This year a new class will be joining the 47 eventing legends currently in the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Eventing Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded within the sport of eventing in the United States. Those invited to join the USEA's Eventing Hall of Fame have truly made a difference in the sport of eventing. Hall of Fame members have included past Association presidents, volunteers, riders, founders, course designers, officials, organizers, horses, horse owners, and coaches.
Typically, a new group is inducted into the Hall of Fame every four years. The USEA is delighted to be welcoming a new Hall of Fame class this year. These members of the eventing community will be honored for their accomplishments, contributions, and lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing with a formal induction ceremony at the Hall of Fame Gala at the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention taking place this year in Savannah, Georgia from December 7-11.
The fifth and final inductee of 2022 was extended to the late Colonel Harry D. Chamberlin. Jim Wofford compares the work of Chamberlin in the equestrian community to that of Mozart and was quoted saying, “We are the beneficiaries of Col. Chamberlin’s genius, and horses around the world live far more comfortable and productive lives because of his work.”
Chamberlin, who competed in both eventing and show jumping, was a graduate of American, French, and Italian cavalry schools for advanced equitation. He competed in the Olympic Games of 1920, 1928, and 1932, in addition to countless national and international competitions. Highlights of his career include earning a Team Gold medal for the Military, which are the roots from which the current-day form of eventing originated from, and an Individual Silver Medal for the Prix des Nations in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
In addition to his accomplishments in the saddle, Chamberlin is remembered for his talents as an author. His books “Riding and Schooling Horses” (1932) and “Training Hunters, Jumpers and Hacks” (1937) are still influential in the education of equestrians across disciplines today. Chamberlin spearheaded the movement to revolutionize the sport of eventing and that of equestrian sport in the U.S. through his horsemanship foundations which were based upon French and Italian principles.
Want to learn more about the USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame and read about the current members? Click here.
Whether competing on a U25 team or riding in a senior division, an exciting weekend of sport was had by all at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. With over 450 riders flocking to the historic venue, all three phases ran concurrently with both sides of the cross country course in use and multiple rings in session. This weekend’s winners rose above the fray to take home well-earned blue ribbons.
On this Veteran's Day, we wanted to take a moment to recognize and honor members of our USEA family who have previously served or are actively serving in the various branches of our U.S. military. Meet some of them below and please join us in thanking them for their service.
In just one month, USEA members from near and far will converge on Seattle, Washington for the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention at The Westin Seattle on December 12-15. The Convention Schedule is already overflowing with exciting educational sessions and thought-provoking presentations, there is still more to come in the weeks ahead. Don’t miss your chance to register for this can’t-miss end-of-year event!
Just over a year ago, Arielle Aharoni’s world came crashing down when her long-time partner Dutch Times suffered an injury on cross-country at the MARS Maryland 5 Star within sight of the finish flags. Now, with “Dutch” safely on the mend, she has her sights set on a bright future with his full brother, Notorious, and other up-and-comers.