Babylon and David Burton to Receive 2022 USHJA WCHR Hunter of the Year and Kavar Kerr Distinguished Service Award, New Legacy Trophy in Memory of Jeff Wirthman to be Presented

Lexington, Ky.—Feb. 15, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to name Babylon the 2022 World Championship Hunter Rider Hunter of the Year and David Burton as the recipient of the Kavar Kerr Distinguished Service Award. Both awards will be presented before the $100,000 USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular on Saturday, February 18 at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Representing all the qualities of a top show Hunter, Babylon, owned by Marnell Sport Horses, is capping off a successful 2022 by earning the Hunter of the Year honor. Piloted by Ariana Marnell, the Oldenburg gelding took second in the USHJA WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular and was the Junior Hunter 3’6” Reserve Grand Champion at the USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East. Known for his striking markings and impressive talent, Babylon continued to collect tricolors throughout the year, including a second consecutive WCHR Professional Challenge win with John French in the irons.

Since 2011, the USHJA has honored the life and legacy of the late accomplished horseman, Peter Wetherill, by recognizing a current equine athlete that exemplifies the qualities of a top-class show hunter. Wetherill, who passed away in February 2010, is also fondly remembered as an exemplary owner and an equestrian community advocate who supported the WCHR’s philanthropic endeavors from the start. This prestigious title is awarded each year to the WCHR Hunter of the Year and its signature trophy, the Peter Wetherill Cup, is presented in tribute to its namesake.

Longtime Competition Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Wellington International, David Burton Jr. is a force behind the scenes of the sport. He is known for his dedication and hard work around the show grounds, helping to create an amazing horse show experience for hundreds of Hunter/Jumper competitors at the iconic Winter Equestrian Festival, home of the annual USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Burton’s devotion to the sport has earned him the Kavar Kerr Distinguished Service Award, which is awarded each year to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and commitment to the WCHR program’s philanthropic efforts.

"David’s attention to detail and his absolute commitment to our Hunter community shows in the great success of the WHCR in Wellington," said Michael Stone, president of Wellington International.

A new award in 2023, the WCHR Task Force is proud to announce the WCHR Palm Beach Spectacular Legacy Trophy in memory of Jeff Wirthman. Jeff left his mark on the sport through his lifetime involvement in many aspects of the Hunter sport and the USHJA’s WCHR program. From judging to training and serving for many years on the WCHR Task Force, his input and wisdom were invaluable. The perpetual trophy in his honor will be awarded each year to the winner of the WCHR Amateur Owner 3’3” Hunter Classic during WCHR week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, held this year on Friday, February 17.

Babylon and Burton will be presented with their awards before the $100,000 USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, which will feature the top Hunters of WEF 6 competing over a Hunter Classic round with the 12 top-scoring horse-and-rider combinations returning for a second round. Ticket and table sales to watch the class from the International Club at the annual USHJA WCHR Spectacular Hunt Gala are open. The gala supports the WCHR program with a portion of this year's proceeds benefitting the USHJA Horseman's Assistance Fund, which provides emergency financial support to equestrians. 

Those at home can catch all the action for free at wellingtoninternational.com/watch/live-streams, starting at 6:35 p.m. ET.

For more information about the USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program, visit ushja.org/WCHR.