United States Eventing Association

The USEA is now accepting nominations for the 2018 USEA Appreciation Awards. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.

While it is a simple matter of tabulating points earned in a competition to arrive at horse and rider awards, it is a very different proposition when it comes to the non-rider awards; these awards require nominations from our members. The Appreciation Awards Committee is currently accepting nominations for the awards listed below.

Appreciation Awards Categories

• The Courtney C. Reeves Memorial Trophy is awarded to the young individual who exemplifies sportsmanship, the spirit of the sport, and who gives back to the sport.
• The Christine E. Stafford Eventing Groom Trophy recognizes the vital role played by the groom who works countless hours behind-the-scenes to make sure their charges are healthy, happy, and poised for success.
• The Ironmaster Trophy is awarded to the individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Open to anyone associated with the sport as a volunteer, spectator, official, trainer, competitor, groom, or groundskeeper.
• The Vintage Cup is awarded to members 60 years of age and over who are competing at any level in recognized USEA competitions and who show good sportsmanship.
• The Neil Ayer Course Designer’s Award is awarded to a cross-country designer in recognition of their talent and dedication to their craft.
• The Posthole Digger Award is awarded to a cross-country builder in recognition of their talent and dedication to their craft.

Nominations for consideration should include the name of award, name of nominee, address of nominee, USEA Area, age (if applicable), and reason for the nomination. The reason for the nomination should include a concise but detailed biography of your nominee, clearly describing the attributes that pay tribute to the criteria of the award up for consideration. If your nominee is selected, a photo will also be required.

If you know someone who is deserving of one of these awards, please submit your nominations for consideration to:

Cathy Forsberg, Chairman of the USEA Appreciation Awards Committee
c/o USEA Attn: Rebecca Lertora
525 Old Waterford Road NW
Leesburg, VA 20176
[email protected]
(703) 779-0550

The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 19, 2018.

The USEA Year-End Awards Presentation and Luncheon will be held during the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, December 6-9, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Sheraton New Orleans. You may register for Convention here or online through the USEA Online Services.

To make this experience exciting for both the recipients and attendees of the Awards Luncheon, the names selected will be kept a secret until the award is presented. Although it may not be an easy task, we ask those making the nomination to ensure that the candidate is able to attend the Awards Luncheon.