United States Eventing Association

Nominations for 2023 USEA Appreciation Awards Now Open through October 29

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.

While it's a simple matter of tabulating points earned in a competition to arrive at horse and rider awards, it is a very different proposition when it comes to the non-rider awards; these awards require nominations from USEA members.

The Appreciation Awards Committee is currently accepting nominations for the awards listed below. If you know someone who is deserving of one of these awards, please submit your nominations for consideration on the nomination form here.

Deadline for nominations: Friday, Oct. 29, 2023

The 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony will be held during the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday, Dec. 9.

APPRECIATION AWARDS CATEGORIES:

• Courtney C. Reeves Memorial Trophy: Awarded to the young individual who exemplifies sportsmanship, the spirit of the sport, and who gives back to the sport.

• Ironmaster Trophy: Awarded to the individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Open to anyone associated with the sport as a volunteer, spectator, official, trainer, competitor, groom, or groundskeeper.

• Vintage Cup: Awarded to members 60 years of age and over who are competing at any level in recognized USEA competitions and who show good sportsmanship.

• Sue Hershey Award: The Sue Hershey Award honors an ECP Certified Instructor, who exemplifies the values, commitment, and character of the ECP program and who has inspired students in the sport of eventing, with their instruction, encouragement, and long-term dedication to teaching correct horsemanship and stable management skills.

• Cornerstone Instructor’s Award: Awarded to the grassroots instructor who for 20 years or more has taught good horsemanship skills and the love of the sport to the next generation of eventers. Started in 2012. No set number of recipients: to date, four in 2012 and seven in 2013.

• Liz Cochran Memorial Grooms Award: Awarded to an eventing groom who has shown dedication to the sport and the horses they serve.

• As You Like It Owner’s Award: The award is to be presented to an outstanding owner who has had a large influence on a rider’s career. Additionally, nominees will also be recognized for having made an exceptional contribution to the sport of eventing.

• Above & Beyond Event Personnel Award: This award is to be presented to an individual employed in a supporting career such as an event organizer, official, secretary, or other staff members who throughout the year went “above and beyond” their duties.

• Amateur Impact Award: This award is presented to an Adult Amateur that embodies a dedication to the sport of eventing, outstanding sportsmanship, and has made a direct impact on eventing in North America.

If your nominee is selected, a photo will also be required. To make this experience exciting for both the recipients and attendees of the Awards Reception, the names selected will be kept a secret until the award is presented. Although it may not be an easy task, we ask those making the nomination to ensure that the candidate is able to attend the Awards Reception.

Please submit your nominations here.
For any questions, email Heather Johnson at [email protected]

About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, on Dec. 7-10, 2023. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.

The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, Bates Saddles, Capital Square, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Gallops Saddlery, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Kerrits, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, Parker Equine Insurance, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, SmartPak, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.