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.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce the addition of the Modified Rider division beginning at the 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Nutrena Feeds. The USEA AEC will move back to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky August 29–September 3, 2023.
Are you interested in competing in the sport of eventing but aren’t quite sure how to get started? Do you have a horse that is looking for a new career? Consider participating in a USEA New Event Horse (NEH) competition in 2023! The USEA NEH Program was created to be an introduction to the sport of eventing for both horse and rider, and the 2023 NEH Calendar is now available here.
Will Coleman had a huge 2022 with his string of horses, including a team silver medal at the FEI World Eventing Championship in Italy on Off The Record and top four-star placings with Chin Tonic HS, but it was Dondante whose consistency paid off to earn the Standlee Premium Western Forage USEA Horse of the Year title.
Julie Murray has loved horses since she could breathe, so when her daughters showed an interest in Pony Club and then eventing, she was thrilled to go along for the ride.
Murray started volunteering at the Fallbrook Pony Club near her home in Fallbrook, California, serving as an intermediate district commissioner.