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.
As the 2023 competition year draws to a close and many of the high-performance and other riders are connecting at this year‘s USEA annual convention, the Great Meadow International organizers would like to update you on GMI.
United States Eventing Association (USEA) members at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention were in for a treat on Friday as the U.S. Eventing Team was on hand to discuss their accomplishments this year at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
“Test the best without hurting the rest,” said show jumping course designer Chris Barnard as he and fellow designer Marc Donovan led a lively discussion for nearly 50 participants at the Show Jumping Seminar on the first day of the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
This afternoon, USEA President Louise “Lou” Leslie welcomed U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) Board of Governors members, USEA staff, and USEA Annual Meeting & Convention attendees to the first of two Board meetings which will take place during this year’s Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, with the teaser that 2024 is going to be full of initiatives for more opportunities to access the eventing experience, some of which attendees might get first wind of during this year’s gathering. The 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place Dec. 7-10 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel.