Tag Archives: USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

Awards, USEF

Alexandra Ferris Wins 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Alexandra Ferris (Andy Illes)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Alexandra “Lexie” Ferris as the winner of the 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements. A fourth generation horsewoman from Ipswich, Mass., Ferris was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association.

The 18-year-old high school senior began her riding career by showing in leadline classes as a young child. Over the years, Ferris has competed Morgans in hunter and saddle seat divisions, and worked for carriage pleasure driving, Hackney, Friesian, hunter/jumper, Morgan, and American Saddlebred facilities in attempt to expand her knowledge in any way possible. She has competed on an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team for six years and has been to the Zone Finals once and the Regional Finals five times. Ferris has been a member of the Massachusetts Youth Council for four years and USEF Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program for three years. She has won accolades such as the 2014 North Shore Horsemen’s Association New Hunter Reserve Champion title, 2014 Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association Outstanding Youth Award, and 2015 North Shore Horsemen’s Association Children’s Equitation Champion title.

A student at Ipswich High School, Ferris is involved in the Interact Club, I AM Mentoring Program, National Honor Society, and plays varsity soccer. She takes honors and Advanced Placement classes, maintaining a 3.92 GPA. Ferris plans to major in equine sciences in college, and to ride on an IHSA or NCAA team, with the hopes of working in equine rehabilitation therapy in the future.

Ferris is also active in her community. She has helped with Relay for Life, Red Cross blood drives, and senior citizens events. Ferris volunteers at two different horse camps at local barns, helping children learn about horses and how to properly care for them.

Ferris will receive a commemorative trophy and a $1,000 grant to the educational program of her choice.

The reserve overall winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is Brianna Relucio (San Ramon, Calif.), nominated by the United States Dressage Federation. She began riding at the age of eight and now competes at the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire – I level in dressage. Relucio is a 17-year-old senior at San Ramon Valley High School where she is the Associated Student Body president and a STEM Club officer. She volunteers her time as a Vacation Bible School counselor at her local church and a middle school tutor. As the reserve overall winner, she will receive a $500 grant.

The other national nominees were:

Cassidy Ball (Scottsdale, Ariz.) – American Saddlebred Horse Association
Ali Bedell (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) – Paso Fino Horse Association
Chloe Bellerive (Keedysville, Md.) – United States Hunter Jumper Association
Kathleen “Katie” Berger (Naperville, Ill.) – International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association
Grace Fulton (Finksburg, Md.) – United States Eventing Association
Janae Griffin (Gretna, Va.) – International Friesian Show Horse Association
Tessa Kimbler (Aberdeen, S.D.) – Arabian Horse Association
Makenzie Moore (Gastonia, N.C.) – American Road Horse and Pony Association
Coralee Richardson (Parker, Colo.) – American Connemara Pony Society
Emma Santellan (Modesto, Calif.) – Western Dressage Association of America
Audrey Schulze (Ridgewood, N.J.) – Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America
Haley Smith (Parker, Colo.) – American Vaulting Association

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Natalie Norwood, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at nnorwood@usef.org or (859) 225-6951.

From the USEF Communications Department

Awards, USEF

Applications Available for 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Lexington, Ky. – The search is underway for 2016 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award nominees. The award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as positive role models for peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, exhibit substantial community involvement, and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.

The overall winner of the 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award will receive a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of his/her choice and a commemorative trophy. The winner will also be nominated for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award. The reserve winner will receive a $500 grant payable to the educational program of choice.

Applications are available online at usef.org or through any USEF Recognized National Affiliate Association or International Discipline Association. Required materials should be submitted directly to the applicant’s respective USEF Recognized National Affiliate Association or International Discipline Association and received by the respective office on or before September 1, 2016. Each USEF Recognized Affiliate may select a National Winner, who will be considered for the overall award.

To be considered for the 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, applicants must:

· Have a current membership in good standing with the USEF
· Have a current membership in good standing with a USEF Recognized Association or International Discipline Association
· Be 17 years of age or under, as of December 1, 2015
· Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport
· Serve as a positive role model for peers
· Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional, or national events
· Exemplify community involvement
· Exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles

For more information regarding the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Natalie Norwood, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, via email at nnorwood@usef.org or call (859) 225-6951.

From the USEF Communications Department

Awards, USEF

Courtney Ball Wins 2015 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Courtney Ball (Courtesy of Courtney Ball)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Courtney Ball as the winner of the 2015 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements. An American Saddlebred competitor from Scottsdale, Ariz., Ball was nominated by the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA).

The 17-year-old high school senior began riding American Saddlebreds at the age of six and has competed in a variety of divisions from showmanship to show pleasure driving. For her achievements, Ball has won six ASHA Youth High Point Awards and several American Saddlebred Association of Arizona (ASAA) High Point Awards. Ball has been an ASHA Youth Club member for 11 years and is the president of her local club, the Bridleway BarnStormers Youth Club. She is also a 10-year member of the ASAA and its Junior Board, and had been a member of the USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program for three years. Ball is an active member of the American Saddlebred International Youth Program, having received all 19 achievement badges.

A student at Pinnacle High School, Ball is involved in Best Buddies, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Diversity Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Society of Womanly Scholars, and Student Government. She takes several honors and AP classes and maintains a 4.1667 GPA. Ball plans to attend William Woods University in the fall of 2016 and double major in Business and Equine Science.

Ball is also very active in her community. She volunteers at a local preschool and with a local Haiti fundraising initiative and Feed My Starving Children. Ball has organized canned food, clothing, and school supply drives as well as efforts to make “no-sew” blankets for a local children’s hospital.

Ball will receive a commemorative trophy, a $1,000 grant to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500.

The reserve overall winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is Nicholas Roberts (Granby, Mass.), nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association. He will receive a $500 grant.

The other national nominees were:
Mary Baker, Wooster, Ohio (Arabian Horse Association and United States Dressage Federation)
Hannah Bentz, Boca Raton, Fla. (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
Katie Berger, Naperville, Ill. (International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association)
Connor Farley, Waverly, W.Va. (Western Dressage Association of America)
Chase Gillispie, Ona, W.Va. (American Driving Society)
Margo Goldfarb, Franklin, Tenn. (American Connemara Pony Society)
Emily Harsomchuck, Madera, Pa. (International Friesian Show Horse Association)
Maria Muzzio, Clifton, Va. (American Endurance Ride Conference)
Kaleb Patterson, Stanwood, Wash. (American Vaulting Association)
Molly Sherman, Dickerson, Md. (United States Eventing Association)

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

From the USEF Communications Department

Awards, USEF

USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Applications Due September 1

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Lexington, Ky. – Applications for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award are being accepted through September 1, 2015. The award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as positive role models for their peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, are involved in their community, and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.

The overall winner of the 2015 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award will receive a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of his/her choice, USEF Life Membership valued at $2,500, and a commemorative trophy. The winner will also be one of the nominees for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award. The reserve winner will receive a $500 grant payable to the educational program of choice.

Applications are available online at usef.org or through any USEF Recognized National Affiliate Association or International Discipline Association. Required materials are to be submitted directly to the applicant’s respective USEF Recognized National Affiliate Association or International Discipline Association and received by the respective office on or before September 1, 2015. Each USEF Recognized Affiliate may select a National Winner, who will be considered for the overall award.

To be considered for the 2015 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, applicants must:

  • Have a current membership in good standing with the USEF
  • Have a current membership in good standing with a USEF Recognized Association or International Discipline Association
  • Be 17 years of age or under, as of December 1, 2014
  • Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport
  • Serve as a positive role model for peers
  • Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional, or national events
  • Be involved with their community
  • Exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles

For more information regarding the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, via e-mail at jmellenkamp@usef.org or call (859) 225-6955.

From the USEF Communications Department

Awards, USEF

USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Applications Due September 1, 2014

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Lexington, Ky. – Applications for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award are being accepted through September 1, 2014. The award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as positive role models for their peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, are involved in their communities, and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.

The overall winner of the 2014 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award will receive a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of his/her choice, USEF Life Membership valued at $2,500, and a commemorative trophy. The winner will also be one of the nominees for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award. The reserve winner will receive a $500 grant payable to the educational program of choice.

Applications are available online at usef.org or through any USEF Recognized National Affiliate Association or International Discipline Association. Required materials must be submitted directly to an applicant’s respective USEF Recognized National Affiliate or International Discipline Association and received by the respective office, on or before September 1, 2014. Each USEF Recognized Affiliate may select a National Winner, who will be considered for the overall award.

To be considered for the 2014 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, applicants must:

  • Have a current membership in good standing with the USEF
  • Have a current membership in good standing with a USEF Recognized Association or International Discipline Association
  • Be 17 years of age or under, as of December 1, 2013
  • Demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport
  • Serve as a positive role model for peers
  • Participate at any level of competition, including local, regional, or national events
  • Be involved with their communities and exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles

For more information regarding the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, via e-mail at jmellenkamp@usef.org or call (859) 225-6955.

Awards, USEF, Vaulting

Miranda Prints Receives 2013 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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2013 USEF Youth Sportsman of the Year Miranda Prints (Bill Smith Photography)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Miranda Prints as the winner of the 2013 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. Seventeen-year-old Prints was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed and discipline affiliates from across the country. An avid vaulter from Orangevale, Calif., she was nominated by the American Vaulting Association (AVA).

Prints has been vaulting for 12 years and has won Reserve National Champion, Region II Champion, and Region II High Point Champion and Reserve Champion titles. In 2008, she passed her Bronze Medal test with commendations and in 2010 passed her Silver Medal test with high commendations. She volunteers as an assistant coach for lower level vaulters of Nu Balance Vaulters, even coaching students to “Tiny Tot” Champion titles. She was an ambassador for the American Vaulting Association at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and was a member of the Cavalcade of Horses’ staff at the California State Fair.

A student at Bella Vista High School, Prints participates in the California Scholarship Federation (academically qualified students tutoring other students for an opportunity to be selected for a scholarship), Art Club, Interact Club (students tackling issues facing their community through community service projects), and Bella Vista Choir. She was also invited to perform with the Sacramento Honor Choir.

In addition to her extracurricular activities, Prints is also active in a variety community service activities, such as Heart Rancho, Spirit of Service, and 30 Hour Famine. She worked as a staff member at the Cordova Christian Camp, helped found Athletes for God with her vaulting team, honoring a team member with Huntington’s disease, and went on a mission trip to Nicaragua through Health Talents International.

A talented student, Prints maintains a 4.33 GPA on a five-point scale and is in the top 10% of her class. Ever since she was young, she has wanted to be a doctor. She plans to attend the University of California Berkeley and earn a Bachelor of Science in either Biology or Molecular & Cell Biology, and then attend medical school and specialize in orthopedic surgery.

Prints will receive a commemorative trophy, a $1,000 grant to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500.

The reserve overall winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is McCamey Kimbler of Aberdeen, S.D. She was nominated by the American Endurance Ride Conference and will receive a $500 grant.

The other national nominees were:
Anna Campbell, Wylie, Texas (United States Dressage Federation)
Sydney Collier, Ann Arbor, Mich. (United States Para-Equestrian Association)
Sarah Frushour, Lakewood, Calif. (Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America)
Meagan Hansen, Chico, Calif. (International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association)
Kathryn Johnson, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada (Arabian Horse Association)
Melissa Kerr, Granville, Ohio (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
Foster Roberts, Georgetown, Ky. (American Saddlebred Horse Association)
Ada Marie Staley, Paris, Ohio (American Morgan Horse Association)
Maria Weber, Salisbury, N.C. (Paso Fino Horse Association)

The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements.

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

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

George “Joey” Gadd Wins the 2012 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Gadd on his way to winning the Kentucky CVI3* Individual Male division (MacMillan Photography)

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce George “Joey” Gadd as the winner of the 2012 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. Seventeen-year-old Gadd was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed and discipline affiliates from across the country. An avid vaulter from Saratoga, CA, he was nominated by the American Vaulting Association (AVA).

Gadd has demonstrated a commitment to the sport of vaulting as a nine-year member of the AVA and Mt. Eden Vaulting Club. He has attended numerous national competitions, competing for a second year at the Gold level, and earning wins at the Chilliwack and Kentucky CVI competitions. Gadd has attained the necessary scores to compete at the FEI 4* level and was honored to be named the Individual Male alternate for the 2012 FEI World Vaulting Championships this year in Le Mans, France. Gadd hopes to compete in the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France as an Individual Male and possibly also on the Team.

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Awards, Breeds, Competitions, Events, USEF

Sascha Mills Wins 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Sascha Mills. Photo: Laurie Revard

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Sascha Mills as the winner of the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. Mills was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed and discipline affiliates from across the country. An avid Morgan competitor from Goldsby, OK, she was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA).

“Winning this award is such an honor,” the 17-year-old college freshman said. “I honestly was just thrilled that I was chosen to represent the Morgan breed.”

Mills has shown an unwavering commitment to her sport. She started taking riding lessons in 2005 which quickly evolved into a passion.  Her Christmas gift that same year: a Morgan horse. Since then, Mills has gone on to win three World Championships – in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – and is a World Gold Medalist. She has helped organize and fundraise for riding clinics to benefit junior exhibitors in her region, and was awarded the Shirley Givens Morgan youth sportsmanship award. Mills started the “T-Town Trotters” Morgan youth club, which promotes the Morgan breed and participates in fundraisers for the Justin Time for a Cure program at the Oklahoma University Cancer Institute. In 2007, Mills became a regional representative for the AMHA Morgan Youth Council and then went on to become a regional director for three years. This year, she was voted national vice president.

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Awards, Community/Charity, USEF

USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Nominations Due October 1, 2011

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Kelsey Kimbler receives the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award from David O'Connor. Photo by Geoff Bugbee/USEF Archives

Lexington, KY – Applications for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award are being accepted by the applicable USEF recognized associations or international discipline associations through October 1, 2011. Now in its sixth year, the award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as positive role models for their peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, are involved in their community, and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.

All national winners will be honored during the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting. Each winner will receive a $500 grant to be paid to the educational program of his or her choice, and will be invited to attend the USEF Annual Meeting as the Federation’s guest, to attend committee and board meetings, a career opportunity session and awards banquet. Meals, accommodations and travel expenses (up to $500) will be provided for all who are invited to participate.

The overall winner of the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award will receive a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of choice and a USEF Life Membership valued at $2,500, a commemorative trophy, as well as an invitation to the USEF Annual Meeting and career session. The winner also will be one of the nominees for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award.

Applications are available online at http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/sportsmansAward.aspx or through any USEF Recognized Affiliate or International Discipline Association. A listing of contact information for these affiliates is available on the Youth Sportsman’s Award webpage. Each USEF Recognized Affiliate may select a National Winner, who will be considered for the overall award.

Continue reading USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Nominations Due October 1, 2011 →

Awards, Community/Charity, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USEF

USHJA Sportsmanship Award

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Dear NFJHA Members:
We are still taking nominations for the Youth Sportsman’s Award. The primary goals of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award are to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and to recognize youth for their achievements.

Nominees must be age 17 or under as of December 1 of the current competition year, and active members in good standing with NFHJA, USEF, and USHJA. They are to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and USHJA, by promoting the equestrian sport, exhibiting characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles and to serve as a role model for his or her peers. Nominees may participate at any level of competition, including local, state or national levels.

Please submit your nomination to info@nfhja.com and include a brief explanation of why you have chosen to nominate him or her.

You may visit http://www.ushja.org/content/awards/youth/youth-sportsman.aspx to learn more.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NFHJA
PO Box 24031
Jacksonville, FL 32241-4031
904-866-496-1626 (fax)
info@nfhja.com