Nominations close July 31 for several 2018 USHJA annual awards

Member nominated awards include Amateur Sportsmanship Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Youth Leadership Awards and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lexington, Ky. –  June 18, 2018 – The United States Hunter Jumper Association is accepting nominations for 2018 annual awards to recognize the significant accomplishments of members. The following awards are based on member nominations and have a nomination deadline of July 31: Amateur Sportsmanship, Jane Marshall Dillon, Lifetime Achievement and the Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy.

The  USHJA Amateur Sportsmanship Award recognizes Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur competitors 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. Nominations for the award may come from exhibitors, trainers, colleagues or peers. The nominee must be an Active or Associate member of the USHJA. In 2017, Kelly DeSaye of Famingdale, N.J., won the award. Nominations must be submitted by July 31.

The  USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award honors members whose lifelong involvement in the sport and with USHJA has benefited the industry. Recipients have dedicated their lives to furthering the disciplines of hunters and jumpers on a national platform. Last year, Dianne Johnson of Kirkland, Wash., and Philip A. DeVita of Apopka, Fla., received the award. Nominations must be submitted by July 31.

The Jane Marshall Dillon Award recognizes an individual who has devoted their life to teaching and mentoring riders who are beginning their education in the hunter/jumper discipline. Last year, USHJA presented this award to Donna Martin of Pottersville, N.J., and Misty Morgan of Little Rock, Ark. Nominations must be submitted by July 31.

The  Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award honors an owner who has created a legacy of giving back to the hunter/jumper sport through continued dedication and support. Last year, Douglas Wheeler and his son accepted the award on behalf of the Wheeler Family. Nominations must be submitted by July 31.

Other nomination-based member awards that have later nomination deadlines include the USHJA Youth Leadership Award, the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, as well as the Vital Horse Show Staff Award.

Each year, young riders from every discipline apply through their affiliate organizations to be considered for the  USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, which is presented annually to a USEF member under the age of 18. The USHJA is accepting nominations for this award, which recognizes equestrians who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the promotion of equestrian sport, serve as positive role models for their peers, are involved in community activities and exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles. Last year, Madelyne Brymesser, 14, of Boiling Springs, Pa., was the USHJA nominee for this exciting award. Nominations must be submitted to the USHJA by September 1.

Junior members of the USHJA between the ages of 12 and 15 have an additional opportunity to be considered for the  USHJA Youth Leadership Award. This award and the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award aim to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry while recognizing youth for their achievements. Last year, Avery Lambert, 12, of San Jose, Calif., was selected as the USHJA Youth Leadership Award recipient. Nominations must be submitted by September 1.

The   USHJA Vital Horse Show Staff Award recognizes two committed horse show staff members-one from the East Coast and one from the West Coast-who often work behind the scenes but are essential to the success of our horse shows. Nominees do not need to be active members of the USHJA. This award is meant for those individuals who are currently not participating as a competitor, rider, owner, A-rated show manager or licensee, but rather someone who provides the support that makes showing, judging and managing competitions and participating in educational events something to enjoy. Last year, Kristen Vale-Mosack of Saugerties, N.Y., and Nancee Tepley of New Hall, Calif., received the Vital Horse Show Staff Award for the East and West coast, respectively. Nominations must be submitted by October 5.

For more information about USHJA Annual Awards, visit  ushja.org/awards.

Media Contact:
Megan Lacy
mlacy@ushja.org
(859) 225-6723