USHJA to Honor Annual Award Recipients at Evening of Equestrians Celebration at 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting
Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 6, 2024—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the recipients of select 2024 USHJA Annual Awards ahead of the Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner, presented by Desert International Horse Park, at the 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting. Nominated by their peers, these recipients will be honored at the awards celebration in Tucson, Arizona, on Tuesday, December 10.
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 KC Branscomb of Half Moon Bay, California.
Branscomb is a significant figure in the Hunter/Jumper industry for many years, making her mark as a breeder dedicated to producing top sport horses through Branscomb Farm. With a commitment to developing quality horses with excellent dispositions, she has cultivated a breeding program that prioritizes both talent and temperament. Recently, Branscomb worked with the USEF to advocate for changes in the role of owners in international competitions.
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 Brittany Kasprack Coleman from Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Lisa Hankin of Los Angeles, California.
Kasprack has made significant contributions to the equine community with the establishment of the Experience Equestrian League, which offers a gateway for riders to transition from local competitions to rated events. Recently, she introduced college recruitment at the shows, allowing up-and-coming riders to explore collegiate equestrian opportunities. As an Amateur rider, Kasprack is committed to her own growth within the sport, actively working toward her judging card while successfully competing in the Grand Prix ring.
Hankin is a dedicated advocate and serves as the President of the California Professional Horsemen Association Foundation. Through her efforts, she raises funds and chairs the Foundation to support professional horsemen and families facing injuries or hardships. During the winter circuit in Thermal, California, Hankin has earned a reputation as the problem solver for vendors and exhibitors. From lending a horse to sponsoring prospects for aspiring trainers, her generous spirit and selflessness make her a beloved figure in the sport.
Melissa Jones from Simi Valley, California; Pam Baker of Bealeton, Virginia; and Jane Olsen of Huntsville, Alabama, 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.
Jones has a deep passion for teaching and her commitment to her students is evident in every lesson. Having spent many years working alongside Karen Healey, she played a crucial role in developing a solid foundation for an array of riders. Now, Jones freelances, stepping in for trainers at shows and instructing a range of students. As a staunch advocate for horsemanship, she incorporates her extensive knowledge into her teaching both in the arena and around the barn.
Baker has dedicated her life to the art of teaching and training riders at all levels and was honored with the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Influenced by Captain Vladimir S. Littauer and Clayton Bailey, she developed a philosophy centered on fostering true communication between horse and rider. Alongside honing riding skills, Baker emphasizes the importance of good horsemanship and showmanship, viewing winning as a natural result of both.
With over 45 years of experience in the Hunter/Jumper industry, Olsen has built a legacy of exceptional teaching and mentorship in her community. At Oak Crest Farm, she welcomes riders of all ages and skill levels. Her dedication to accessible, high-quality instruction has helped numerous students find their footing in the sport, from beginners to those advancing through the local show circuit and beyond.
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 Art Fingerle of Elk Grove, California; and Will and Lesli Mitchell of Houston, Texas.
Fingerle has been a cornerstone of North California horse shows for many years, serving as a paramedic. Always ready with a smile and a band-aid, his willingness to assist the show in any capacity—from delivering lunches to fixing radios and even retrieving locked car keys—is valued by fellow show staff and exhibitors.
Though never a rider, Will quickly became a respected figure at major shows, including the pair's local favorite, Pin Oak. Lesli is a lifelong horsewoman, transitioning from riding and training to working at the in-gate, which allows her to balance her family life while staying involved in the sport. Together, Will and Lesli bring enthusiasm and a sense of camaraderie to every event they attend, from Texas to New York.
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 Alexander Winslow of Raleigh, North Carolina.
From transforming a difficult pony into a successful competitor to earning gold at the Zone Jumper Team Championships and participating in the Emerging Athletes Program, Winslow has proven his skill and commitment to the sport. Beyond riding, he excels academically and achieved Eagle Scout status after rebuilding an arena for the non-profit Horses for Hope. As co-founder of The Food Drive Kids alongside his brother, Winslow has helped raise over $100,000 and 100,000 pounds of food through a network of free outdoor food pantries and emergency food to underfunded schools. He is also active in his church and participates in mission trips supporting his North Carolina community.
Emma Elizabeth Bayer of Powder Springs, Georgia, 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.
Bayer is an exemplary student and leader with numerous academic honors, including the 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup and the Georgia Certificate of Merit. A seven-year member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, she was named their 2024 National Sportsmanship Award Winner and earned the National Horse Show’s Leo Conroy Equitation Grant in 2022. Bayer is the co-founder and spokeswoman for her personal charity Em-Powerment, raising over $65,000 for breast cancer education and animal rescue. Her contributions extend to her school and community, where she’s active in numerous clubs, volunteers for local animal rescues, has published artwork on environmental issues, and is an active member of her family’s farm.
Awarded posthumously for meritorious service to equestrian sport, this year's J. Arthur “Bucky” Reynolds, II Award of Merit honors Pat Dodson of Clemmons, North Carolina.
Dodson was a respected horseman, trainer, and judge, known for his warmth and humor. Alongside his partner, Keith Hasting, he operated Clouds Harbor Farm for over 40 years, where he trained countless champions and encouraged students to embrace horsemanship and responsibility while having fun. He was inducted into the Carolina Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2018, honoring his impact from both the judges booth and the in-gate.
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 Ernest Oare and Betty Oare of Warrenton, Virginia.
Husband and wife team Ernie and Betty are synonymous with excellence in Hunters and Hunter Breeding, but their influence extends throughout every aspect of the sport. Both have served as invaluable resources on numerous local and national committees, dedicating their time and expertise to enhance and uphold the standards of equestrian sport. They have sponsored key programs, including the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the next generation.
Both respected large “R” judges, together they have dedicated more than 80 years as licensed officials. Over the years, countless riders have earned accolades under their watchful eye or alongside them in award presentations, and they continue to stand as role models for their tireless support of the sport they love.
The USHJA congratulates this year’s Annual Award recipients. In addition to these nomination-based awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award, 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, Nutrena, and Parlanti. A special thanks also goes to Desert International Horse Park, Hodges Badge Company, Human Touch, Revita Vet Therapy Systems, RingRadar, RingSide Pro, and US Equestrian for their support of this year's Annual Meeting.
For more information on the 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting, visit ushja.org/annualmeeting.
Photo: Terisé Cole/USHJA
