • Individually identified educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian-related business and horsemanship knowledge

For more information about the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, visit ushja.org/blumenthalgrant.

Photo courtesy of James Arrigon.