United States Eventing Association

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.

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.”

The great Ballynoe Castle RM passed away in his field on Friday, April 23, Buck Davidson reported on his Facebook page. “It’s with broken hearts that we share that today Reggie died peacefully in his field at our farm in Ocala. Now he can watch over everyone on cross-country tomorrow. He was a huge part of all of our lives for so many years and truly a horse of a lifetime.”

The Red Hills Horse Trials family has lost one of its own – Sylvia Coons Ochs, one of the founders, passed away on March 11, 2021. In 1998 Sylvia Ochs with co-organizer Sallie Ausley along with three other original organizing committee members and hundreds of volunteers began the first Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida.

This past weekend the USEA was notified of the passing of a true champion of eventing Tremaine Cooper. An athlete, course designer, builder, father, husband, son, friend, and so much more. Tremaine’s quiet, thoughtful approach resulted in tremendous advancements for the sport of eventing in all areas but especially in the safety and design of cross-country courses. Tremaine died in an accident while working outdoors, near his home.

The USEA is very sad to share the news that Susanne W. Hershey passed away at her home in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on February 18, 2021, following a long illness. Sue was instrumental in starting the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) and contributed greatly to the Association.

The USEA is sad to share the news that Poggio II (Polynesian Flyer x Waves Club), a Thoroughbred gelding ridden by the late Amy Tryon and owned by Dr. Mark Hart, passed away on February 9, 2021 at the age of 29.

The USEA is very sad to hear the news of the passing of From, the 28-year-old Russian Thoroughbred gelding (Mif x Floema), owned by Charlotte Harris and ridden by Stephen Bradley.