United States Eventing Association

The USEA shares its condolences with the friends and family of Area I Adult Rider Jessie Aikman. Aikman passed on September 3, 2023, from injuries received as a result of a fall at a USEA-recognized/US Equestrian licensed competition. Several of Aikman's friends came forward to share their words of love for Aikman after her passing.

J.J. Johnson devoted her life to eventing, and now the United States Eventing Association (USEA) joins the eventing community in mourning her passing on Monday, June 5, at the age of 73.

The USEA is saddened to hear about the passing of USEA Hall of Fame member Kevin J. Freeman. According to a social media post made by Freeman's son, Kevin Freeman Jr., the Pan American Games and Olympic medalist from Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on March 10, 2023. Funeral services will be communicated at a later date.

The sport of eventing and all of its supporters will take a moment today to honor the life of James C. Wofford during his memorial services. As we reflect on the great man that "Jimmy" was, several top riders, officials, and current and former USEA Presidents shared their thoughts on the impact that he had on the sport and their own careers.

The USEA is heartbroken to hear about the loss of James “Jimmy” C. Wofford. A lifelong lover and supporter of the sport, Wofford has had an astounding influence on where eventing is today and has tirelessly supported the goals of the United States Eventing Association. He served as president of the American Horse Show Association (now U.S. Equestrian (USEF)), was the first vice-president of the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET), and served as secretary of the USCTA (now USEA). He served two terms as a member of the FEI Eventing Committee, including two years as vice chairman. In addition, he has served on numerous committees during his career.

Jean Horst Gore, age 87, passed on January 8th, 2023. Gore was a lifetime equestrian born into a family that was not "horsey." She competed in the hunter ring, fox hunted with Elkridge Harford, and evented. Gore has been heavily involved with the sport of eventing, competing in her first event in the early 1970s. She competed at the Preliminary level in the ‘80s and ‘90s on the horses Choreographer, High Design, and Run Around Sue. Gore last competed with Faith, Choreographer’s daughter, at the Novice and Beginner Novice levels for 14 years until 2018. In 2012, Gore and High Design joined the USDF Century Club. In 2015, she was awarded a USEA Vintage Cup.

Mary Harper Hutchins, 90 years old, passed away suddenly Friday, October 14, 2022 at Alice Peck Day Hospital. She was born in New York City to Harold Harper, a partner at Harper and Matthews Law firm and Elizabeth (Roop) Harper, a reader for the Lighthouse for the Blind. Mary attended the Brearly School in NYC and went on to Mount Holyoke College, majoring in Mathematics.

Richard Mark Picken, 53, lost a courageous battle with cancer on August 13, 2022, dying peacefully at home. Born in the UK, he emigrated to Kentucky in 2013 and became an instant fixture on the US Equestrian Federation’s eventing and show jumping circuits. A top coach and trainer, he traveled throughout the USA and overseas with his students to competitions. He enjoyed coaching young riders and training inexperienced horses as much as he thrived under the pressure of an international championship.

Area V lost a dear member of the community earlier this week with the passing of Jan Michie. Jan Walling of Quail Run Farm penned the following obituary in memory of Michie:

Sara Gumbiner shared the news today that her long-time partner Polaris passed away at the age of 16. Her social media tribute to the Irish Sport Horse gelding reflected on their career together and all of the wonderful ways that he impacted her life and career.