Hunter/Jumper
USHJA Annual Meeting
A
record number of attendees gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for the sixth annual United States Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting, presented by the Texas Hunter Jumper Association. A number of issues were discussed, including standardizing zone children’s and adult specifications, a revamped amateur definition, and whether or not money won in derbies and classics should be counted toward Horse of the Year Awards. The 346 attendees traveled to the Westin La Cantera Resort, where there were plenty of passionate viewpoints expressed but also many standing ovations as deserving equestrians received awards during the Evening of Equestrians Dinner and the Showcase Luncheon. “So many members came and got involved with the process, wanted to learn about the process and understood it,” said USHJA President Bill Moroney. “Through experiencing
USHJA Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Craig Dobbs with Lynne Jayne, Kristyn Kay, and Bill Moroney.
the process, they better understand the dedication of the people who are on these committees. And they were able Hunter Classics (soon to be known as National to see that meeting after meeting was added to Derbies) should apply to a horse’s earnings for hear everyone’s voices, opinions, and expand USEF Horse of the Year awards in his respective the data.” continued on page 95 During the fourday meeting held December 6-9, including Lusitano and American Holiday Horse Fest ample time was dediMiniature Horse exhibitions, pony continued from page 93 cated to discussing rides, a petting zoo, dog agility whether money an exciting four-bar competition. shows, street performers, musical won in the USHJA She and Woodstock O competed performances by the The Monique International Hunter through four rounds with the fences McCall Band, and a jolly Santa Derbies and National being raised each time. They stayed Claus to ensure a fun and festive clear, as did Catherine Pasmore of holiday afternoon. Over $10,000 Charlottesville, Va., on Vondavid. in prizes were raffled away as well. Hunters | Equitation | Sales The 18-year-old trains with Kraut Across the street, Gracie Street and was excited to tie with her. Interior Design store provided the Third place went to Canadian rider perfect opportunity to gain aerial Erynn Ballard on Fun 2 Fly, owned shots of the event. The Holiday HorseFest also by the Looking Up Group. “I thought they did a really hosted the random drawings incredible job putting the event for the 2011 FTI Great Charity on,” Pasmore said. “This was only Challenge presented by Fidelity the fourth time I’ve competed Investments. Over 160 Palm with my horse. I’ve never done Beach County charities applied to anything like a four-bar before; it be a part of the event, which will was so much fun! The crowd was be held on February 19 at the cheering at every jump and they FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. want to pet your horse. It was The goal for this year’s FTI Great Welcome all of our new Customers Charity Challenge presented by such a great event.” Kraut added, “I thought it was Fidelity Investments is to give away and Good Luck to all of our a brilliant idea. It’s not easy to a million dollars to the 30 chosen Horse & Rider Teams in Ocala! execute, so I’m very impressed by charities, with each one receiving all the effort that went into it. I at least $10,000. The winning think the public really enjoyed it, charity will be decided based on and it’s really great for the sport. the performance of the equestrian Hopefully this will help increase team with which the charities are the popularity of the sport here. I randomly matched. For more information about the loved it.” Viewers were treated to dramatic FTI Great Charity Challenge equestrian competition, featuring presented by Fidelity Investments some of the most well-known and the FTI Winter Equestrian Olympic riders in the world, but Festival (January 12 through April 3, Tricia Moss, Trainer 41 Esterbrook Road the fun didn’t stop there. There was 2011), visit www.equestriansport. www.esterbrookfarm.net 617.877.3132 Acton, MA 01720 something for the whole family, com or call 561-793-5867. ® DaviD Walker PhotograPhy
Bringing out the Best in Horse and Rider
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horse me n’ s Y a nkee Ped l ar
FEBRUARY 2011
CoURtEsY oF UshjA ARChivEs/tRiCiA BookER
Draws Many Viewpoints anD recorD attenDance