Pioneer Award

OLLIE AND DEBBIE GRIFFITH HONORED WITH THE IHSA

Pioneer Award

The IHSA Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have been instrumental in developing collegiate riding programs and intercollegiate riding opportunities.

For 37 years, Ollie and Debbie Griffith have coached IHSA riders. They own Autumn Rose Farm in Delaware, Ohio, and led the Ohio State Equestrian Team to an unprecedented 10 IHSA National Championships. They have also coached numerous individual riders to IHSA National Championships with at least six National Champion High-Point Western Rider titles. Together, they built the Ohio State Equestrian Team into the most successful Western Team in the IHSA.

Over the years, the Griffiths have experienced firsthand and participated in the growth and many changes in the IHSA. Ollie Griffith served as an executive board member, associate national steward, regional president and chairman of the Western committee. In addition, he has coached 13 NRHA World Champions and numerous reserve champions. He is a licensed and sought-after NRHA and AQHA judge. Griffith teaches the nuances of judging at judging schools and has traveled the world judging events for the NRHA.

Debbie Griffith and her daughter Ashley coach The Autumn Rose Farm Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) teams. Their IEA team has won more than 14 national championships. She has also had an active role in coaching The Ohio State Equestrian Team.

The Griffiths are proud of the IHSA, the Ohio State Equestrian Team and honored to have participated for so many years. The IHSA thanks them for their years of dedication and service and is pleased to present this deserving pair with the IHSA Pioneer Award.