US Equestrian is pleased to introduce the following Horses and Equestrians of Honor, who had tremendous achievements throughout 2019. Each year, US Equestrian names a National Horse of the Year and an International Horse of the Year from the Horses of Honor roster. For the first time, an International Equestrian of the Year and a National Equestrian of the Year will be named for their achievements in 2019.
Winners are determined based on the results of online voting, which is now open through Thursday, January 2, 2020 at midnight. The International and National Horses of the Year will be named on January 11, 2020, during the Horse of the Year Awards presented by AON and the 2019 International and National Equestrians of the Year will be awarded on January 10, 2020, during the 2019 Pegasus Awards presented by Adequan® during the US Equestrian Annual Meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The seven Horses of Honor and 10 Equestrians of Honor are listed below. For more information about each nominee and to cast your vote, click here.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Dr. J. Allen Leslie DVM, a distinguished veterinarian, who died peacefully on April 3 surrounded by family and loved ones at his farm in Christiana, Pennsylvania. He was 84.
Effective communication between riders and horse show organizers is crucial for a smooth and successful competition experience. Clear, polite, and well-organized communication not only ensures that your requests are properly handled; but also helps maintain a positive relationship with organizers and helps the longevity of the sport.
The final day of competition at the the Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect crowned five new champions, featuring show jumping competition in Tryon Stadium and the final rounds of cross-country competition on the White Oak cross-country course at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). Read more below.
At last fall's Full Moon Farm Horse Trials, 16-year-old Miriam Keefer guided her horse, Micky, over the final cross-country jump with quiet determination and a flash of joy. It was her first recognized event at the Novice level, and she placed second out of 16 competitors—qualifying her for both the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and a long-format three-day event.