Patricia Hill and Eric Straus also named to Board
Lexington, KY – May 4, 2011 – The National Horse Show Association of America Ltd. announced today that E. Hunter Harrison has been named as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Born in Tennessee, Harrison served for many years as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian National Railway before retiring in 2009, leaving an admirable record of accomplishment. Thanks to his leadership, CN became the envy of the railway industry and Harrison developed his reputation as one of the most successful railroaders in history. In a fitting tribute to Harrison, CN named their Memphis distribution center after its retiring CEO. They unveiled the Harrison Yard recently, after spending $100-million to nearly double its capacity.
Harrison’s Double H Farm, owned by Hunter and his wife Jeannie, is one of the top equestrian show stables in the industry. The farm, managed by the Harrison’s daughter, Cayce, is home to a number of world-class show jumpers, including Let’s Fly and Rufus, shown by Olympic Gold Medalist Rodrigo Pessoa.
Mr. Harrison also serves as the Special Liaison for Horse Show Management to the North American Riders Group and has held advisory roles for such world-class competitions as Spruce Meadows, The Global Champions Tour and the Winter Equestrian Festival.
“I’m very honored that a show, with the long tradition of excellence that the National Horse Show has in our sport would select me to take on the position of Chairman of the Board,” said Harrison. “To have a new association with the wonderful venue at the Kentucky Horse Park and with a new world-class sponsor like Alltech, this is a very exciting time for me to join forces with the National Horse Show Association.”
“The National Horse Show Association is thrilled to have Hunter Harrison join us as Chairman of the Board,” said National Horse Show President, Mason Phelps, Jr. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience that will be invaluable as we move forward with this event at its new home at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.”
Also joining the Board of Directors is dedicated equestrian and long-time member of the National Horse Show Trophy Committee, Patricia Hill.
“When I was first asked to join the Board of Directors, my jaw dropped, it’s such an honor,” stated Hill. “I’ve been a part of the National for quite a few years, in fact, I remember going to Madison Square Garden to watch the National Horse Show as a little girl. So now, to be a part of this great tradition is really a privilege for me.”
“Pat has been involved with the National Horse Show for a long time and certainly deserves a spot on our board,” added Phelps. “She brings a lot of hard work and dedication to the group. We’re glad she’s with us.”
In addition to those appointments, Eric L. Straus, who had been named to temporarily fill the seat of the late Gene Mische, was voted on as a new board member.
The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, will be staged at the famous Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, site of last year’s Alltech World Equestrian Games.
The show will be held from November 2-6, 2011 at the beautiful new Alltech Indoor Arena.
In addition to hosting the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, the show will feature a complete schedule of ‘AA’-rated hunter divisions, a big money Open Jumper division with a major Grand Prix, and as always, the signature event of the National Horse Show, the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals.
Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.
For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.
Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com