United States Eventing Association

Dr. Mary Alice Brown, one of the longest supporters of three-day eventing, died in November 2011. She was 73 years old and still eventing.

Mary Alice was introduced to eventing by Jean Campbell, who was her instructor at Smith College in 1957. Mary Alice competed every year since then, making her one of two people to ever event for 55 consecutive years.

After graduating from Smith College, Mary Alice was a teacher until her mid-30s when she decided she wanted to be a veterinarian. She specialized in reproduction and bred multiple horses ridden by Mike Plumb, Bruce and Buck Davidson, and Denny Emerson. Many of the horses she competed herself were homebreds.

The Frolicsome Award, donated by Mary Alice and named for her mare Frolicsome, ridden by Mike Plumb, is annually presented to the USEA Mare of the Year.

Mary Alice’s friend Denis Glaccum said she was “an enthusiastic individual. She loved the sport, loved to go around to events, and she loved the horses.”

Denny Emerson said her feat of competing for 55 consecutive years as more difficult than riding at Badminton. He described her as friendly, cheery, and positive. He also said she bonded with horses on an emotional level more than most people do.

The USEA extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Mary Alice Brown’s family and friends and thanks her for her longtime support. She will be greatly missed by all those who love the sport of eventing as she did.