Boyd Martin and On Cue at the 2021 Maryland 5 Star. Credit: Shannon Brinkman
The 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention was held at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, December 9-12. The Year End Awards Ceremony, led by Jim Wofford and Jim Wolf, recognized riders, horses, and game-changers in the sport of eventing with over 80 awards and grants.
After a remarkable competition year, the 16-year-old Selle Francais mare On Cue (Cabri de Elle x On High) was the recipient of not one, but two top honors during the 2021 Awards Ceremony. On Cue was awarded the title of 2021 Standlee Premium Western Forage USEA Horse of the Year and was presented with the Caser Trophy, $1,000, a $500 Standlee Premium Products certificate, and a custom embroidered Saratoga Horseworks show cooler. On Cue was also the recipient of the Frolicsome Trophy as the 2021 Bates USEA Mare of the Year winner and will receive an additional $1,000, another custom embroidered Saratoga Horseworks show cooler, and a Bates saddle.
One of One Cue’s owners, Christine Turner (San Antonio, TX), delivered a heartfelt thank you to her husband and silent partner TJ Turner for supporting her passion for horses and making this year possible. Turner also was proud to acknowledge Tommie Turner and Boyd Martin as part-owners of On Cue.
This year’s World Equestrian Brands USEA Rider of the Year and recipient of the Windy Acres Farm Trophy was the first rider to break a 13-year-long drought for an American to win a five-star event Boyd Martin (Unionville, PA). This is Martin’s fifth time earning this title, and he received $1,000, a pair of Amerigo Safety Stirrups and leathers provided by World Equestrian Brands, and a custom embroidered Saratoga Horseworks show cooler.
The Wilton Fair Fund is donated by David and Cheryl Lenaburg with the goal of supporting U.S. developing riders. The Fund allows grants to be given each year for a variety of educational opportunities for riders 29 and under who have not yet ridden for a senior team. This year’s grant recipient is Caroline Martin (Riegelsville, PA) for a total of $60,000.
Former USEA President and current Chair of the USEA Foundation Diane Pitts presented the USEA Foundation Grants. The $10,000 Essex Grant was awarded to Cole Horn (Long Valley, NJ).
The Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award salutes the well-earned recognition of the individuals responsible for the wellbeing of eventing horses. The 2021 Liz Cochran Memorial Groom Award were presented to Stephanie Simpson (Cochranville, PA), groom to five-star event rider Boyd Martin.
Recognizing members 60 years of age and over who are competing at any level in USEA recognized competitions and who show great sportsmanship, the Vintage Cup is a unique award. This year’s recipient is Holly Covey of Greenwood, DE, who was nominated for her ability to manage a full-time job, care for her multiple horses at home, serve as the Area II Volunteer Coordinator and Young Rider advisor, and provide exceptional care for her husband Brian who is battling cancer.
Max Corcoran presented the USEA President's Lifetime Achievement Award to Dougie Hannum (Unionville, PA). Hannum’s career began as a groom in the 1960’s and later transitioned to the care of horses and opened an equine rehabilitation center. The careers of countless grooms across the country have been impacted by Hannum’s influence. Corcoran closed out her remarks by quoting several individuals who have worked closely with Hannum over the years.