The Evening of Equestrian is always a highlight of the USHJA’s annual meeting. The stories of those being honored are interesting and often quite inspirational.
Trainer Fran Dotoli, whose husband, Joe, is a regular award recipient (he got another honor when the President’s Distinguished Service Awards were announced during the evening), had her moment in the spotlight as one of the winners of the Jane Marshall Dillon Award.
The trophy goes to those dedicated to teaching and helping riders beginning their education with horses. It is named for the mentor of Olympic medalists Joe Fargis and Kathy Kusner. Her book “School for Young Riders” has been required reading for horse-crazy kids since 1958.
Fran researched Mrs. Dillon, learning she was “quite a character and a consummate instructor.”
Fran Dotoli and USHJA President Britt McCormick.
Working with beginners, juniors and amateurs as well as young professionals, Fran herself is “a consummate instructor,” who teaches life lessons as well as horsemanship.
The other recipient of the award was Nancy Unger-Fink, who actually rode with Mrs. Dillon and even lived in her house.
Nancy Unger-Fink.
Fran’s reference to Mrs. Dillon as a character was illustrated by Nancy’s recollection of being awakened at 11:30 p.m. to hear, “Get up, we’re going for a midnight ride.” Nancy learned how to braid a mane and wrap legs, among many other things that would serve her well as a professional.
“She taught us to be very dedicated and work harder,” Nancy emphasized.
The J. Arthur “Bucky” Reynolds Award of Merit went posthumously to Rodney Jenkins, the legendary hunter and jumper rider who died a year ago. The trophy was presented by his fellow Virginians, Bucky’s sister, Betty Oare, and her husband, Ernie Oare.
Betty and Ernie Oare.
Oliver Brown, the respected judge, breeder and handler, who received the Volunteer of the Year award, remembered as a kid in 1959 or ’60 riding in his first recognized show at Upperville, Va., where Rodney also was a competitor.
“I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t win at Upperville,” chuckled Oliver, who had collected ribbons at the county fair in Michigan. During his youth, he said, “one of my biggest competitors was Rodney. Then fast-forward a long way, I competed with Rodney a lot at the racetrack, and for those of you who don’t know, he had a heck of a career as a racehorse trainer.”
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to show jumping medalist, World Cup competitor and U.S. team member Debbie Stephens of Florida and Lloyd Longenecker. Saluted for his 50 years in the industry, Lloyd was a pioneer in horse show software with his Ryegate Show Services. The award was accepted by his daughter, Annette, since he couldn’t attend.
From his home in Pennsylvania, Lloyd appeared on video saying, “In all the years that I worked around the horse business, I never realized I was doing anything earth-shattering. I thought I was just doing things to make it better for the industry, better for the horses.”
He recounted a fascinating multi-dimensional history that included working in various jobs, including announcing, until he got his first set of timers and was involved with computers. A request from Linda Allen to help her write software that would help with team selection became the template for the computer list that continues to be used today.
Debbie, who was well-known for starting the great jumper Abdullah and also associated with such successful mounts as Volan and VIP, was on hand to accept her trophy, accompanied by her husband, Olympic course designer Steve Stephens. Her friend, Sherry Robertson, told everyone at the dinner about Debbie.
Debbie and Steve Stephens.
“She’s a great girl, she loves the sport, she has done amazing things. She was one of the ones who brought commercial sponsorship.”
In the process, Sherry recounted, Debbie won three cars and two motorcycles.”
Others recognized during the evening were
In addition to Joe Dotoli, Michele Hollis, Hugh Kincannon, Faith McKay-Alicea, Berry Porter, Megan Thiel, and Julie Williams won the Distinguished Service Award.
The Mrs. A.C. Randolph Legacy Owners Award when to Caroline Moran, who has been a backer of top riders and trainers in both the hunter/jumper and eventing disciplines, and has also been involved with much appreciated grooms awards.
The Amateur Sportsmanship Award was given to Isabel Baker, founder of the Kindness Movement that promotes sportsmanship and combats bullying at shows. Also receiving the award was Sheila Murphy, who has devoted her life to equestrian sport through organizing and sponsoring competitions and served on many committees and boards.
The Vital Horse Show Staff Award was shared by announcer Kenn Marash and Pat Duncan, known for his organization and problem-solving skills.
The Youth Leadership Award went to Carlota Padron, who has competed interscholastically and represented Florida in the USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships.
Maddie Shoop-Gardner, a Californian who is an IEA Zone 10 Youth Board Representative, is the USHJA’s nominee for the USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award. She has contributed more than 350 volunteer hours at Stanford University’s Red Barn and founded her high school’s equestrian club. She also volunteers at a therapeutic riding center.