Category Archives: Awards

Verdades and Cobra Win at 2018 Horse of the Year Gala

West Palm Beach, Fla. – US Equestrian is pleased to share that Verdades, owned by Laura Graves and Curt Maes, has been voted the 2018 International Horse of the Year, and Cobra, owned by Marsha Hartford-Sapp, has been voted the 2018 National Horse of the Year.

Verdades (Florett AS x Liwilarda/Goya), a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, affectionately known as Diddy, began his journey to international success in 2014 after garnering attention from his reserve-champion finish at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp. Since his launch into the spotlight with his life-long rider and trainer Graves, Verdades’s achievements and continued success are profound. In 2018, Verdades again proved why he is one of the best horses to grace the international dressage ring as he won the Grand Prix at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals in Paris and helped the U.S. team earn a silver medal in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ Germany. He and Graves then rode for silver medal-winning The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018.

Since being rounded up in the mountains of Nevada at the age of six, Cobra’s trainer and owner Marsha Hartford-Sapp has been devoted to the 14-year-old mustang gelding and proceeded training him with caution and respect for his instincts, creating a deep bond. Their mutual trust has seen them through competitions in both classical and Western dressage, where Cobra’s versatility and talent for each has been apparent. As one of the founding horses of USEF Western dressage competition, Cobra was one of the first recipients of the 2015 Horse of the Year awards in that discipline and has continued to collect numerous accolades ever since.

“It wasn’t even about that moment when the Olympic medal was placed around my neck. It was about the joy. Despite hardships, heartbreaks, and massive, massive life failures, always overwhelming joy… [and] the fact that this great horse brings so much joy to so many people.” – Laura Graves on her 2018 International Horse of the Year

“Several years ago, I stood in the middle of a round pen with a horse that was six years old, rounded up by a helicopter, and never touched by human hands.” – Marsha Hartford-Sapp

© 2019 US Equestrian Federation

Victoria Colvin Honored as Emerson Burr Trophy Recipient at US Equestrian Pegasus Awards

Colvin and Private Practice.

Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 11, 2019 – Victoria Colvin capped off an outstanding 2018 competitive season and will be heading into the 2019 winter horse shows with a new accolade to her name as the newest recipient of the Emerson Burr Trophy, which was awarded to her at the US Equestrian Pegasus Awards on Jan. 10, 2019. As the distinguished winner, Colvin was also one of the 2018 USEF Equestrians of Honor, a title she shares with the incredible company of eight of other esteemed horsemen and horsewomen, including international athletes Laura Graves and McLain Ward.

“I am so honored to be recognized as the winner of the Emerson Burr Trophy and to be in the company of all of the other amazing award recipients this year,” said Colvin. “I couldn’t have had such a successful year without my team behind me, and I am forever appreciative of all the hard work they put in on my behalf. To receive this award is truly an honor and I’m excited to hopefully continue with this momentum headed into the 2019 horse show season.”

The Emerson Burr Trophy recognizes horsemen or horsewomen who have excelled above all others in equestrian competition for the current year, while demonstrating superior sportsmanship and dedication to the principles, vision, and mission of the United States Equestrian Federation, specifically within the hunter ring. Colvin shares the distinction with notable past winners such as Liza Boyd, Peter Pletcher, Scott Stewart, Danny Robertshaw, and Jenny Karazissis.

Throughout 2018, Colvin accumulated wins in hunter divisions and derbies across the nation, most impressively defending her title as the reigning champion at the 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships aboard Brad Wolf’s Private Practice, solidifying herself as only the second athlete to win the finals more than once. Earlier in the year, Colvin earned the Winter Equestrian Festival Overall Hunter Rider circuit championship thanks to consistent top placings atop numerous mounts, and she also navigated Private Practice to victory in the Welcome Class and both rounds of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the Deeridge Derby.

For more information, please visit victoriacolvin.com.

Winx Beats Justify in the 2018 Secretariat Vox Populi Award

Source: Blood Horse via Twitter.

Horse racing fans have had their say online and Australian wonder-mare Winx has emerged as the winner of the 2018 Secretariat Vox Populi Award. She was up against a hugely competitive field of four but U.S voters decided that the 33-time winner was the queen of thoroughbred racing.

Winx saw off stiff competition from Enable, whose victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe capped off a tremendous 2018, and triple-crown winner Justify. Connections will be presented with the custom-made trophy at Santa Anita racecourse in January 2019. She follows in the footsteps of American Pharoah, who picked up the award in 2015, and two-time winner California Chrome who was successful in both 2014 and 2016.

She made it 29 races unbeaten at the end of October with an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, finishing two lengths ahead of Benbatl. Fans were blown away by another terrific performance from the 7-year-old whose success was part of a tremendous card at the Melbourne track. Cliff’s Edge, Mystic Journey, and Ventura Storm were also winners on this particular card with the latter also featuring in the 2018 Zipping Classic in November. He was beaten by The Taj Mahal in that particular race with the JRA Cup winner was tipped up by Oddschecker to make it back-to-back victories in the Grade 2 event.

She has acquired legions of fans during her unbeaten sequence and has accrued over $17million of prize money during her time on the turf.

Source: Dennis Mills via Twitter

Justify may have enjoyed tremendous success during his short career, but it’s Winx’s longevity and ability to reproduce top-class performances on a regular basis that have helped her achieve worldwide notoriety and legendary status amongst racing fans. The Sydney-trained mare is unbeaten since April 2015 and has struck up a great understanding with jockey Hugh Bowman, who has been on board for 27 of her last 29 victories.

The award was founded in 2010 by Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, and recognises racing excellence. Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of the award’s founder, praised the public’s decision, saying, “Winx represents everything we envisioned when we created this award and reaffirms her notion that a beloved horse will captivate fans and draw interest to the sport no matter where they race.”

Winx becomes the first International horse to receive the award and her fans took to social media following the announcement to express their delight at the decision.

US Equestrian to Recognize Georgie Green and Isabela De Sousa at Pegasus Awards

Isabela De Sousa (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Lexington, Ky. –US Equestrian is pleased to announce the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award to be acknowledged at the 2019 US Equestrian Annual Meeting at the Hilton West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Fla. Georgie Green is the winner of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award, while Isabela De Sousa is the 2018 Junior Equestrian of the Year. Both Green and De Sousa will be recognized at the Pegasus Awards on Thursday, January 10, 2019, along with other prestigious award winners.

Green (Morgan Mill, Texas) has been a dedicated leader for the Morgan breed. For more than 40 years, Green and her husband, John, have owned and operated Roadshow Morgans, the largest Morgan breeding operation in Texas and one of the largest amateur operations in the country. They purchased their first Morgan horse, Funquest Paddy, in 1972 and their first breeding stallion, Showcase, in 1973, which has led to more than 100 horses with the Roadshow prefix. These top-quality horses have become world and national champions, local winners, and beloved family pets. Green’s dedication to this American horse is exemplified by her work to foster interest for pedigreed livestock in younger generations.

Green joined the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Board of Directors in 1980. Five years later, she was named AMHA’s Woman of the Year, as well as the organization’s first female president. She served as AMHA president from 1985 to 1988 and again from 1993 to 1996. For nearly 30 years, Green served on its Board of Directors and chaired several committees, including the all-important Registry Committee. Outside of AMHA, Green served on the show committee for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® for many years, serving as show chair three times. She also served on the USEF Board of Directors as the Morgan breed representative and currently sits on the USEF Morgan Sport Committee.

Green was honored with the National Pedigreed Livestock Council’s 2007 Distinguished Service Award for those whose dedication to their chosen breed is exhibited through extensive altruistic endeavors. Now, Green is the recipient of the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award for her undying commitment to the Morgan breed, which has elevated the sport’s excellence.

As Junior Equestrian of the Year, De Sousa (Lexington, Ky.) will be presented with the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy. At the age of 17, De Sousa is already an exemplary ambassador for equestrian sport, in particular for the Thoroughbred horse. She has been riding all her life and has been retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds for the last few years. De Sousa has found much success in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, winning the show jumping division from 2015 to 2017. She displays her maturity as a consummate horsewoman by treating the Makeover as icing on the cake versus a hard-fought goal for the Thoroughbreds she retrains. Her ultimate goal is to provide the horses with a solid foundation and start them on a second career path that they can enjoy in their new homes.

In 2018, she retrained Cozmic One, the first foal of famed racehorse Zenyatta, and finished fifth in the Makeover show jumping division. In addition to her strong placing, De Sousa used her social media influence on the de Sousa Stables Facebook page throughout Cozmic One’s retraining process to educate fans about how Thoroughbreds can be retrained after their careers on the racetrack and the positive side of racing and the Thoroughbred industry.

De Sousa also secured top results in the show ring throughout 2018, including competing in her first equitation finals in the USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final, the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship.

To learn more about US Equestrian’s 2019 Annual Meeting, visit usef.org/annual-meeting.

From the US Equestrian Communications Department

Skidmore College and SCAD to Be Honored at the Pegasus Awards Ceremony

SCAD won the ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship for the fourth time in 2018. Photo courtesy of SCAD.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Nov. 26, 2019 – US Equestrian, the national governing body of equestrian sport, will hold their annual meeting and Pegasus Awards in Palm Beach, Florida in January. New to the Pegasus Awards celebratory evening, the 2018 Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Equestrian Team Awards will be presented Thursday evening, Jan. 10.  US Equestrian’s Pegasus Awards honor some of the great men and women of equestrian sport. The 2018 Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Equestrian Team award winners demonstrated their excellence in USEF-affiliated collegiate and scholastic organizations in 2018 and will be recognized for their achievements and success during Pegasus night.

Skidmore College, the IHSA Collegiate Cup Hunter Seat Championship Team, led by head coach Cindy Ford and assistant coach Belinda Colgan, will be presented with a 2018 Intercollegiate Award. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), coached by Ashley Henry and assistant Abbie Gibson, the 2018 ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Overall Championship Team, will also be honored.

IDA National Championship Team Intermont Equestrian at Emory and Henry, ISSRA Championship Team University of Louisville, NCEA National Championship Auburn University and USEA Eventing Championship Team Auburn University, and IEA Champion Upper School Hunter Seat Team Lucky Stables will also receive awards.

During the Pegasus Award event, US Equestrian will also present awards to the recipients of the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award the Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award, the Pegasus Medals of Honor and other prestigious equestrian industry awards.

To learn more about US Equestrian’s 2019 Annual Meeting, visit usef.org/annual-meeting.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

World Jumping Champion Simone Blum Takes Fosun Best Athlete at FEI Awards 2018

FEI Awards winners (L to R): Philip Wong (CHN), Lee McKeever (USA), Simone Blum (GER), Alex Hua Tian (CHN), FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibanez (SUI), Victor Levecque (FRA), FEI President Ingmar De Vos (BEL), Leila Malki (PLE), Juan Carlos Capelli Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, Natasha Baker (GBR), Juan Matute Guimon (ESP). (FEI/Liz Gregg)

Manama (BRN), 20 November 2018 — Germany’s golden girl Simone Blum (29) has undoubtedly had the best year of her career to date, and she added another accolade to the list, taking home the Fosun Best Athlete Award at the FEI Awards 2018 presented by Longines in Manama (BRN).

Crowned individual world champion and winner of a team bronze medal at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (USA) in September, she became the first woman in the 28-year history of the Games and only the second female athlete in 65 years of the World Jumping championship to win individual gold.

“I am very proud to be the Fosun best athlete. I think it’s a dream of every rider,” Simone Blum said. “A lot of really good riders got it before and to the people I want to say thank you a lot; it was a pleasure for me and I have the best fans and supporters. Thank you.”

Hosts for the gala evening were five-time Paralympic gold medallist and multi world and European title holder, Natasha Baker (GBR), and Spain’s rising star, Juan Matute Guimon, FEI Dressage European Junior champion in 2015 and at 20, one of the youngest Dressage athletes at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018.

Presenting the winners of the five categories, in front of more than 300 distinguished guests, including top sporting legends, equestrian fans, National Federations, FEI partners and stakeholders, these awards celebrate outstanding achievements within the equestrian community, tapping into the sporting excellence and celebrating the champions, the unsung heroes and the incredible individuals and organisations backstage making it all happen.

Groom to four-time Olympian McLain Ward, the USA’s Lee McKeever, took the award for FEI Best Groom. After 30 years working with McLain, he is still as dedicated about his work as when he started, going above and beyond to ensure the best possible care for his horses, and always willing to help others in the sport working tirelessly behind the scenes. McLain and Lee’s shared victories include the recent FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 team gold medal with Clinta, the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ title with HH Azur in Omaha (USA), individual gold medal with Rothchild at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto (CAN), and team gold medals at the Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games with Sapphire.

French Eventing athlete Victor Levecque was presented with the Longines Rising Star Award by Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, Juan-Carlos Capelli. This award highlights the achievements of athletes between the ages of 14 and 21 who demonstrate outstanding equestrian sporting talent. At the age of 20, Victor is already multiple winner, with 10 European medals, including two gold medals and five French national champion titles to his name.

“For a second consecutive year the online public vote has become very popular and a peer to peer recognition is one of the most powerful,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The influence of one’s peers and the recognition of talent and hard work is a testament to the strengths and development of the growth of the sport.

“Development, like youth, is key to our future and has been a strong focus throughout 2018 as we can see here tonight in the results of the youth of our sport shining through. With our top partner Longines, and their ever-increasing support, their commitment to these awards and equestrian sport globally, and for the first time to celebrate the Fosun Best Athlete award, we are delighted to be here in Bahrain to reward these fantastic achievements.”

Alex Hua Tian and Philip Wong of China accepted the FEI Solidarity award for the Horsemanship charity programme in China. Ten years ago, Alex won the Rising Star Award and he was here as part of the team working to communicate the core value of “Equestrianism as Horsemanship” to the world’s fastest growing equestrian market.

Leila Malki from Palestine was presented with the Against All Odds award. Her dedication to equestrian sport and her passion have made her a role model for young women in Palestine through her encouragement of girls and women to become involved in equestrian sport in her country.

“As FEI’s Top Partner, Longines is very proud to take part in the 2018 FEI Awards Ceremony in Manama,” Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, said.

“Our connection with the equestrian world dates back 150 years, and we attach great importance to supporting events that are aligned with our core values of tradition, elegance and performance. We are particularly delighted to present the Longines Rising Star award, acknowledging our commitment in supporting new generations of athletes in each sport that we are involved in.”

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Angela Langen Honored with Sportsmanship Award at IALHA National Championship

Angela Langen and Gabarito Da Cerca. (Photo courtesy of Genie Images)

Katy, Texas (November 6, 2018) – Angela Langen showed judges why she and Gabarito Da Cerca were the most suitable choice to become the Dressage Suitability Amateur National Champions at the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) Nationals, October 9-13 in Katy, Texas, and the German rider (now based in Napa, California) showed such generosity of spirit among her fellow baroque breed lovers that it also earned her the Jacksonville Equestrian Center Sportsmanship Award.

Angela also rode the seven-year-old Lusitano gelding, owned by Marilyn Hite and trained by Carlos Carneiro (who trained and rode IALHA Horse of the Year and Grand Prix National Champion, Andiamo 2005), to second place in Lusitano Saddle Geldings.

“We were nervous. It was only our second competition, but we felt like a good team. I’ve been in the United States for about a year and a half, so I really appreciate meeting other riders, spending time with them, and competing here. I enjoyed this show and my horse was perfect.”

The optimism that won Angela the JEC Award is reflected in her outlook with her striking bay partner with his big white blaze and socks: “We have only been riding together since May. My goals are to keep feeling this trust between us and go on this adventure together. I’m not about the ribbons but about getting to know each other better.”

Now that’s the kind of winning attitude that can contribute to success in horses, riders, and shows.

For more information, please visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Tim Jones
904-255-4225
timjones@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221

Brend Daughter Tessa KCF Wins the ISF IBOP Dressage Cup

Tessa KCF, Star. Photo credit: Rae Wilkins.

Coatesville, PA — Each year the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) awards the prestigious Iron Spring Farm IBOP Dressage Cup. The national championship is presented to the high scoring horse competing in the IBOP riding test during the FHANA keurings held each fall throughout North America.

This year the Cup went to Tessa KCF, Star. Tessa is by Brend 413, Sport out of Yve, Star (by Sibald 360).  The 4-year-old mare scored an impressive 82 points to receive the championship. “We were elated!” Jack Vanderkooy, Tessa’s breeder, said of the award. “We were confident halfway through the test that she would do well, but when the judge announced her total score of 82 points, we were thrilled beyond measure.”

The IBOP test is a dressage test of all three gaits and includes serpentines and medium gaits. “I always recognized that Tessa was the mare in the field to do the most frolicking, like she enjoyed being athletic. During the test, she really showed off her suspended and elastic [gaits],” Vanderkooy explained. Kevin Brutsche, of Clinton, WA, purchased Tessa shortly before the FHANA keuring.  The mare was ridden by and has been in training with Cecile Von Martels, of Ridgetown Ontario.

Vanderkooy, owner of KCF Farms, has had other mares compete in the IBOP Cup over the years. “We wish to thank Iron Spring Farm for their generosity in offering this rewarding prize each year to the FHANA membership,” he said. Iron Spring Farm began sponsoring the IBOP Dressage Cup in 2010. The Cup recognizes Friesians with serious dressage talent. Prizes include coolers for the Top Five national finishers, as well as $500 to the champion and $250 to the reserve champion.

Tessa’s sire, Brend 413, Sport, also had a successful dressage career. He won through Third Level with scores near 70%, including the GAIG/USDF Region I Third Level Adult Amateur Championship. Brend is by Brandus 345, Sport/Preferent, out Meta Van De Strubbenhof, from stam line 34. Brend’s sons and daughters have won numerous championships and dressage classes.

For the latest updates, photos and videos, please visit the Iron Spring Farm Facebook page and www.ironspringfarm.com.

Sportsmanship Takes Center Stage at Arabian Horse Association Sport Horse Nationals

Hillary Boothe at the AHA Sport Horse Nationals. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Boothe)

Nampa, ID (October 4, 2018) – The 2018 Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Show held in Nampa, Idaho is known for its glitz, glamour, and high spirited horses. This year one young lady outshined all of the sparkle with her outstanding smile and sportsmanship. Hillary Boothe, of Lompoc, California, competed two horses over the weekend and greeted everyone she encountered with warmth and sincerity.

Boothe was overjoyed that her outstanding sportsmanship was recognized during the show. The Sportsmanship Award is presented to one competitor at the National Arabian Championships who displays exemplary sportsmanship during the competition. Boothe was presented with a tri-colored sportsmanship ribbon and a silver engraved tray presented by the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Boothe owns and runs Promises Ranch LLC alongside her mother, Sarah. Together, they have built a strong presence on the Arabian horse scene and have won countless Champion and Reserve Champion titles along the way. Boothe competed in a wide variety of classes over the weekend with her mounts. My Khinda Party, a six-year-old stallion, was bred and raised by Boothe herself. This made his stellar performance that much sweeter. She was thrilled with his performance the entire weekend. Boothe’s second mount was Susan Claycamp’s six-year-old Khiamo Ko, who stole the show.

For more information, please visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Tim Jones
904-255-4225
timjones@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221

Vote Today for Your Equestrian Heroes in the FEI Awards 2018

The public vote for the FEI Awards 2018 is now open! For a second consecutive year the public gets to vote and celebrate its equestrian heroes following publication of the shortlisted nominees.

A record of outstanding achievements on the field of play, horsemanship, commitment and behind-the-scenes dedication are just some of the qualities of the 20 nominees selected across the five categories.

The shortlisted nominees for the FEI Awards 2018 are:

Longines Rising Star – for the young stars aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment.

  • Felix Koller (AUT), Jumping
  • Esmee Donkers (NED), Dressage
  • Victor Levecque (FRA), Eventing
  • Bunty Howard (ZAM), Jumping

Best Athlete – paying tribute to some incredible performances during the year, notably at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 and the Asian Games, which took the sport to a new level.

  • Simone Blum (GER), Jumping
  • Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN), Eventing
  • Lambert Leclezio (FRA), Vaulting
  • Stinna Kaastrup (DEN), Para Dressage

Best Groom – for the behind-the-scenes hero who ensures the horses he or she looks after are given the best possible care.

  • Lucy Miles (NZL), Eventing, groom for Jonelle and Tim Price
  • Alex Tyler-Morris (GBR), Jumping, groom for Harrie Smolders
  • Lee McKeever (USA), Jumping, groom for McLain Ward
  • Steffi Wiegard (GER), Dressage, head groom for Isabell Werth

Against All Odds – for an inspiring individual who has pursued their equestrian ambitions and overcome challenges and obstacles along the way.

  • Sammie Fritz (USA), Dressage
  • Leila Malki (PLE), Jumping
  • Sara Morganti (ITA), Para Dressage
  • Kate Shoemaker (USA), Para Dressage

FEI Solidarity – for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.

  • Julie Battams and Equine Pathways (AUS)
  • The Horsemanship charity programme (CHN)
  • Riders of Hope (BIH)
  • Mercedes Campdera (MEX)

Make sure you have your say and vote here!

The online public vote will be open from 5 to 15 October and will count for 50%, with a panel of expert judges deciding the remaining 50%.

The winners will be announced at the FEI Awards 2018 Gala presented by Longines in Manama, Bahrain on 20 November. Presenters on the night of this prestigious ceremony will be five-time Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker (GBR) and young Dressage star Juan Matute Guimón (ESP). “I am beyond excited and honoured to have been asked to host the awards with Juan!” Natasha Baker said. “I can’t wait to meet all of the deserving award winners and hear their stories and celebrate our fantastic sport.”

Vote for your equestrian heroes and stay tuned to learn everything about the FEI Awards 2018 on fei.org.

FEI Media Contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager, Media Relations and Media Operations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Olga Nikolaou
Media Relations Officer
olga.nikolaou@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 56