Pat Boyle Named USHJA Volunteer of the Year

More than a dozen exceptional equestrians recognized at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians

Tampa, Fla.—Dec. 11, 2018—Following a full day of important rule change proposal discussions on Tuesday, Dec. 11 during the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center, the 2018 USHJA Evening of Equestrians brought laughs, tears and standing ovations as USHJA recognized members for their contributions to the sport and outstanding achievements.

Pat Boyle, of Hampshire, Illinois, was awarded the prestigious USHJA Volunteer of the Year Award. This award recognizes an individual who has been instrumental in the pursuit of the mission of the USHJA and the betterment of the sport. Boyle received the evening's surprise honor for his contributions to the planning and success of the inaugural AON/USHJA National Championships.

Pay Boyle receives the Volunteer of the Year Award from USHJA President Mary Babick. Photo credit: Tricia Booker/USHJA

The President's Distinguished Service Award was developed to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members and volunteers to the USHJA and our sport. This year's recipients of the award include Debbie Bass, Oliver Brown, Amy Center, Fran Dotoli, Frank Madden, Jason McArdle, and Sandra Ruiz.

From Left to Right: Amy Center, Sandra Ruiz, Debbie Bass, Oliver Brown, Fran Dotoli and USHJA President Mary Babick. Photo credit: Tricia Booker/USHJA

USHJA presented Ralph Caristo, of Saugerties, New York, and Michael Page, of North Salem, New York, with the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award. The presentation of their awards included video tributes that highlighted their incredible achievements.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Ralph Caristo with his wife and daughters. Photo credit: Tricia Booker/USHJA

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Michael Page with Marla Holt, USHJA managing director of awards and merchandise

This year's Evening of Equestrians Awards celebration introduced a new award, the J. Arthur 'Bucky' Reynolds II Award of Merit, to honor the late Reynolds. This award, presented posthumously for meritorious service to the equestrian sport and dedication to furthering Hunter Breeding and the Hunter and Jumper disciplines, named Reynolds as the first honoree. Donated by Betty and Ernie Oare, and generously supported by Linda Reynolds and Friends of Bucky, Linda and Lydia Reynolds were presented with the inaugural award.

Ron Danta, of Camden, S.C., and Colleen McQuay, of Tioga, Texas, were recognized for their tremendous efforts leading the USHJA International Hunter Derby Program, which has had an enormous impact on our sport over the past 10 years.

Lynn Walsh, of Magnolia, Texas, accepted the Amateur Sportsmanship Award, which was created to recognize Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur exhibitors who display excellence and integrity by supporting fellow competitors and volunteering their time and resources to various aspects of the industry.

Robin Parsky, of Rancho Santa Fe, California, accepted the Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award, which was presented by Sue Bopp of EMO Agency. This award recognizes past or current owners who have been true patrons of the industry creating a legacy of giving back to the sport through dedication and support.

Ann Grenci, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. accepted the Jane Marshall Dillon Award. This award recognizes equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders beginning their education in the hunter/jumper discipline.

Maya Aryal, 15, of Fairfax, Virginia, accepted the USHJA Youth Leadership Award, which is presented to a young individual who demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship, a commitment to equestrian sport, and serves as a leader and role model to his or her peers. Roy Burek of Charles Owen and Marla Holt, USHJA managing director of awards and merchandise, presented Aryal with the award and a Charles Owen helmet.

Another outstanding young equestrian, Lauren Sanderson, 18, of Kensington, New Hampshire, was recognized as the USHJA nominee for the US Equestrian Youth Sportsman's Award, which was created to identify future leaders within the equine industry across all breeds and disciplines and distinguish outstanding youth for their achievements. Sanderson also received a Charles Owen helmet.

Two exceptional horse show staff were recognized for their invaluable role in delivering the very best hunter/jumper competitions. Liz Soroka, of Sag Harbor, New York, received the East Coast Vital Horse Show Staff Award. Anderson "Andy" Burney, of Sacramento, California, was awarded the West Coast Vital Horse Show Staff Award.

Earning this year's Dash for Cash Award, presented by Bob Bell and The Classic Company, was Lisa Goldman-Smolen. This award honors the rider earning the most prize money in $25,000 to $40,000 Grand Prix events that are held as the featured jumper event at a licensed USEF competition.

Pat Boyle Named USHJA Volunteer of the Year

More than a dozen exceptional equestrians recognized at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians

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