The USEA is very sad to share the news that Patrick “Packy” McGaughan passed away in his sleep at the age of 56. Packy was a successful eventer, coach, trainer, and USEA member. He began his career as a young rider in the late 1970s and went on to compete at the North American Young Rider Championships. Packy was rider in residence at the U.S. Equestrian Team from 1981 to 1982 with Jack LeGoff. In 1987 Packy helped the U.S. earn a team gold medal at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana and also finished in third individually. That same year he graduated from Duke University in North Carolina. In 1991 Packy graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law.
A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.
In response to quarantine and decreased travel recommendations in the State of Maryland at this time, the family of Packy McGaughan has made the difficult decision to postpone his funeral service until a later date. Details will be shared when new arrangements are made.
The USEA sends its condolences to Packy’s family, friends, students, and connections. He will be deeply missed.
I’m not one for the spotlight. As the voice of the Association, you don’t need to know my personal views, political, eventing, or otherwise. So despite my byline appearing on thousands of articles on the USEA website and magazine, this is probably only the second time I’m writing about myself (the first was about my love for lessons, and reading it now makes me laugh as I am still 100% addicted). But as I am now just a USEA member I thought I would share a bit of my journey to add to our member spotlight series, Now on Course.
You’ve likely spent some time scouring the USEA Calendar to line up your 2022 competition schedule. Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to plan some cross-country schooling outings to make sure you and your horse are as ready as possible. If you own or manage a facility that welcomes guests for haul-in schooling, you’ve likely noticed horses and their humans showing up in droves to get their practice in. A successful off-site schooling day has many, many moving parts. From paperwork and payment to safety, these best practices for hosts and guests will help everything go as smoothly as possible.
US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, from July 1-2, 2022. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello.
The countdown is on for the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds! This year, the USEA AEC moves to the beautiful Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana. The AEC will move back to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2023, so if you have ever dreamed of riding in the Flathead Valley of Montana with views of Glacier National Park, you won’t want to miss this year’s very special opportunity.