Nov 23, 2020

Ava Hingson (2001-2020)

By USEA
Photo courtesy of Kit Ferguson.

Ava Hingson, a 19-year-old from Cornwall, Connecticut, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 in a tragic freak accident on a trail ride. Daughter of Drew Hingson and Elise Meneshian-Hingson, Ava was a sophomore at Sewanee: University of The South studying English Literature and was an active member of Sewanee's intercollegiate eventing team.

Ava grew up riding in the hunter ring and took a step back from riding when she entered high school. While at school at Sewanee, she developed a love for the sport of eventing through the instruction of Sewanee's equestrian coach, Karine Gordy. Ava and her beloved horse Red competed in her first horse trials in November 2019 at the River Glen Horse Trials, placing second.

"Ava embodied everything you could possibly want in a friend," shared Kit Ferguson, Ava's friend and fellow intercollegiate eventing teammate. "She was swift to love and quick to show kindness. These qualities are what made her such an outstanding horse person and vital member of the Sewanee eventing team. She will be terribly missed by those lucky enough to have known her."

Ava is survived by her parents; maternal grandparents, Hagop and Sylviagene Meneshian; her beloved uncle, Dicron Meneshian; and a host of special aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Meneshian and Hingson sides of her family. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Robert Hingson and Gussie Dickson-Hingson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Teach America at P.O. Box 398305, San Francisco, California 94139. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net.

The USEA extends our deepest condolences to Ava's family and friends.

May 17, 2025 Education

Eventing 101: The Show Secretary is Your New Best Friend. Here’s How to Keep Them Happy

Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.

May 16, 2025 Officials

USEA Foundation Announces the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials

The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.

May 16, 2025 Eventing News

USEA Events A-Z: Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials

In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.

May 15, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: May 17-18

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA