As 2022 comes to an end, it’s time to give recognition to those who made an impact during not only this year, but previous years as well. And until Dec. 29, you have an opportunity to participate in the honors that will be presented next month by the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
Each USEF affiliate already has handed out its share of plaques and trophies at annual meetings this month. Go to the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association website to read about the salute to jumper icons Anne Kursinski of Frenchtown, N.J., and Floridian Margie Engle, as well as a host of other accolades for the deserving.
Anne Kursinski, USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award winner. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Margie and Anne, both Olympians, have contributed much during their long careers to the hunter/jumper industry. It is so nice to see people honored while they can still enjoy the recognition.
Margie Engle, winner of the USHJA Lifetime Achievement award. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The U.S. Eventing Association installed a distinguished group in its hall of fame, including author and three-time Olympian Brig. Gen. Harry Chamberlain; Janie Atkinson, director of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event from 1984-2010; Badminton winner Eagle Lion, ridden by Bruce Davidson; Trish Gilbert, who played a key role in getting 5-star status for the Fair Hill International and Sally O’Connor, a judge and commentator (who also happens to be the mother of eventer David O’Connor and announcer Brian O’Connor.
The U.S. Dressage Federation named its former president, Lisa Gorretta, a governance stalwart and technical delegate as its Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and for its Hall of Fame selected longtime technical delegate and steward Janine Malone, a virtual walking rulebook.
The USEF will be giving out honors at its annual meeting in Kentucky next month where the late para dressage mover and shaker Hope Hand is remembered with the Lifetime Achievement Award (if only it had happened while she was alive to enjoy it.),
But you can have a direct vote in deciding who is getting the major titles for horse and rider of the year by voting using this link.
The international horse nominees include Salvino, the top U.S. finisher in the dressage freestyle at the world championships this year, with rider/trainer Adrienne Lyle, who is nominated for international rider of the year.
Adrienne Lyle and Salvino at the world championships.
The other horse/rider combination nominated for both awards is world number five-ranked eventer Will Coleman and his Irish Sport Horse Off the Record, seventh at the world championships.
Nationally, Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek, winners of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, are among those nominated.