Evening of Equestrians at 2023 USHJA Annual Meeting to Honor Annual Award Recipients

Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 4, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the recipients of select 2023 USHJA Annual Awards. Each of these recipients was nominated by their peers and will be honored at the Evening of Equestrians Awards, on Tuesday, December 5.

This year's award presentation, along with other select sessions throughout the week, will be available to watch virtually from the 2023 USHJA Annual Meeting in Concord, North Carolina. Those interested can see the schedule and register to watch here.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a member whose lifelong involvement in the sport has benefited the industry and has dedicated their lives to furthering the disciplines of Hunters and Jumpers on a national platform. This year's recipient is Linda Andrisani.

Andrisani, of Wellington, Florida, is an accomplished horsewoman, trainer, rider and esteemed judge. With more than 40 years and infinite hours in the judge's booth, she has presided over the most prestigious events in the sport, including the Capital Challenge Horse Show, Devon Horse Show and Winter Equestrian Festival, among others. Her judging expertise also extends outside the U.S., having traveled abroad to officiate international competitions.

Outside of the judge’s booth, Andrisani is a member of the Equestrian Aid Foundation Board of Directors, USEF’s National Hunter Committee, the USHJA Officials Education Committee and previously ran a successful show Hunter barn, Monkton Manor, alongside her late partner, Jack Stedding. In 2019, she was awarded the Old Springhouse Perpetual Trophy by the WCHR Task Force for her commitment to the Hunter sport. Her peers describe her as "a mentor to many; an example to all."

This year's Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award, which recognizes past or current owners who have been loyal patrons of the industry, will be presented to the Currey/Ingram families for their collective contributions to the industry.

The Currey and Ingram families have been involved in the top of the Hunter/Jumper sport for decades and are synonymous with some of the industry's top horses. Notably, the late Agneta and Brownlee Currey co-owned Joe Fargis' 1984 Olympic Gold Medal mount Touch Of Class, were influential in the evolution of the Hampton Classic Horse Show and sat on the United States Equestrian Team Board of Trustees. Stephanie and John Ingram have supported the sport as owners of an array of accomplished horses, including Cuba, 2017 US Equestrian National Horse of the Year. Currently, John competes in the Amateur Owner Hunter divisions alongside his daughter, Martha. 

The goal of the Amateur Sportsmanship Award is to recognize Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur exhibitors who exhibit a degree of excellence and integrity by supporting their fellow competitors and volunteering their time and resources to various aspects of the industry. This year's recipients are Dr. Angela Millon of Easley, South Carolina, and Elaine Fresch, of Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Millon is a pediatrician and mother in her time outside the sport. In the saddle, she competes in the Amateur Owner Hunter divisions and has passed the love of horses to her children. She currently serves as president of the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club and was instrumental in resurrecting the Club's historic Horse and Hounds Horse Show. During the show, she can be seen around the grounds helping staff and exhibitors. She is also a founding member and co-chair of the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame, which honors horses and horsemen tied to the Carolinas.

Fresch is a longtime equestrian competing in both the Hunter and Jumper rings. Out of the saddle, she is an attorney with an affinity for Equine Law and chair of the USHJA Joint Owners Task Force. She is described by her peers as "a great friend and cheerleader" at horse shows and "involved, thoughtful and solution-oriented."

Mary Morrill, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Jane Fennessy, of Rivera Beach, Florida, are this year's Jane Marshall Dillon Award recipients. The award recognizes equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders beginning their education in the Hunter/Jumper discipline.

Morrill has been training riders and horses for more than 55 years, currently out of her own Bentbrook Farm. Described as a role model by her nominators, Morril's teaching techniques instill proper horsemanship and responsibility in her students. She is said to "consistently celebrate and advance riders of all abilities" and focuses on making riding accessible to all of those in her community. 

Operating out of her own Carriage Hill Farms, Fennessy has trained numerous champions throughout her career. She is described as having "a positive, comfortable environment that encourages support, horsemanship and collaboration." She inspires and mentors her students, peers and fellow equestrians, providing paths to success for those around her. 

This year's Vital Horse Show Staff Award, which honors the sport's support staff whose role is essential to competitions' success, is awarded to Benjamin Martinez, of Burbank, California, and Jennifer Gamboa, of Wellington, Florida.

Martinez is a staple on West Coast, having spent many years as part of Langer Equestrian Group’s show management team and now as general manager of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. From watering the arena to delivering shavings, he is described as "doing it all with a smile and can-do attitude."

Gamboa is described as a "hallmark office staff at shows" with the answers to every question that may come across the show secretary desk. She goes above and beyond to help exhibitors and is a friend to all in the office or around the showgrounds. 

The USHJA Youth Leadership Award identifies potential future leaders in the equine industry and recognizes Junior members for their achievements. This year's recipient is Liam Gaspar, of New York, New York.

Gaspar is a young equestrian dedicated to the sport and making a difference in his community. Outside of competing in all three rings, he volunteers his time preparing marketing and outreach materials, engaging school and community groups and collecting donations for various organizations. Recently, with the assistance of his peers in the equestrian community, he was able to help donate over $15,000 in essentials to New Yorkers in need. In the future, Gaspar wishes to help elevate those who may not have the resources to enter this sport and address the homelessness crisis in New York. 

Vivienne Zakrzewski, of Setauket, New York, is this year's USHJA Nominee for the USEF National Youth Sportman's Award. Each year, young riders from each discipline apply through their affiliate organizations, like USHJA, to be considered for the USEF National Youth Sportsman's Award. Nominees demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to USEF and USHJA by promoting the equestrian sport, demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship and serving as a role model for their peers.

Zakrzewski is a member of her school's Interscholastic Equestrian Association team, an avid viola player and volunteers with various local programs. At school, she participates in the Teacher Classroom Helper Volunteer Program and as a recess helper. In the equine industry, she raised over $5,000 for Special Olympics with a “No Stirrups November” ride-a-thon fundraiser and supported Pal-O-Mine, a local therapeutic equine program, by cleaning up around the farm, organizing tack and helping to care for the horses. She is described as a capable rider who isn't afraid of a challenge or to lend a helping hand. 

 Awarded posthumously for meritorious service to equestrian sport, this year's J. Arthur “Bucky” Reynolds, II Award of Merit honors Stephen Soule, VMD, of Wellington, Florida. Dr. Soule was an accomplished equine veterinarian and served for over two decades as an official U.S. Equestrian Team Veterinarian.

The Licensed Official Emeritus Honorary Designation recognizes licensed officials who have dedicated their lives to officiating our sport and have subsequently retired. This year's honorees are Carol Molony, of Brewster, New York; Wayne Eubank, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Johnny Barker of Middleburg, Virginia; and Dianne Johnson, of Kirkland, Washington.

The USHJA congratulates this year’s Annual Award recipients. In addition to these nomination-based awards, other awards, including the William J. Moroney Visionary Award, President's Distinguished Service Award and Volunteer of the Year Award, will be announced during the Evening of Equestrians.

The USHJA extends thanks to Official Sponsors CWD, Parlanti and Nutrena. A special thanks also goes to Supporting Sponsors Aiken Horse Park Foundation, Explore Cabarrus County NC, Hodges Badge Company, Human Touch, RingSide Pro, Tryon International Equestrian Center and US Equestrian for their support of this year's Annual Meeting. 

For more information on the 2023 USHJA Annual Meeting, including the schedule and livestream session details, visit ushja.org/annualmeeting.

Photo: Terisé Cole/USHJA