United States Eventing Association

The USEA is very sad to share the news that Susanne W. Hershey passed away at her home in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on February 18, 2021, following a long illness. Sue was instrumental in starting the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) and contributed greatly to the Association.

Sue was born in 1946 in Rochester, New York, and began riding at the age of 10. She fox hunted as a teenager with the Genesee Valley Hunt in New York, and was a member of the Genesee Valley Hunt Pony Club, competing in rallies and event competitions and finishing as an “A."

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Radcliffe College, Harvard University, and M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, she worked for many years as a high school teacher and the school/college counselor at The Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After she convinced her husband that their two small children could not learn to really ride unless their ponies were close to them, horses have lived with them ever since on their suburban property just outside of Pittsburgh. Having evented with success through the Preliminary level, Sue switched to focus on dressage.

Karen O’Connor and Sue started the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program in 2000, together with the equally committed event competitors/instructors who serve on the USEA's ICP Committee, which includes all of ICP's faculty/assessors. Sue facilitated the ICP program until 2018 when she retired from the position. During her tenure, she wrote countless educational articles and worked tirelessly to promote ICP. In 2003 Sue was awarded a USEA Governor’s Cup for her service to the sport. In addition to her work with the USEA, Sue was involved with the Western Pa. Eventing Assoc. Board of Directors for many years as well as organized and managed the Harrison Hills Event.

Sue is survived by her husband of 54 years Dale Hershey, children Lauren Dixon (Michael Rossiter) of Toronto, Canada, and Alex Hershey (Tina) of Pittsburgh, by her brother Stewart W. Wilson (Renate) of Concord, Massachusetts, four grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren. The USEA sends its sincerest condolences to Sue’s family, friends, and connections.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders.