This year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event has nearly everything anyone devoted to the sport would want–stellar entries from the U.S. and overseas, a scenic cross-country course, acres of shopping and an opportunity to enjoy a world-class competition. Even so, a key piece of the “Best Weekend All Year” is missing.
Jim Wofford, who was such an integral part of the event, left us in February after a long illness. But if he is not here in person, he certainly is at the Kentucky Horse Park in spirit.
Jim Wofford and Carawich, doing what he loved best.
That spirit was infused into a memorial gathering Wednesday night, where relatives, friends and those who simply admired him gathered to pay tribute, comfort each other and tell stories (most of which were funny) about a true legend. It was a great party, and Jimmy would have loved it.
Based at Fox Covert Farm in Virginia, Jimmy was equestrian sport’s version of the Renaissance man. An Olympic medalist from an Army family, he was a living legacy of the military tradition in horse sport. Jimmy was all about giving back.
He served equestrian governance as the president of the old American Horse Shows Association, and contributed to other organizations involved with the sport.
This red-headed dynamo also was a popular author, a trainer whose first concern was for the horse, an incisive commentator and an in-demand after dinner speaker and master of ceremonies.
The gathering to remember him at the University of Kentucky’s Spindletop Hall was organized by Jim Wolf, Woff’s fishing buddy and confidante.
Jim remembered his friend in every aspect of his life as being “intensely curious, he was a student’s student and a teacher’s teacher.”
During the party, because that’s what it was, photos of Jimmy across the years flashed on the screen, showing him over an enormous cross-country fence or with his four grandsons; fishing, celebrating birthdays and holidays. The evening was a festival of remembrance.
“It means so much to the family to see so many people here who really loved Jim,” said his widow, Gail, who had been his sweetheart since their teenage years.
Gail Wofford with daughters Jennifer Ince and Hillary Jones at the memorial gathering.
One of Jimmy’s daughters, Jennifer Ince, gave some history about the James C. Wofford On the Rise trophy that will be presented Sunday to the best first-time 5-star rider in the competition.
Fittingly, given Jimmy’s interests, “on the rise” is a fishing term. The sterling silver cup is being repurposed; it was won by Jimmy’s father, Col. John Wofford in the 1935 military class at the old Piping Rock Horse Show on Long Island.
Jimmy’s other daughter, Hillary Jones, told the group, “I wanted to tell you how much we appreciate the outpouring of love, support and all these incredible stories; they just keep coming, which is wonderful.”
Rob Burk, CEO of the U.S. Eventing Association, announced that a permanent home is being sought for the organization’s Hall of Fame. When it becomes reality, it will be named after Jimmy Wofford.
“Whoever said, `Never meet your heroes because they will disappoint you’ obviously never met Jim Wofford,” said Rob.
“Being here in Kentucky without having Jim sitting near the Head of the Lake, watching cross-country with a faithful Labrador retriever beside him, is going to be weird for many of us. It’s also odd not to have Jim author his annual analysis of contenders competing in Kentucky in the Chronicle of the Horse.
“In the spirit of that former Kentucky winner, he is definitely embedded in the soil here. Jim is undeniably the most respected and influential figure in modern day eventing. He represents the ideal of a lifelong eventer.”
Jimmy would have loved the idea of the On the Rise trophy, held by Jim Wolf with Jennifer Ince and Hillary Jones.
Rob continued, “He was the best of the best as a rider. He had a supreme talent and the courage to say what was right, regardless of the consequences. His keen observations and clarity of spoken and written words were not only a gift, but a well-honed skill. He truly was our poet laureate and he was irreplaceable.”
Rob added, “He is missed by our eternally grateful sport. Our lives are richer for knowing him and we find condolence and comfort in the knowledge that he will always be a pillar on which the foundation of U.S. eventing stands.”
Speaking on behalf of all of Jimmy’s students, trainer Sharon White believed, “Jimmy is with us, he is rolling his eyes a bit while drinking a really good glass of Scotch. Everybody in this room learned something from him. He was so generous in his ability to show you the way, to educate.”
Sharon White speaking to the gathering.
She explained,”He could put into words things you were doing that you couldn’t put into words and he could just say it for you.” He was equally adept at giving “giving you a kick in the ass or a pat on the back if it didn’t go well,” depending what someone needed when they were competing.
“One thing Jimmy never waivered from was his love of the horse and respect for the horse. Everyone feels touched by him, because he had time for everybody. Our horses are so lucky that we knew him. He held us to a standard and it’s our job to keep it.”
Yes, Jimmy always spoke his mind regardless of the consequences, as Rob said.
Jim Wolf referenced Gail Wofford’s cynical comment she might offer when she and her husband were at some fancy party, “Take a good look around, because we’re not being invited back.” (With his usual creativity, Jimmy used that as the title of a book.)
“We’re so sad to lose him,” said Jim Wolf, “but damn, he had a good look around.”
As a final word, Jim asked everyone to raise a glass to his fishing buddy and “a life well-lived.” Then he added a sentiment shared by all of those in the room, “Jimmy, we miss you.”
