United States Eventing Association

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.

We at Stable View are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Annie Goodwin, a beloved local rider. She was an exceptional eventer.

The tragic accident happened on Wednesday afternoon while schooling over a Training level obstacle. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injury shortly thereafter at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The horse was not injured in the accident.

On May 19, 2021, Phelps Media Group announced the passing of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mason Phelps Jr.. Phelps passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home of a heart attack.

Mason Phelps, Jr. was the epitome of a lifelong equestrian, maintaining an undeniable relevance in the sport that has defined his personal and professional life. His contributions to the equestrian world include being an Olympic athlete, groom, trainer, event manager, governance leader, media executive, and philanthropy organizer.

Will Faudree shared the news yesterday that his legendary event horse, Antigua, passed away at the age of 32. In a Facebook post he said:

“I always thought I would have something profound to write. A eulogy that would encapsulate the impact you had on my life. And maybe those words will come. You taught me what a work ethic is, how to think in slow motion and how to just keep going. You laid the foundation for a career I dreamed of as a kid. Thank you will never be enough. I will miss you every day- rest easy my friend.”