May 22, 2024

In Memoriam: Trish Gilbert (1941-2024)

Photos courtesy of Rumsey Keefe.

The USEA is saddened to share the news of the passing of USEA Hall of Fame member Trish Gilbert at the age of 83. Gilbert was one of the first women to break the barriers facing women competing in the sport of eventing. She had considerable success in the early years of eventing amongst non-military competitors. Gilbert held many titles throughout her years of involvement in the sport; team selector, young rider chairman, event director, licensed eventing official, and more.

"Mom was always there for us when we needed support, advice, and, of course, a good recipe," shared Gilbert's daughter Rumsey Keefe. "She was a 'doer' which we have all embraced and become ourselves.

"The eventing community was Mom’s second family. She enjoyed ensuring every horse and rider pair had a safe, educational experience while making sure it was a destination event with good food, fun, and camaraderie. She embodied the spirit of a team player and fostered the growth of developing riders to represent the USA. She truly enjoyed the travel that came with the job which gave her many friends and memories all across the country and internationally.

Mom will be greatly missed by her children, family, friends, and overall horse community."

Gilbert was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2022 for her immense contributions to the sport. Fellow eventing legend and USEA Hall of Fame member, the late Jimmy Wofford, shared the following sentiment about Gilbert upon her induction:

“I don’t know of anyone who has dedicated their life to the improvement of eventing in the way that you have. I hope you know that your sport is a better place for your efforts. Congratulations again, and thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Gilbert's official obituary reads:

Patricia "Trish" D. Gilbert, age 83, of Churchville, Maryland, passed away on May 16, 2024. Born in Winchester, Virginia, Trish was the cherished daughter of the late David and Mary (Grandin) Donovan and the beloved wife of the late William Gilbert.

Trish's life was marked by her profound passion for the equine world. Licensed by both the USEA and the USEF, she was a distinguished course designer official and organizer. Trish was a fervent supporter of three-day eventing and began her journey with horses as part of the USPC. Her dedication and contributions to the equestrian community have left an indelible mark on many, most recently as the founding member of Fair Hill International, which has evolved into the Maryland 5 Star.

Trish is survived by her loving family: daughters Mary Elizabeth (Gregg) Looney, Rumsey Gilbert (Tim) Keefe, and Samantha Gilbert (Pete) Brennan; son Raymond Richard (Mary Pat) Guest; and stepson William Pepper (Alice) Gilbert. She is also survived by her brother David (Teresa) Donovan and sister Deirdre Donovan. Trish was a proud grandmother to Kelsea, Andrew, Ryan, Will, Colby, Henry, Connor, Peter, Liam, Sam, Carlin, and Peter; and step-grandmother to Chloe, Owen, and Amanda. Her legacy continues through her step-great-grandchildren Hunter, Tucker, Finnley, Sariah, John, Luke, and Annalise.
In addition to her husband and parents, Trish was preceded in death by her brother William Donovan, sisters Sheila Donovan and Mimi Donovan, and one grandchild.
Contributions may be made by check to Fair Hill International. 378 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, Maryland 21921, or online here.

The USEA extends our condolences to Gilbert's family and connections.

Jun 25, 2024 Association News

Beware of Phishing Attempts and Other Types of Fraud

Please always remain vigilant when it comes to sending any personal communications via email or text. Every year we receive reports of members and leaders of our sport receiving phishing attempts both online and by phone. These are often communications disguised as being sent from USEA staff or other leaders. As the years go on, the phishing attempts appear to be more directed and tailored.

Jun 25, 2024 Emerging Athletes U21

Through the Lens: EA21 Central Clinic

The summer USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) Regional Clinics are officially in full swing with the completion of the EA21 Central Clinic last week and the EA21 East I (Leesburg, Virginia) and West I (Paso Robles, California) Clinics kicking off today. As we await the coverage from the East and West Clinics, led by EA21 Coaches Shannon Riley and Rebecca Brown respectively, we thought we would share some of our favorite moments from the EA21 Central Clinic which took place in Kansas City, Missouri last week.

Jun 24, 2024 Eventing News

Through The Lens: Mandatory Outing

The U.S. Olympic Eventing Team had their Mandatory Outing this past weekend at the Stable View Summer H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina. All team members, including the direct reserve horses, and all of the alternates, minus Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables' 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding Mama's Magic Way, were in attendance and competed in the Advanced division under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello.

Jun 24, 2024 Classic Series

The Organizers of the USEA Classic Series: Sarah Broussard Champions Fun at The Event at Rebecca Farm

Anyone who has had the pleasure of competing at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, will likely tell you that it is one of the most picturesque and inviting eventing venues in the country. The Broussard family, owners and operators of Rebecca Farm, have tirelessly supported the sport of eventing for decades, and that support has extended to the USEA Classic Series since its inception.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA