USHJA Honors Exceptional Horsemen During Evening of Equestrians

Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 11, 2019—More than a dozen outstanding equestrians were honored Tuesday, December 10, during the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association's Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner at the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center, in Denver, Colorado, as the USHJA recognized members for their contributions to the sport and achievements.

Earning the evening's most anticipated surprise award, the Volunteer of the Year Award, was Britt McCormick, Andrew Philbrick, Cheryl Rubenstein, Skip Thornbury (not pictured) and Sissy Wickes as members of the USHJA Planning Committee for their work in leading the Association forward into a new strategic direction.

Awarded for the first time to a group of individuals, this award recognizes an individual who has been instrumental in the pursuit of the mission of the USHJA and the betterment of the sport. USHJA President Mary Babick noted that the dedication, hard work and commitment of the members on this committee.

The President's Distinguished Service Award was developed to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members and volunteers to the USHJA and our sport. This year's recipients of the award include Charlotte Skinner-Robson and Robin Rost Brown, as well as the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Committee. Accepting on behalf of the HQC Committee was Chair Terri Young and Vice Chair Cricket Stone.

Margaret “Sissie” Anderton, of Franklin, Tennessee, and Brian Flynn, of New Albany, Ohio, were honored as USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, whose lifelong involvement in the sport and with USHJA has benefited the industry. These recipients have dedicated their lives to furthering the disciplines of Hunters and Jumpers on a national platform. Robin and Michelle Anderton accepted the award for Sissie, and Ashley Flynn accepted the award for her father Brian.

Larry Langer and Bob Cacchione, two exceptional innovators in the sport, were awarded the William J. Moroney Visionary Award during the evening. This honor is awarded to an individual or group deemed as inspirational, influential and integral to furthering the Hunter and Jumper disciplines.

Both Langer and Cacchione have impacted the sport putting their dreams and ideas into action. Langer has been committed to creating opportunities for riders to advance in the sport including the development of the Emerging Jumper Rider Program and Show Jumping Athlete Pathway, which he has worked tirelessly to bring to life.

Cacchione had a dream in college to make riding more affordable and attainable to other college students, and his dream became the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, which has become a nation-wide competitive program that has graduated some of the nations top riders.

Page Tredennick, of Wellington, Florida, accepted the Amateur Sportsmanship Award, which was created to recognize Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur exhibitors who display excellence and integrity by supporting fellow competitors and volunteering their time and resources to various aspects of the industry. Yvetta Rechler-Newman presented the award.

Ernest and Betty Oare, of Warrenton, Virginia, accepted the Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award, which was presented by Sue Bopp of EMO Agency. This award recognizes past or current owners who have been true patrons of the industry creating a legacy of giving back to the sport through dedication and support.

Sunny Stevens, of Ball Ground, Georgia, and Corky Shaha, of Parker, Colorado accepted the Jane Marshall Dillon Award from USHJA President Mary Babick. This award recognizes equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders beginning their education in the hunter/jumper discipline. 

Ian McFarlin, 15, of Tallahassee, Florida, accepted the USHJA Youth Leadership Award, which is presented to a young individual who demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship, a commitment to equestrian sport, and serves as a leader and role model to his or her peers. McFarlin received a Charles Owen helmet and a three-year USHJA Active membership.

Another outstanding young equestrian, Ella Doerr, 17, of Avon, North Carolina, was recognized as the USHJA nominee for the US Equestrian Youth Sportsman's Award, which was created to identify future leaders within the equine industry across all breeds and disciplines and distinguish outstanding youth for their achievements. Doerr also received a Charles Owen helmet.

Two exceptional horse show staff were recognized for their invaluable role in delivering the very best hunter/jumper competitions. Troy Powell, of Sag Harbor, New York, received the East Coast Vital Horse Show Staff Award, which was presented by Marnye Langer. Julie O’Connor, of Corona, California, was awarded the West Coast Vital Horse Show Staff Award.

Pat Boyle accepted this year's Dash for Cash Award on behalf of Lisa Goldman-Smolen. This award honors the rider earning the most prize money in $25,000 to $40,000 Grand Prix events that are held as the featured jumper event at a licensed USEF competition. 

Read more about nomination-based award winners here.

For more information about the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center, visit ushja.org/AnnualMeeting.