United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) encourages all members of the eventing community to take a moment to recognize those who go above and beyond in service to the sport by nominating them for an appreciation award. Whether it’s a standout volunteer, a dedicated course builder, a committed instructor, or an inspired owner, the USEA Appreciation Awards are designed to honor the individuals who make our sport possible.

As the season progresses, members are reminded that nominations for these awards may be submitted at any time throughout the year. If you encounter someone at a competition, educational activity, or in the community whose efforts exemplify excellence, sportsmanship and service, you are encouraged to submit their name for consideration.

The following USEA Appreciation Awards are open for nomination:

• Above and Beyond Event Personnel Award: This award goes to an event personnel member who devotes themselves behind the scenes and goes above and beyond for our sport.
• Amateur Impact Award: This award is given to an adult amateur who embodies a dedication to the sport of eventing and shares outstanding sportsmanship.
• As You Like It Owners Award: The As You Like It Owners award is presented in recognition of an owner who has supported their horses and, by extension, the riders of their horses, and has enabled them to have not only the best care but have also provided competitive opportunities that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. Additionally, the winner must have offered support "above and beyond" that described above which has benefitted the sport of eventing.
• Cornerstone Instructors Awards: The Cornerstone Instructors Award honors the lower-level instructor who has inspired riders in the sport of eventing with their encouragement and long-term dedication to teaching basic horsemanship skills.
• Courtney C. Reeves Memorial Trophy: 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.
• Eventing Coaches Program Sue Hershey Award: The Sue Hershey Award honors an ECP-certified instructor who exemplifies the values, commitment, and character of the ECP program and who has inspired students in the sport of eventing, with their instruction, encouragement, and long-term dedication to teaching correct horsemanship and stable management skills. Sue Hershey dedicated over 20 years to the development and continued progression of the Instructors' Certification Program.
• Ironmaster Trophy: The Ironmaster Trophy is presented to the individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Open to anyone associated with the sport: volunteer, spectator, official, trainer, competitor, groom, or groundskeeper.
• Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award: The purpose of the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award is to recognize the vital role played by the grooms who work countless hours behind-the-scenes in their program to make sure their horses and teams are healthy, happy, and poised for success.
• Freelance Groom’s Award: Freelance Groom of the Year is an award to celebrate a freelance groom who has provided exceptional care of USEA horses and riders. This award acknowledges a freelance groom who has gone above and beyond to support many riders achieve their competition goals and made a lasting impact on the sport.
• Vintage Cup: 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.
• Neil Ayer Course Designers’ Award: Presented during the 2026 Hall of Fame, the Neil Ayer Course Designers' Award is presented to a cross-country course designer in recognition of their innovation and vision.
• Posthole Digger Award: Presented during the 2026 Hall of Fame, the Posthole Digger Award is presented to a builder who has exhibited exceptional ability and dedication to the sport through their work.

All nominations must be submitted no later than Oct. 28 for consideration in this year’s awards cycle. Award recipients will be honored during the 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, taking place Dec. 11-13, in Arlington, Virginia.

To view full award descriptions please visit the USEA appreciation awards page and to submit a nomination, visit the USEA Nomination Form here.

Recognizing outstanding individuals is one of the many ways we can strengthen the bonds within our community and celebrate the spirit of eventing. Don’t wait, submit a nomination when you witness great work in action.

About the United States Eventing Association

The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.