Convention Coverage

Friday, January 17, 2003
By Brian Sosby

Friday’s many meetings and events made for a packed day for attendees of the 86th Annual Meeting. After a day filled with a long list of meetings (Dressage, Date Rotation, Competition Management, Saddlebred, Breeders, Budget & Finance, Reining, Welsh/Connemara, Andalusian/Lusitano, Secretaries to name a few), all eyes turned to the highlight of the day – the Pegasus Awards Reception and Dinner.

The formal affair was much anticipated and all in attendance were ready to celebrate the work accomplished during the week and the awarding of the past year’s honors – including the Equestrian of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

After a packed social hour, the dinner commenced and led to the welcome prepared and presented by Alan F. Balch, USA Equestrian President and host of the gala. As has become tradition, a video tribute was shown that delighted the crowd and set the perfect mood for a night filled with laughs, thunderous applause and ovations, plus a few poignant tears.

Media awards started the presentations including awards honoring print editorial, Internet and photography. Following the media honors, the 2002 individual awards brought to the dais some of top names in equestrian sport across the wide array of breeds and disciplines.

Among the highlights were the awarding of the Equestrian of the Year honors (going to Virginian David O’Connor – a first-ever two-time winner) and the Lifetime Achievement honors presented to Kentuckians Ned and Nina Bonnie.

Andalusian/Lusitano
The hour-and-one-half meeting was well-attended with 10 committee members present. The committee discussed Andalusian/Lusitano division rule changes as well as the general rule changes. Gareth Selwood, Committee Chairman, asked the committee to make comments on the general rule proposals and whether they approved or disapproved.

Welsh & Connemara
The committee reviewed and commented on several rule change proposals. Dr. Ruth Wilburn updated the committee on the trophy the Welsh Society is planning on awarding to the high point Welsh pony at the 2003 Pony Finals.

Dressage
Fifteen committee members were in attendance and the following topics were discussed: division rule change proposals; licensed officials matters; the new FEI “conflict of interest” rule and implications for U.S. judges, riders and competitors; allowing mules to compete in national dressage competitions beginning December 1, 2003; the use of two new versions of the FEI Grand Prix tests by U.S. competitions.

Competitions Secretaries
The committee had 14 members and guests present. Members discussed rule change proposals and the implementation of the mandatory horse IDs. Information regarding the horse IDs is available on the USA Equestrian web site or members can contact Cheryll Frank (cmfrank@equestrian.org) with any questions they may have regarding the IDs.

Competition Standards
The committee had 25 members and guests present and discussed a few rule change proposals not previously discussed. The committee addressed footing awards and their hope to develop criteria for the awards in 2003. It was also noted that they wish to have an Open Forum with the Safety and Management committees to discuss rules before the individual committee meetings.

Date Rotation
The committee had 10 members and guests present and reviewed their proposals. No new concerns were brought forward. The committee addressed and thanked those who have helped to make progress over the last five years.

Saddlebred Meeting
The committee discussed in depth the measurement rules put forth by Measurement Task Force as well as a request from a horse show manager to hire judges who are not licensed by USA Equestrian to judge an unrecognized class at a recognized horse show. Committee reviewed all rule change proposals, amending three for clarity and approving all others as written. They reviewed selected General rule change proposals referred to them for approval/disapproval

National Show Horse Meeting
NSH Committee reviewed and approved as written all NSH rule change proposals. Committee also reviewed selected General rule change proposals as well as the Saddle Seat Committee’s rule change proposals. The Committee also voted to continue to compete under the Therapeutic Substance Group.

The following are photos and excerpts from the presentations made during the evening.

USA Equestrian 2002 Pegasus Dinner

Media Awards
Established in 1993 as a part of the “Making Strides for Equestrian Sports” campaign, the USA Equestrian Media Awards are designed to acknowledge and encourage outstanding efforts by the media to promote knowledge and appreciation of equestrian sports in the United States through their publications, articles and broadcasts.

Yet again this year, an outstanding list of journalists and publications has set new standards for excellence in equestrian media coverage. Tonight we celebrate their work.

The Claudia Mejak Memorial Award for Non-Equestrian Print Media: “Bertalan de Nemethy: A 20th Century Legend Lives On”

Paula Rodenas took home the Claudia Mejak Memorial Award for Non-Equestrian Print Media. Her article, “A 20th Century Legend Lives On,” was a tribute to the late Bertalan de Nemethy.

There is truth in the old saying “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Paula Rodenas knows this well having written about one of the true legends of equestrian sport – Bertalan de Nemethy. In her article “Bertalan de Nemethy: A 20th Century Legend Lives On.” In her thorough and well-written retelling of his life and work, Paula has done more than write a story for the general public. Just as de Nemethy him self was noted for his great style and manner – so it is in her article that Rodenas demonstrates her own mannered reporting skills. Her account educates and excites the reader with an insider’s eye and answers the outsider’s questions before they are asked. For her work in preserving the legacy of one of America’s best loved equestrian athletes, Paula Rodenas is awarded tonight the Claudia Mejak Memorial Award for Non-Equestrian Print Media.

The Equestrian Industry Media Recognition Award for a Single Article: "So Shall You Reap" by Denise Steffanus

Denise Steffanus was honored for her article, “So Shall You Reap,” with the Equestrian Industry Media Recognition Award for a Single Article.

Published in May of 2002 in the Thoroughbred Times, Denise Steffanus’ article, “So Shall You Reap”, tells the magical story of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew and how a publicity appearance at a Los Angeles track, and subsequent donation of the appearance fee by his owners Karen and Mickey Taylor, helped save his own life years later.

Call it karma or reaping what you sow, as the article’s title suggests, Slew’s contribution to Washington State University’s Wobbler research, which seemed inconsequential in 1977, was the seed that grew into the tree of life for the stallion 23 years later. Denise has carefully crafted a beautifully-written feature that intertwines the lives and stories of those who played a part in this remarkable story. This year’s winner of the Equestrian Industry Media Recognition Award for A Single Article: “So Shall You Reap” is Denise Steffanus.

The Equestrian Industry Internet Media Recognition Award: horseNpony.com

Billed as “an Internet site for all equestrian,” horseNpony.com has made its presence known by all competing horse-related web sites. In just their second year, their web site has grown to become a source for information used and trusted by those wishing to know what is going on in the horse sport world. Whether looking for show reports or horse-related services, horseNpony.com has made their mark on the technological landscape that is the Internet.

This year’s Equestrian Industry Internet Media Recognition Award goes to horseNpony.com.

The Broadcast Media Excellence Award: KCPQ-TV – Chris Daniels/Keith Bobach/Matt Peterson – “Gold Medal Winner

During her day job, Amy Tryon puts out fires. However, when she saddles up she’s more likely to start a fire as she blazes through a cross country course or show jumping arena. The dichotomy of her two very exciting but very different lives is the subject of KCPQ-TVs feature segment entitled “Gold Medal Winner.”

Peaking at her “9 to 5” profession as a firefighter, the viewer is treated to the story of one equestrian whose days are filled with excitement and danger. Her nerves of steel put to daily use as a firefighter come in equally as handy once she leaves the station and saddles up. It is here that she again applies those fearless and determined energies to bring home international Gold medals and accolades from critics and competitors.

In a time when human interest stories seem to fade against more daunting news bulletins, we are proud to award this year’s Broadcast Media Excellence Award to Seattle’s KCPQ-TV for their news feature “Gold Medal Winner”.

The Equestrian Industry Media Recognition Award for Photography: “If the Show Fits” and…
The Daniel P. Lenehan Memorial Trophy for Overall Excellence – Brant Gamma

Two-time honoree for the night, photographer Brant Gamma (left), was presented the Equestrian Industry Media Recognition Award for Photography, as well as the Daniel P. Lenehan Memorial Trophy for Overall Excellence. The editor of The Chronicle of the Horse, John Strassburger, made the Media Award presentations.

In the hands of the right person, a camera can be a tool of inspiration. In a split second, the right pair of hands and hypersensitive eye can capture what otherwise would be gone in a flash.

Of the many photographers who submitted entries for this category, one etched itself as notch above the rest. In what seems to be a picture perfect moment, longtime and well-respected photographer Brant Gamma has stopped time in its tracks. Her winning photo appeared in EQUESTRIAN magazine to open a feature story on the topic of Shoeing. Once its appearance, Gamma’s phone started ringing and it was subsequently used in publications around the world – testament to the power of a perfectly captured moment on film.

For her artistic eye, quick touch and artistic composition, Brant Gamma takes top honors in the Equestrian Industry Media Recognition Award for Photography, as well as the Daniel P. Lenehan Memorial Trophy for Overall Excellence.

(TIE) The Equestrian Publication of the Year Award: Dressage Today and EQUUS

A tie occurred in the Equestrian Publication of the Year Award – a first. Susan Harding, left (Group Publishing Director of Primedia – Dressage Today), and Associate Publisher for EQUUS, Laurie Prinz (right) were both on hand to accept their honors. John Strassburger presented the awards to the recipients.

When it came to the category of Publication of the Year, our judges were not happy. The problem was two publications clearly stood out as worthy of the title. But for every argument made for one, there was an equally strong argument for the other. Their decision – to award a tie – a first in this category.

Both of tonight’s winners have been invited to the dais before to accept this honor. In 1999, Dressage Today took home the award. In 2000, EQUUS had the honors. Tonight, both publications with their imaginative layouts, bold use of photography and commitment unequaled to provide their readers with features they want to read have set a benchmark for others to aspire to. Inspiring other magazine editors and production staffs to take a second look at their own periodicals – the ultimate compliment.

Tonight we salute editor Laurie Prinz and the staff of EQUUS, and Sandra Oliynyk and the staff at Dressage Today – co-winners of the 2002 Media Award for Equestrian Publication of the Year.

Now we move to our Individual Awards that pay tribute to outstanding achievement and the pursuit of excellence in many aspects of horse sports, both in 2002 as well as over a lifetime.

The Hilltop Farm Special Award, the Marty Simensen Trophy, was given to Dr. Allen Shoen. In Dr. Shoen’s absence, Dr. John Lengel accepted the trophy from Holly Simensen.

The first of these awards is the Marty Simensen Award sponsored by Hilltop Farm. We’ll call Susanne Hassler of Hilltop Farms to the dais to present the award.

Established in 1996 following the passing of a superb veterinarian and a friend to all equestrians, Marty Simensen served as the USET’s vet for over 22 years and was a beloved figure nationwide. Hilltop Farm and David and Terri Smith of Marblehead, Massachusetts, established a memorial trophy to honor others in the equine industry demonstrating Marty’s same spirit. Annually, we honor an individual who has walked a path less traveled and, in doing so, have shown extraordinary kindness toward animals or humans.

This year’s recipient, Dr. Allen Schoen has dedicated his life to being a healer. Dr. Schoen’s work focused on searching for means and kinder ways to treat animals in distress by bridging traditional veterinary medicine with all that the eastern traditions could offer, such as acupuncture and chiropractics. We owe him our profound gratitude for the gentler methods of treatment now available. Due to his vision and practice, major veterinary universities around the world now include in their teaching curricula: acupuncture, consideration for dietary changes, and a thoughtful approach toward the emotional condition of the animal in distress. He has lectured around the world and his life’s work is expounded in his book Kindred Spirits, an expression of who he believes we all are with our horses and each other. We honor Dr. Schoen tonight for this vision by presenting the Marty Simensen Award sponsored by Hilltop Farm.

USA EQUESTRIAN PEGASUS MEDALS OF HONOR

A new award was created four years ago to hail those who have made an undeniable impact on the sport by attracting new fans. Former recipients of this prestigious award include Morton “Cappy” Smith, Col. John Russell and Don Dodge.

This year’s three recipients are a ladies hunter from the 1930s who turned down glory for her family life, a former jumper who led the way for those who didn’t have sponsors or owners to assist them, a man who rewrote the book on breeding and showing Saddlebreds, and – Emily North Hutchison, Harry DeLeyer, and Charles Crabtree.

Emily North Hutchison

Gary Baker nominated and accepted the honors bestowed upon Emily North Hutchison in the Pegasus Medal of Honor category during the 2002 Pegasus Awards.

Emily, or “Em” as she is known to her friends, was one of the leading lady riders of her era – the 1930s and 40s. During a time when the Army sent a team to Europe to compete (one made usually of male riders), Emily was asked to be a “female representative” – impressive for the time – as her string of wins riding George Humphrey’s Little John and Betty Augustus’ Chitter Chat and May Ring had made her a standout at Devon. Putting family life before fame and her love of hunters, she decided to remain home and continue with her plans to marry. While her competing at shows slowed, her love of her horses continued to grow – never failing to follow the competition. Now at the age of 86 years young, Emily tends to enjoy her horses from her armchair. And tonight, we salute her and ask her to take her place among our “stable” of champions. We are honored tonight to name Emily North Hutchison as a recipient of a USA Equestrian Pegasus Medal of Honor.

Harry DeLeyer

One of the first professional riders to successfully compete at the country’s best shows without a major sponsor, Harry De Leyer, was named a recipient of the Pegasus Medal of Honor.

Born in the Netherlands, DeLeyer moved to the United States in 1950 with just $160 in his pocket. In the mid-1950’s, he began operating his own Hollandia Farm. During this time he discovered a horse that was on it’s way to slaughter – that horse turned out to be the unforgettable Snowman. Despite the ragged appearance, DeLeyer purchased him for $80, $20 more than the going rate at the time. The pair went on to impress audiences far and wide and importantly, they were one of the first professional riders to successfully compete at the country’s best shows without a major sponsor or owner. This determined spirit and talent won titles wherever the pair traveled including the AHSA Open Jumper title and major wins at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden.

Tonight we bring Harry DeLeyer to the stage to honor him as a USA Equestrian Pegasus Medal of Honor for 2002.

Charles Crabtree

Charles Crabtree was named as one of three recipients of the Pegasus Medal of Honor, given to those who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and the sport. Crabtree’s work with Saddlebreds is widely-admired and respected.

As a partner with his wife, the famed equestrian Helen Crabtree, Charles opened their stables in 1959 and started the journey to becoming one of the most awarded and honored equestrian families in the horse show world. Along with Helen, they earned 75 World Championship titles, including CH Yorktown’s – the 1966 World’s Champion Five-Gaited Two-Year-Old with Charles aboard. In 1989, the Crabtrees were inducted into the World Championship Horse Show Hall of Fame. Tonight we honor Charles for his lifetime of commitment to excellence and his service to horses and the sport.

Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials

Iris McNeil was awarded the Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials award for the year. Redd Crabtree spoke on her behalf and accepted her honors.

This year the Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials – formerly known as the Judge Emeritus Award – is being presented to Iris McNeil of Lexington, Virginia.

Since the mid-60s, Iris has served the Federation as a steward for some of the most prestigious and well-honored horse shows in the country. From the National Horse Show to the Washington International to Devon to the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, her talents and patience have benefited thousands of competitors and horse show officials alike. In addition, she has donated her time and energies to serve as a panelist for Stewards Clinics during the 1980s. And just last year she was inducted into the National Hunter Hall of Fame.

Iris was named as the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award for the Walter B. Devereux Memorial trophy a decade ago and tonight we add another esteemed honor to her growing list of acknowledgements.

This year’s recipient of the Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials is Iris McNeil.

USA Equestrian Sportsmanship Award – The Walter B. Devereux Trophy – David O’Connor

Sportsmanship is a word that requires strict use – it is not a word to be thrown about without evaluating the qualities of the person applying it to. Tonight’s recipient of this award definitely fits our description of a person who exemplifies the ideal of good sportsmanship through commitment, dedication and service to USA Equestrian throughout their career – David O’Connor.

A class-act in every way, David exhibits the qualities of unselfishness, courage, patience and sincerity – all traits which mark a good sportsman. He is unselfish in his commitment of time and energy in service to the Federation. Courageous in fighting “the good fight” and patient is his long hours of serving the sport and promoting it for the benefit of all involved. Lastly he is sincere – in his love of his sports, his discipline and his circle of friends and extended family.

Tonight, he adds another honor to his seemingly unending list of achievements and joins the company of John Fritz, Judith Werner and Victor Hugo-Vidal as a recipient of this award. I am proud to present the 2002 Walter B. Devereux Trophy for Sportsmanship to David O’Connor.

USA Equestrian Grand Prix Show Jumping Course Designer of the Year – The Mr. & Mrs. William C. Cox Memorial Trophy – Richard Jeffery

The Legacy Cup. The Festival of Champions. The 2002 USA Pony Finals. The Penn National. Just a few of the major events that have benefited from the design sensibility and talents of Englishman Richard Jeffery. It was in 1979 that Jeffery came to the U.S. as the assistant to Pamela Carruthers and it didn’t take long for his own course designing career to take off. Renowned for his elegant and technically correct jumping courses, he is one of a handful of official FEI international show jumping course designers.

We are honored to bestow a fifth award in this category to Richard Jeffery – recipient of the 2002 USA Equestrian Grand Prix Show Jumping Course Designer of the Year Award.

USA Equestrian Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeder’s Award – Judith Werner

USA Equestrian President Alan F. Balch presents the Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders Award to Judith Werner.

It is a common fact that without great breeders of our competition horses – we would be out of luck. Thankfully for us, there are those people who lovingly and carefully apply their “eye” to breeding the best. And we have one of the best here tonight to honor with our Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeder’s Award – Judith Werner.

Judy, along with her husband Roy, has consistently bred outstanding show horses and her Redwing Farm’s breeding enterprise has raised the bar in the development and improvement of show horses. They stand Radiant Sultan, a top ten rated American Saddlebred stallion and sire of numerous world and reserve world champions, who will be joined in 2003 by Designed, a world champion bred by Redwing Farm and shown by Werner to his win at the 2002 World's Championship Horse Show. The farm has produced a remarkable number of show ring winners from a small broodmare band

Tonight we celebrate Judy’s love and caring in producing world champions time and again and her sound impact on the breeding of the American Saddlebred. The 2002 recipient of the USA Equestrian Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeder’s Award is Judith Werner.

USA Junior Equestrian of the Year Award – the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy – Hillary Hoffman

Hillary Hoffman (right) was named the 2002 Junior Equestrian of the Year. Presenting the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy was Olympian Karen O’Connor.

Long hours of hard work. Forging through pain. At times, disappointment – other times the thrill of winning. All obstacles that come along the champion’s path. Continuing through the bad to get to the good takes character and incredible determination – not something that everyone has. Tonight’s recipient of the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award has proven her talents at these tasks and has set a new standard for young athletes in her discipline. Her name is Hillary Hoffman and her love is the Arabian horse.

Hillary’s work in the Arabian, specifically Western and Reining discipline, cannot be ignored. In fact, so impressive is her vitae that we would be here all night reading it. Instead, we’ll simply note that she has won every single reining/stock seat equitation class she has ever been eligible for as a youth rider, in addition she took home three individual IAHA National titles this year, plus two Reserve titles. Her awards on the regional level are just as impressive.

We are honored to bestow upon Minnesota’s own Hillary Hoffman the title of 2002 USA Junior Equestrian of the Year Award.

USA Equestrians of Honor

David O’Connor and Peter Wylde

One of three awards presented to David O’Connor was the USA Equestrians of Honor William C. Steinkraus Trophy. O’Connor tied in this category with Peter Wylde.

The USA Equestrians of Honor William C. Steinkraus Trophy was awarded to two athletes this year. Pictured is Joe Dotoli who accepted one of the awards for winner Peter Wylde (jumper) who could not attend the gala.

David O’Connor of The Plains, VA, and Peter Wylde, an American living in Maastricht, Holland, were named as co-winners of the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, awarded to the year’s best rider of any horse or pony breed shown in international dressage, jumping or eventing competitions. In 2002, O’Connor was a member of the Gold medal-winning U.S. World Equestrian Games eventing team, in addition to his first place finishes at Radnor CCI** and Fair Hill CCI***. He also received the Jack LeGoff Trophy at the USA Advanced Level Horse Trials Championship. Wylde was no less impressive in 2002.

His list of accomplishments includes a Bronze medal from the WEG, a fifth-place team finish at the 2002 Nations Cup Final and a sixth-place team finish at the 2002 WEG.

Fred Merriam

Fred Merriam (right) accepts the USA Equestrians of Honor Becky Grand Hart Trophy from Natasha Grigg.

Driver Fred Merriam of Newfane, VT, walked away with the Becky Grand Hart Trophy, awarded to the rider or driver or handler of any horse or pony breed shown in international non-FEI disciplines (driving, endurance, reining or vaulting). He made 2002 a winning year with his first place finish at the USA National Combined Driving Singles Championship contested at the Fair Hill CAI-B, an Individual Bronze medal at the World Singles Championship in France and a fifth place overall for the 2002 FEI Top Driver Awards-Single.

Mary Gaylord McClean

Mary Gaylord McClean was honored with the USA Equestrians of Honor Bill Robinson Trophy.

If there was an equestrian who knew what it was like to be a winner in 2002, it would have to be Mary Gaylor McClean of Simpsonville, KY. During the 2002 competition year, she ruled the three-gaited, roadster pony and harness pony divisions at the big shows. Three-gaited (under 15.2hh) wins at the Rock Creek and Lexington Junior League horse shows, coupled with her numerous Champion titles in the Roadster Pony classes at the American Royal and World’s Championships Horse Show in Louisville, placed her name at the top of a competitive list. She was awarded the Bill Robinson Trophy, which goes to a rider, driver or handler of any horse or pony breed that is shown in harness or for driving performance in non-international disciplines.

Eitan Beth-Halachamy

Eitan Beth-Halachamy, winner of the USA Equestrians of Honor Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy.

When you think “western pleasure” in 2002, the name Eitan Beth-Halachamy of Grass Valley, CA, should come to mind. Beth-Halachamy carved out a spot for many trophies this past year. His long list of wins includes a unanimous World Champion Morgan Western Pleasure title, Senior National Champion Westen Pleasure and both the three- and four-year old World Champion titles to name a few. The Barbra Worth Oakford Trophy is presented to the rider, driver or handler of any horse of pony breed shown in a non-Western discipline.

Robin Ratliff

Robin Ratliff (right) accepts the USA Equestrians of Honor C.J. “June” Cronan Trophy from Mary Anne O. Cronan.

The C.J. “June” Cronan, Jr., Trophy was awarded to Robin Ratliff, a Paso Fino enthuiast and Lamont, FL, resident who carried away an armful of awards from the Paso Fino Grand Nationals in 2002. Among a long list of wins, Ratliff laid claim to four National Championships, two Reserve Grand National Champion placings and two reserve National Champions, plus a litany of other honors. In addition, she earned five National High Point Class awards and has received more than 100 first place ribbons for her work. The Cronan Trophy is presented to the rider, driver or handler of any horse or pony breed shown under saddle (performance in pleasure division).

Peter Pletcher

Peter Pletcher was named as recipient of the USA Equestrians of Honor Emerson Burr Trophy.

Hunter rider Peter Pletcher of Magnolia, TX, was named the recipient of the Emerson Burr Trophy, awarded to the rider, driver or handler of any horse or pony breed shown in hunter classes (over fences), and it was no surprise why. His 2002 Chronicle of the Horse Professional Rider of the Year title from the Capital Challenge, when combined with his First- and Second-Year Green Hunter Champion titles from the Blowing Rock Charity Show helped him clinch the title – not to mention his Green Hunter HITS Tahoe III Championship title or his Champion title in the First Year Green division at the Kentucky Spring show.

Kenneth Wheeler

The USA Equestrians of Honor Norman K. Dunn Trophy was awarded to Kenneth Wheeler. Presenting the award is Cecile Hetzel Dunn to Kats Clark and Cappy Wheeler, Kenneth’s son, who spoke on his father’s behalf.

There is no argument that Kenneth Wheeler of Cismont Manor Farm in Keswick, VA, is a handler who demands excellence. And he did not disappoint in 2002. His wins included Handler of the Best Young Horse at Devon and at the Middlesburg Classic and he took the inaugural titles at the National Hunter Breeding Championships named for his late wife, Sallie Wheeler (Handler of Best Young Horse and the Handler of the Day). The Norman K. Dunn Trophy is awarded annually to the top handler of any horse or pony breed show in-hand or at halter.

Sallie Busch Wheeler Prize for Distinguished Service to Equestrian Sport – Arthur Hawkins and Stephen O. Hawkins

An award given to a person for their distinguished service to equestrian sport, the Sallie Busch Wheeler Award, was presented to brothers Arthur Hawkins (left) and Stephen O. Hawkins (right). Joe Dotoli (center), the inaugural recipient, made the presentation.

Equestrian of the Year – David O’Connor

For the second time in three years, and the first time ever, the Equestrian of the Year award was presented to David O’Connor. The 1997 recipient, Elisabeth Goth, did the presentation honors.

Beginning as the Horsemen and Horsewomen of the Year Awards over 40 years ago, and known as the Equestrian of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards for more than the last decade, these awards are much more than an opportunity to applaud a person’s name and accomplishments.

Kentuckians Ned and Nina Bonnie were named the 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients during the Pegasus Awards. A video tribute of their equestrian careers delighted the crowd to close out the evening’s gala.