Tag Archives: Pegasus Awards

Awards, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

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

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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.

Awards, Breeds, Hunter/Equitation, Racing, Show Jumping, USEF

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

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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

Awards, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

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

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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.

Awards, Community/Charity, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping

Lawrence Langer and Elizabeth Traband to Receive Top Awards at USEF Annual Meeting

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Lizzy Traband (Cathrin Cammett Photo)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Lawrence “Larry” Langer as the winner of the 2016 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Traband as the 2016 Junior Equestrian of the Year. The recipients will receive their awards at the Pegasus Awards Gala held Friday, January 13 at The Hyatt Regency Lexington in Lexington, Ky. during the 2017 USEF Annual Meeting.

USEF Lifetime Achievement Award – Lawrence “Larry” Langer

Langer, of Burbank, Calif., has been part of the horse industry for 66 years, from starting lessons as a child to his induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. For his years of service, Langer will be awarded the 2016 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pegasus Awards Gala.

Visit usefnetwork.com for more information about Langer.

Junior Equestrian of the Year – Elizabeth “Lizzy” Traband

Growing up on a sport horse breeding and training farm, horses have always been a part of 18-year-old Traband’s life. Despite being born with only one hand, Traband has not let anything limit her passion for horses. She has successfully competed in dressage, hunters, jumpers, and para-dressage. A prime example of courage, sportsmanship, and dedication, Traband will be awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2016 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

Visit usefnetwork.com for more information about Traband.

Visit usef.org for more information about the 2017 USEF Annual Meeting.

From the USEF Communications Department

Awards, Show Jumping, USEF

Madden Named USEF Equestrian of the Year for Third Time at 2013 Pegasus Awards

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Beezie Madden (Kit Houghton/FEI)

Lexington, Ky. – To cap off a record-setting year, jumping superstar Beezie Madden added one more record to her résumé on Friday night at the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Awards dinner, becoming the second person to ever score the USEF’s Equestrian of the Year title three times.

Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.), who won the top honor in 2005 and 2006 as well, earned the 2013 USEF Equestrian of the Year title after a campaign that saw her win at nearly every turn. The dual Olympic Team Gold medalist cemented her status as one of the sport’s elite producing top finishes stateside and abroad, in addition to capturing one of the few individual titles that had eluded her.

She began her record-setting season at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival winning the $125,000 FEI W-Cup Grand Prix CSI3* presented by Spy Coast Farm with Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ before aiding in the winning U.S. effort in the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm with Wexner’s Simon. Also during the CSIO Wellington, Madden and Cortes ‘C’ teamed up for a second-place effort in the $150,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty.

In April, Madden traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden, to capture the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final crown for the first time. She kicked off the week with a win in the Speed Leg before jumping three more consistent rounds with Simon to force a jump-off with the reigning Olympic champion, where a clear effort saw her claim victory. Madden continued to dominate in Europe producing two impressive double clears in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competitions and a Longines Global Champion Tours Grand Prix of Chantilly victory over the summer with Cortes ‘C’. Madden then assisted the U.S. to a win in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. As a testament to her 2013 success, Madden spent three months as the second-ranked rider in the world on the Longines/FEI Rankings.

“Congratulations to all who have won awards tonight. I am honored to be Equestrian of the Year. I am thankful to my whole team,” said Madden.

Earlier, after receiving the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, the reining Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals Champion recognized all those that had helped her during her record setting year.

“There are so many people that should be up here with me. Great horses make great riders and I am very lucky to have the partners I have.”

Madden received The William C. Steinkraus Trophy, awarded to an equestrian in an Olympic discipline, for the third time. As a result, she was one of eight equestrians in the running for the USEF’s top honor.

The following awards were presented on January 10, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Lexington:

The Becky Grand Hart Trophy was presented to Four-In-Hand driver Chester Weber (Ocala, Fla.). The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes. Weber added to his legacy in 2013 with a campaign that saw him win at home and abroad. Always regarded for his skill on the first day, he proved his proficiency in the dressage by going undefeated in the phase throughout the year. He started off the season with victories at the Little Everglades CDE and Live Oak International CDE before traveling to Europe where he was the winner of the Saumur CAI-4A and the Caen CAI-A4. Also while in Europe, Weber produced third-place finishes at the CHIO Aachen and the CAI Beekbergen. He then finished out the season by earning a 10th USEF Four-in-Hand National Championship at the Kentucky Classic CDE.

Chris and Sonya Bickford (Sherwood, Ore.) were awarded the Bill Robinson Trophy for their success in the sport of carriage pleasure driving. The Bill Robinson Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing with horses or ponies across all the breeds in harness or for driving performance in non-international competitions. In 2013, the Bickfords once again enjoyed an extremely successful show season that had often seen them heading the field. Chris earned two Carriage Pleasure Driving National Championships in the Working and Gambler’s Choice divisions, as well as garnering four National Top 10s in Turnout, Pick Your Route, Reinmanship, and Timed Obstacles at the 2013 U.S. Arabian & Half Arabian Sport Horse National Championship Show. Additionally, he drove the second-ranked USEF National High Point Horse for Carriage Pleasure Driving Single. Sonya had a wildly successful season in her own right as well, driving to the Arabian & Half-Arabian Sport Horse National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Reinmanship and Arabian & Half-Arabian Sport Horse Reserve National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Working titles. She actively competed with the 2013 leading USEF National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Single and Grand National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving horse, trained by Chris.

Liza Boyd (Camden, S.C.) earned her first Emerson Burr Trophy for her success in the hunter ring. The Emerson Burr Trophy is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences. With longtime partner Brunello, Boyd scored her biggest career victory when she topped a star-studded field in the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. This was the pair’s fifth International Hunter Derby win in as many months after topping fields in the Camden Spring International Hunter Derby, the Atlanta Spring International Hunter Derby, the Atlanta Summer International Hunter Derby, and the BRCHS International Hunter Derby.

For the second time, Jim Stachowkski (Mantua, Ohio) has had his name added to the list of equestrians to win the C. J. “June” Cronan Trophy. The C. J. “June” Cronan Trophy is presented to those excelling in under saddle show breeds. In 2013, Stachowski’s success in the show ring speaks for itself, as he earned countless top prizes throughout the year in the American Saddlebred and Arabian disciplines. At the World’s Grand Championship Show at the Kentucky State Fair, he garnered World Championship titles in the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited and Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure Futurity divisions, as well as a World Reserve Grand Champion Fine Harness Stallion/Gelding Stake title. Stachowski’s storied foothold in the Arabian show arena was punctuated with top honors in the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity and Country English Pleasure Championships and Reserve National Championships in the English Pleasure and the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Junior Horse classes at the 2013 U.S. Arabian & Half Arabian National Championship Show.
The Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy was awarded to Rick Gervasio (Ocala, Fla.). This trophy is presented to an equestrian showing in a non-reining Western discipline. Gervasio has competed at the Morgan Grand National in Oklahoma City, Okla., for the last three years, garnering a plethora of top finishes. In 2011, 2012, and 2013, he earned multiple World and Reserve World Championships, as well as Grand National Championships in the ever-competitive Western Pleasure division. His versatility extends beyond the western pleasure division, as he continually earns top honors in Trail and Western Dressage, is a true testament to his skill and versatility.

For a second consecutive year, Bruce Griffin (Gretna, Va.) was awarded the Norman K. Dunn Trophy, presented to an equestrian competing at halter or in-hand. A notably true horseman, his results from the 2013 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship included 10 National and World Titles, eight Reserve National and World Titles, and four Top Five awards in halter and sport horse in-hand classes. Additionally this year, he won the coveted Grand Championship at the prestigious Dressage at Devon Horse Show. Adding to his accolades in 2013, Griffin trained and showed the first-ranked USEF Friesian Halter Horse.

The Vaughn Smith Trophy was awarded to Martha Rattner (Paris, Ky.) for her success with Arabians in 2013. The Vaughan Smith Trophy is presented to the best rider of any horse or pony breed shown in hunter pleasure, show hack, hunter hack, dressage hack, costume, side saddle, or Western dressage. Rattner has been a fixture in the winner’s circle of Arabian Sport Horse, Dressage, and English Trail divisions with an outstanding year in 2013 which saw her win 23 Regional Championships, nine National Top 10 titles, and a Reserve National Championship.

It was a banner year for these eight equestrians across the USEF breeds and disciplines. The USEF membership, board of directors, and designated equestrian media voted to decide the winner.

Keith Bartz (Naples, Fla.) received the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy for his undying support and incredibly legacy in the equestrian community. Bartz has been a leading figure in the American Saddlebred industry for many years and his influence spans the entire scope of the sport, as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader.

Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) was awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2013 Junior Equestrian of the Year. With her unprecedented success in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines, Keenan now stands among the most decorated junior riders in history.

Linda Bibbler (Woodside, Calif.), Larry Langer (Burbank, Calif.), and Dr. Armand Leone Jr. (Glen Rock, N.J.) received Pegasus Medals of Honor.

The Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy is given, at the discretion of USEF President Chrystine Tauber, to honor distinguished service in equestrian sport. The winner of this award is known only to the president until it is presented and for 2013, Tauber chose Bill Moroney.

The McDevitt Award of Merit is awarded posthumously to people who have passed away during the preceding competition year. In 2013 Marjorie “Marge” Peterson Fergusson, Howard Lewis, and Fred Nava were honored.

Sportsmanship Award and Walter B Devereux Trophy was given to Ed Young in 2013.

USEF Equus Foundation Humanitarian Award was awarded to Margo Dewkett.

James Brown, Valerie Knight, James LaHood, and Judy Richter were added to Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials for their service to equestrian competition.

Joan Lurie, an acclaimed Saddlebred breeder at Willowbank Farm, was honored with the Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Trophy.

Video, photos, news and more from the 2014 USEF Annual Meeting and Pegasus Awards are available here: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2014USEFAnnualMeeting/.

Awards, USEF

USEF Announces 2014 Pegasus Award Winners

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Lillie Keenan (©alcookphoto.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted honors. Awarded by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Friday, January 10, at The Hyatt Regency Lexington in Lexington, Ky. The winner of the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information is available here: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2014USEFAnnualMeeting/.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Keith Bartz

Keith Bartz of Naples, Fla., has been a leading figure in the American Saddlebred industry for many years. Bartz’s influence spans the entire scope of the sport, as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader. For his undying support and incredible legacy, Bartz has been awarded the 2013 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.

Bartz has spent his entire life devoted to the promotion of the American Saddlebred. For 27 years he and his wife, Carol, owned and operated Hollow Haven Farm, where they helped many amateurs and juvenile riders reach success in the show ring. Bartz also served as an active American Saddlebred Horse Association judge for 11 divisions until his retirement in 1998. He has shown his dedication to the American Saddlebred by serving as the Director of the American Saddlebred Museum for more than a decade as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. For his outstanding sportsmanship, Bartz was the recipient of the USEF’s Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award in 2003.

Bartz’s influence on the American Saddlebred sport and the entire equestrian industry expands beyond the show ring, as he has dedicated significant time and effort to governance, including serving many years on the Board of Directors, Budget & Finance Committee, and Admin & Finance Working Group and as an Officer of the Federation. He also served many years as chairman of the USEF Licensed Officials Committee. Bartz is a past President of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association and currently serves on the American Saddlebred, Ethics, Compensation & Human Resources, and Nominating Committees for the USEF.

Junior Equestrian of the Year – Lillie Keenan

At just 17 years old, Lillie Keenan is already epitomizing the dedication, skill, poise, and sportsmanship that are required to reach the top of equestrian sport. A junior at the Spence School in New York, N.Y., Keenan actively participates in hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. For her talent, integrity, and contributions to the equestrian world, Keenan will be awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2013 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

With her unprecedented success over the last 12 months, Keenan now stands among the most decorated junior riders in history. In the hunter ranks, she was named the Grand Junior Hunter Champion at the Devon Horse Show, in addition to earning Reserve Champion honors at the US Junior Hunter National Championships – East. Keenan also made a huge splash in the jumping ranks, winning many of the most coveted titles offered annually in the United States. In July, she earned Team and Individual Gold medals at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North before capturing Team Silver and Individual Gold at the Randolph College/USEF Junior Jumper Championships. She also earned her first Grand Prix victory in June by topping the $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix presented by Zoetis. Keenan showcased her exemplary riding style throughout the year by claiming the Shalanno Style of Riding Award at the Devon Horse Show and the William C. Steinkraus Style of Riding Award at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. She closed out her 2013 campaign by topping the fields in the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals presented by Randolph College and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Finals, adding two of the most prestigious equitation titles to her resume.

In addition to excelling on the field of play, she also shines in the classroom, maintaining an A average while taking a full course load which includes Calculus, Biology, Spanish V, English, and Art History. Keenan, whose most meaningful victory to date came in the 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, also gives back to the sport she loves as a member of the USHJA Equitation Task Force and by helping other riders who also train out of Heritage Farm.

Pegasus Medals of Honor – Linda Bibbler, Larry Langer, and Armand Leone

The Pegasus Medal of Honor was created as an annual award to recognize individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and equestrian sport. These dedicated individuals have engaged the community in their passion for horses through their work in the industry. This year’s winners, Linda Bibbler, Larry Langer, and Armand Leone, have all dedicated years of service to equestrian sport.

Bibbler of Woodside, Calif., has been an active member of the vaulting community at all levels for nearly 30 years. She began her involvement with horses at the age of 12 and showed hunters throughout high school. After graduating from Harvard University, Bibbler continued to show actively on the West Coast. When her daughter became involved in vaulting, she began her unending commitment to the exciting sport. Bibbler has served as Chef d’Equipe for U.S. teams at international competitions on five occasions including at FEI World Championships in 1996 in Kaposvar, Hungary and the 2008 FEI World Championships in Brno, Czech Republic. She has also served as a competition manager for numerous vaulting events in the U.S. and on the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and its test event held in 2009. Bibbler has an extensive resume in governance roles, having been a member of the Board of Directors for both the American Vaulting Association and USEF, and being a vital member of multiple committees. She was also a co-founder of the Woodside Vaulters and has owned, trained, and lunged several horses throughout her time in the sport.

Langer of Burbank, Calif., has spent a lifetime immersed in the sport of jumping at all levels, after taking up riding at the age of six and never looking back. He is best known as the President and CEO of the Langer Equestrian Group, Inc., which produces more than 35 hunter/jumper and dressage competitions annually. He also founded and managed the Pacific Horse Center in Elk Grove, Calif., in the 1970s, which hosted a lesson program as well as a college accredited Horsemastership Program. Langer also founded the West Coast Grand Prix Association that ultimately merged with the American Grand Prix Association, for which he served on the Board of Directors. As a show manager, overall director, and official he has been actively involved with FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships for many years. Langer was also the competition manager for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 1992 FEI World Cup Finals in Del Mar, Calif. In governance roles, he has dedicated his time as a member of the Board of Directors and Committee member for the USEF, Show Jumping Hall of Fame, American Grand Prix Association, National Hunter/Jumper Council, USHJA, and the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association. As a testament to his dedication and knowledge of the sport, Langer has either been the President or Chairman of every major horse show organization in California.

Leone of Glen Rock, N.J., has expressed passionate and unwavering support of the United States’ international teams and their high performance athletes for many years. Leone, alongside his two younger brothers, internationally known as Team Leone, spent the beginning of his equestrian career in the show ring, jumping to many successful placings. In 1980, he was selected as an alternate to the jumping team for the boycotted Moscow Olympic Games. Leone has dedicated much of his time and effort to supporting and guiding the United States Equestrian Team Foundation; from 2003-2008 he served as the President and CEO of the Foundation and was the Chairman of the Board from 2008-2013. In his numerous roles with the USET, Leone helped guide the organization in providing the necessary financial support to ensure that the United States’ High Performance combinations were in the strongest possible position to win medals. He also served as a diligent Vice President of the USEF High Performance Working Group. Leone is still an active member of the USEF Planning, Compensation & Human Resources, Budget & Finance Committees as well as the Vice President, High Performance of the Ad Hoc Selections Committee.

For more information about the 2014 USEF Annual Meeting, visit https://www.usef.org/convention/.

Awards, Community/Charity, Events, USEF

USEF Announces Fargis, Chancellor, Zang to Receive Year’s Highest Honors at Pegasus Awards

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Joe Fargis (USEF Archive/Tish Quirk)

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the names of three equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted awards. Awarded by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medal of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Saturday, January 19, at The Henry Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. The winner of the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013USEFAnnualMeeting/.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Joe Fargis

Joe Fargis of Middleburg, Virginia has been a leading figure in the sport of jumping for more than 40 years. Fargis’ influence spans the entire scope of the sport as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader. For his undying support and incredible legacy, Fargis has been awarded the 2012 USEF Lifetime Achievement Awarded and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.

Continue reading USEF Announces Fargis, Chancellor, Zang to Receive Year’s Highest Honors at Pegasus Awards →

Awards, Community/Charity, Events, USEF

USEF Annual Meeting

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Jacob Arnold, Jim Wofford, and Steffen Peters (Geoff Bugbee)

The 2012 USEF Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH ended on Saturday night with a Pegasus awards show that was broadcast around the world. Steffen Peters was chosen from a fantastic group of nominees and earned the night’s top prize, Equestrian of the Year, for the third time. Opting for a slideshow rather than a speech Peters thanked in pictures Ravel, Weltino’s Magic and, among many others, his wife Shannon. James C. Wofford was honored with a lifetime achievement award (you can view a video about his life and achievements here) and Jacob Arnold accepted the award for 2011 Youth Equestrian of the Year.

On demand video of the Pegasus awards, along with pictures and video from Friday’s Horse of the Year celebration, is available here on the USEF Network.

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Dressage, Events, USEF

Steffen Peters Named 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year

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Steffen Peters, 2011 Equestrian of the Year, at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico

Cincinnati, OH – To cap off a record-setting year, dressage superstar Steffen Peters added one more record to his résumé on Saturday night at the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Awards dinner. He became the first person to score the USEF’s Equestrian of the Year title three times.

Peters (San Diego, CA) won the top honor in 2008 and 2009 based largely on his accomplishments with Akiko Yamazaki’s phenom Ravel – but in 2011, Ravel had some help. Peters capitalized on his first trip to the Pan American Games and scored Team and Individual Gold in a tremendous effort with Jen and Bruce Hlavacek’s Weltino’s Magic. From California to Aachen, Germany Peters was undefeated in 2011 with the now 9-year-old Westphalian gelding.

Both Ravel and ‘Magic’ scored at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, NJ in September sweeping the Grand Prix and Intermediaire I divisions respectively. Peters won all six classes in the effort and secured his Pan Am spot with Magic in the process.

Continue reading Steffen Peters Named 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year →

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Breeds, Community/Charity, Driving, Eventing/H.T., Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Wofford, Arnold to Receive Year’s Highest Equestrian Awards at the 2012 Pegasus Awards

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Jacob Arnold. Photo: Joanie Morris/USEF Archive

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is proud to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted awards. Presented by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Saturday, January 14, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Additionally, the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information about that is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7915/2011/12/14/usef_announces_the_2011_equestrian.aspx.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Virginia’s James “Jim” Wofford, 67, is a legend in his sport of Eventing. A decorated athlete, Wofford has helped shape an industry as a trainer, clinician, author, and administrator. His lifelong involvement with equestrian sports and his incredible list of accomplishments have secured his place in history.

Continue reading Wofford, Arnold to Receive Year’s Highest Equestrian Awards at the 2012 Pegasus Awards →