ACADEMY BOOK OF
CHAMPIONS
A B C . . .
Every year, National Horseman compiles the Academy Book of Champions as a way to allow the memories of your time in Academy and at Academy Nationals to live on forever. We were inspired by Joyce Webster, the founder of the National Academy Championships, who showed a tireless dedication to bringing the Academy division into the spotlight.
Though her passing was a blow to the show industry at large, her passion can still be felt through her legacy: the National Academy Championships. The camaraderie and unity of this show are second to none, as is its community impact through donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As the show committee and participants show their commitment every year to keeping Joyce’s memory alive, we at National Horseman strive to do the same by dedicating this year’s iteration of the Academy Book of Champions in her honor.
We hope you cherish the memories contained in these pages and ride for Joyce in the coming year.
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIPS
INTRODUCING THE JOYCE WEBSTER LEGACY AWARD
INSTRUCTORS & HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS
2024 SHOW SEASON
JOURNAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
LUCY
AVALON FARM SHOW
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
WINTER WARM UP
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
UPHA CHAPTER 16 SPRING
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation 8-&-Under CHAMPION
CITRUS CUP
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
WEST COAST MORGANS FARM SHOW
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
SUMMER FUN
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
SUMMER’S END
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
OCALA INTERNATIONAL
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Equitation
8-&-Under CHAMPION
Leadline Walk-&-Trot Showmanship 8-&-Under CHAMPION
NATIONAL ACADEMY
CHAMPIONSHIPS
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 3
MILLER COLISEUM
MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE
The atmosphere at this year’s National Academy Championships was a bittersweet one, as it was the first time the show had run since the passing of its founder and leading lady, Joyce Webster. Though her absence was certainly felt, her spirit and passion for the Academy division could be seen in every detail. Crews of instructors, assistants, grooms, and riders congregated in the warm-up ring, participating in a dance of preparing one rider, supporting them during their ride, and then escorting them out of the ring and helping the next child through the same routine. This teamwork and encouragement exemplified the spirit of the Academy division and Joyce’s dream.
OFFICIALS
Judges: Andre Fourie, Cindy Mugnier, Tim Roesink
Show Director: Mark Webster
Show Secretary: Janie Hamilton
Paddock Master: Regina Head
Announcer: Travis Olinger
Organist: R.S. Perkins
Photographer and Videographer: EventMix
Farrier: Taulby Runyon
Story by Nika Osuna
Photos by Julie Anne Broder and Ella Reagan
This year’s Academy Nationals continued and expanded upon Joyce’s goal of giving back to the community. In addition to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as always, the show committee introduced two grant opportunities, one for Saddlebred Academy programs and one for Hackney programs. These grants will be awarded annually to an existing or new program that supports the National Academy Championships, allowing the program to expand its resources and offerings for Academy students.
This year’s recipients of the prestigious Instructor of the Year title were the instructor team at High Caliber. The show committee presents this award to the instructors who have the most wins at the National Academy Championships, explaining on the show’s website that “Training Academy riders takes time, patience, skill, knowledge, energy, and passion and we want to recognize that.”
With many Academy riders going on to take top honors on the Performance circuit, the team at High Caliber certainly upholds this standard.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the wonderful lesson horses who so willingly carry riders of all ages and skill levels. The Horse of the Year award was granted to Stonecroft Front And Center (“Alex”), a 2001 gelding from Creekwood Farm Riding Academy.
The 2024 National Academy Championships certainly upheld Joyce’s standard of excellence, charity, and most importantly, fun. The show committee put on an excellent competition and demonstrated their dedication to keeping Academy Nationals the industry’s premier showcase of Academy talent.
Seraphina Sexton.
Lindsey Lightner gives “Ray” a kiss on the nose after he carried Charlotte Steward to the reserve in Section B of the Equitation 12-13 Championship.
JOYCE WEBSTER LEGACY AWARD
Awarded annually to an individual who is carrying on Joyce Webster's legacy through their dedication and contribution to the Academy division.
2024 RECIPIENT
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIPS
MOMENTS
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIP
Equitation 7-8
Grand National Champion
Showmanship 7-8
Reserve Grand Champion - Div. A
LILLY,
Congratulations on an amazing season; we are so proud of you!
Thank you to Carolyn, Jon and the whole JWS team for everything you do for Lilly!
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIP
Adult Walk-&-Trot Equitation
Grand National Champion, Grand Champion & Champion
Adult Walk-&-Trot Showmanship Champion, Reserve Champion & Reserve Grand National Champion
Thank you, Jon & Carolyn!
Proudly Supported by The McAllister Family
After a busy weekend of showing,
is overjoyed with her tri-color from the Walkand-Trot Senior Equitation 13-14 National Final.
is
Cheyenne Morton
Cheyenne
trained by Pine Haven Stables.
BOBBY WOLFENBERG MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY
INSTRUCTORS OF THE YEAR
HIGH CALIBER STABLES
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIPS
LOVED BY Creekwood Farm Riding Academy HORSE OF
& CH HIGHLY CAFFEINATED
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIP
Junior Equitation 13-&-Under
Grand National Champion Equitation 12-13
Grand Champion - Div. A - Unanimous Showmanship 12-13
Champion - Div. B Equitation 12-13
Reserve Champion - Div. B
MONARCH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Academy Showmanship 13-&-Under Reserve Grand Champion & Champion
Academy Equitation 13-&-Under
Reserve Grand Champion & Reserve Champion
IASPHA SUMMER
Academy Equitation
Grand Champion - Div. B
Academy Equitation 13-&-Under Champion
Academy Horsemanship 13-&-Under Champion
Academy Pattern Class Reserve Champion - Div. A
Congratulations
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIP Equitation 11-&-Under Grand Champion & Reserve Champion Showmanship 11-&-Under Championship - Top 3
UPHA CHAPTER 10 FALL Academy Horsemanship 13-&-Under Champion Academy Equitation 13-&-Under Reserve Grand Champion & Reserve Champion
MONARCH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Pattern Champion - Div. B Pattern Reserve Grand Champion - Div. B
MID-AMERICA SIGNATURE Academy Equitation 13-&-Under Grand Champion & Reserve Champion Academy Showmanship 13-&-Under Reserve Champion SUMMER SOLSTICE II Academy Equitation 17-&-Under Champion Academy Equitation Reserve Grand Champion Academy Pleasure 17-&-Under Reserve Champion
SUMMER SOLSTICE I Academy Pleasure Grand Champion
Academy Pleasure 17-&-Under Champion
Academy Equitation 17-&-Under Champion Academy Equitation Reserve Grand Champion IASPHA SPRING Academy Equitation 17-&-Under 17-&-Under Grand Champion - Div. B Academy Equitation 13-&-Under Champion - Div. B Academy Horsemanship 13-&-Under Reserve Champion - Div. B
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIPS
MOMENTS
NATIONAL ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIPS
MOMENTS
Academy alumna Ellie Hogan was thrilled to be back in Murfreesboro, this time aboard her World’s Champion partner My Scarlet Begonia SF. Ellie and the mare put on an impressive demonstration for the Academy exhibitors, reminding them that, with hard work and dedication, the sky is the limit.
SHOW SEASON 2024
academy nationals
NAME:
MY FAVORITE MEMORY FROM THIS YEAR’S NATIONALS:
AGE:
HORSE(S) I SHOWED:
MY BACK NUMBER(S) WAS/WERE:
SOMETHING THAT WORKED WELL IN THE RING:
SOMETHING I WANT TO IMPROVE ON:
MY GOOD LUCK CHARM:
FAVORITE HORSE THAT I SAW SHOW:
FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE THE SHOW:
MY GOAL FOR NEXT YEAR:
THE ACADEMY DIVISION
APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY LESSONS DO YOU GIVE PER WEEK?
MARY: 150 to 200.
LESLIE : 8 to 15.
JENNIFER: 15.
LEXIE: 40.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHY IS THE ACADEMY DIVISION VITAL TO THE SHOW HORSE INDUSTRY?
MARY: In today’s world, the Academy division is absolutely vital to the show horse industry. Academy allows kids that may be on the fence about riding to try showing without the commitment of owning a show horse. Like a kid that starts out in a recreational soccer league, they can get a feel of what the sport is about before committing to more time, money and deeper competition.
LESLIE: It helps introduce people to showing.
JENNIFER: It keeps bringing in future horse owners to our industry and promotes the breed.
LEXIE: The Academy division is a great way for a new rider to get their foot in the door in a more affordable way and with less of a commitment. It also gives horses who might not have made it in a show program a chance to have a job all while being loved by a ton of kids!
WHY DO YOU ENJOY TAKING YOUR STUDENTS TO ACADEMY SHOWS? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF THE SHOW?
MARY: I do enjoy taking kids to Academy shows.
There has been a recent trend in the Carolinas of moving the Academy portion of the show to a week earlier, and while it can make things more convenient for the shows, it defeats the entire purpose of Academy — to expose the riders to an actual horse show. It is fun to watch the kids progress from first show nerves to getting comfortable and actually learning what it means to show a horse!
LESLIE: Most of my students can’t afford a show horse, so this is the way they get to be with the show horses. For the ones who can afford it, I try to use shows as an incentive to move to a show horse.
LEXIE: Academy shows give my riders a chance to see other riders working as hard as they do to meet a common goal. Our riders can always learn from watching others. I love the camaraderie that comes with Academy riders and their families.
WHY IS THE ACADEMY DIVISION, AND ACADEMY NATIONALS IN PARTICULAR, IMPORTANT FOR RIDERS WHO SHOW ACADEMY THEIR ENTIRE CAREER?
MARY: When I first started riding and showing, the Academy division did not exist yet. But because of a riding instructor who believed in giving kids opportunities, I rode and worked and showed and eventually went to William Woods to major in Equestrian Science. And now, with the team that I am a part of, we are helping to introduce horseloving kids to the show horse industry. While not every kid in Academy will buy a horse, some will — and there is always another portion that will want to be part of the industry as their career.
Orr , High Caliber S
eMelvin, Stonebro
mpbell, Elite Riding
xie Ream, Fiesta F
LESLIE: Some riders just can’t afford a performance horse or the expenses that come with a show horse.
JENNIFER: I think it encourages the kids to work hard throughout the year and keep moving forward.
LEXIE: Academy Nationals is for riders who are the top of their league and gives those riders who might not leave the division a chance to have really stiff competition. This horse show also has a wide variety of age groups where other Academy shows might not. On the reverse side of that, riders who are new to Academy Nationals might have a disadvantage since there are so many riders who have been there years and years prior.
WHAT POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE ACADEMY DIVISION?
MARY: Academy judges are getting better at their job and asking more questions; shows are making more of a point to educate the judges on regional differences. I’ve also enjoyed seeing programs grow and learn and become safer with their horse choices. I think that the Carolinas having a UPHA rep on Academy days is the best possible addition. Academy Nationals having additional help overseeing the paddock area and enforcing common sense and arena rules was an absolute game changer. I have seen instructors volunteer to help and also ask for help from other instructors at the shows. This is all part of being both professional and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Instructors and trainers are the ones that set the bar for all other riders and exhibitors.
LESLIE: I like the advanced rider classes that some shows offered.
LEXIE: I like the new and more clear rules put in place by most of the Academy horse shows.
WHAT IS ONE CHANGE TO THE ACADEMY DIVISION
YOU’D LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE?
MARY: Consistency with rules and judging standards would be outstanding. It is obvious with younger judges who are not instructors that they are struggling to judge and tie the classes. It is difficult when show managers are wishy-washy about rules and/or classes as well as how they go about splitting classes.
LESLIE: More advanced and beginner-type classes,
so the new ones coming in aren’t showing against someone who’s been in for 10 years.
LEXIE: I would like to see Academy shows taking inventory of the horses who are in attendance and limiting the number of times each horse can be shown. This will help to keep each horse safe and healthy.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR ACADEMY STUDENTS LOOKING TO MOVE INTO THE PERFORMANCE DIVISION?
MARY: Remember that you are “leveling up,” just like in a video game. It SHOULD be more difficult; remind yourself of that! Being successful in Academy does not guarantee success in Performance classes, and being less successful in Academy does not mean you won’t be successful as a Performance rider. It is apples and oranges!
JENNIFER: Have real expectations. Going into Performance the first year and competing with kids who have been doing it for multiple years sometimes discourages them. Keep moving forward.
LEXIE: Watch the Performance classes at each horse show; it gives a great insight to the future of their show careers.
WHAT IS ONE THING ACADEMY STUDENTS CAN DO IN THE OFF SEASON/AT HOME THAT WILL HELP THEM IN THE SHOW RING?
MARY: Be curious, both on and off of the horse! Learn about the different breeds, divisions and what the specifics are for the different classes. Learn to ask questions, read magazine articles and books — spend time on the breed association websites and in the USEF learning library. There is so much information out there that will make you a better rider and competitor!
LESLIE: Watch videos. It helps with working the ring and learning what looks correct and what doesn’t.
JENNIFER: Participate in group riding.
LEXIE: Make a list of all they want to improve on from the previous season and try to work towards achieving those goals.
POP CULTURE
YEAR IN
Lily Gladstone won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” making her the first Indigenous performer to win a Golden Globe (and later, the first one to win a SAG award).
“EPIC: The Musical” expanded its fan base in 2024. When the original distributor refused to pay royalties for the musical’s first songs, the creator and cast took inspiration from Taylor Swift by forming their own production company and rerecording existing music. The July release went viral.
“Inside Out 2” grossing animated film of all time, earning more than $1.5 billion globally. For older audiences, “Deadpool and Wolverine” created a lot of buzz in theaters.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Scientists at Mount Sinai and City of Hope saw incredible success while trialing a new diabetes treatment. After injecting mice with treated, insulin-producing cells, these cells increased by 700% within three months. This reversed diabetes symptoms, which remained gone a month after stopping treatment.
Spring 2024 brought some remarkable celestial phenomena, with a total solar eclipse darkening much of North America in April. In May, solar storms made the northern lights visible as far south as Florida.
Researchers at a Uppsala University discovered a new antibiotic class that’s effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The drug targets a protein that bacteria uses to craft its outer protective layer, weakening its armor.
REVIEW
WORLD EVENTS
Los Angeles Zoo set a record by hatching 17 California condor chicks. Currently there are about 340 wild condors, up from only 22 individuals in 1982. In the Galapagos, 500 endangered giant tortoises were released to the islands.
A bugged software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike knocked out technology around the globe on July 19. The update was deployed to computers running Microsoft Windows, and knocked airlines, hospitals, businesses, and government offices offline for days.
SPORTS
Simone Biles reached the podium as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast of all time, earning another gold to bring her total up to six gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. She also has the honor of having five skills named after her, and 38 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in the sport’s history.
Snoop Dogg became the USA’s unofficial mascot for the Olympic games, keeping fans laughing with his commentary and representing the equestrian community with his enthusiasm for Dressage, going so far as to dress in riding gear while commentating alongside Martha Stewart.
Ilona Maher led the U.S. rugby team to its first Olympic medal. They beat the Australian team and claimed the bronze medal, creating hope that the sport will grow.
elected its first-ever female president. The country voted in Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during its June general election, which she won by a landslide. NBAChampion*BostonCeltics(June2024) StanleyCupChampion*FloridaPanthers(June2024) PGAChampion*XanderSchauffele(May2024) KentuckyDerbyWinner*MystikDan(May2024) SuperBowlChampion*KansasCityChiefs(February2024) WorldSeriesChampion*TexasRangers(November2023) WNBAChampion* LasVegasAces(October2023)
HOR E
WORD SEARCH
LOOK FOR THE FOLLOWING 20 HORSE TERMS SIDEWAYS, FORWARDS, BACKWARDS, AND UP AND DOWN. CAN YOU FIND THEM ALL?
Hunter Pleasure
Double Bridle
Hackney Pony Rack
Center Ring Bell Boots
Ring Master
Slow Gait
Five Gaited
Chestnut
Roadster
Cutback
PHOTO HUNT
SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE PHOTOS.
REFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE BY CREATING YOUR DREAM SUIT!
SUIT DESIGNER
Use your imagination to fill our template with your dream colors, patterns and flourishes. Nothing is off limits!
We’ve laid out some pattern inspiration below!
P.S. Don’t forget your lapel pin.
We want to see your work! Show off your creativity by posting a photo of your dream suit and tagging National Horseman on Instagram! #SUITDESIGNERNH
MAZE
YOU GOT TURNED AROUND ON YOUR TRAIL RIDE! FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO THE BARN.
CONNECT THE dots
HELP WORLD’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS HACKNEY PONY CH HEARTLAND SECRET WEAPON FINISH HIS VICTORY LAP!
OWNED BY JACQUELINE OHRSTROM
WORDSEARCH
DSWGLYMNVIHNREKCDAMO
TACK ANATOMY
PHOTO HUNT
2. POMMEL
3. SEAT
4. CANTLE
5. PANEL
6. FLAP BROW
CONNECT THE DOTS
ACADEMY BOOK OF CHAMPIONS
