Madden, who won the title already in 2005 and 2006, was awarded with the 2013 title on Friday night at the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Awards dinner. She is only the second person to ever score the USEF’s Equestrian of the Year title three times. The dual Olympic Team Gold medalist of Cazenovia, New York had a stellar year in 2013, began her record-setting season at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival winning the $125,000 FEI W-Cup Grand Prix CSI3* with Cortes ‘C’ before aiding in the winning US effort in the $75,000 Nations Cup with Simon. Also during the CSIO Wellington, Madden and Cortes ‘C’ teamed up for second-place in the $150,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix. In April, Madden traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden, to capture the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final crown for the first time. She kicked off the week with a win in the Speed Leg before jumping three more consistent rounds with Simon to force a jump-off with the reigning Olympic champion, where a clear effort saw her claim victory. Madden continued to dominate in Europe producing two impressive double clears in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competitions and a Longines Global Champion Tours Grand Prix of Chantilly victory over the summer with Cortes ‘C’. Madden then assisted the US to a win in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. As a testament to her 2013 success, Madden spent three months as the second-ranked rider in the world on the Longines/FEI Rankings. “Congratulations to all who have won awards tonight. I am honored to be Equestrian of the Year. I am thankful to my whole team,” Madden said. Earlier, after receiving the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, the reigning Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals Champion recognized all those that had helped her during her record setting year. “There are so many people that should be up here with me. Great horses make great riders and I am very lucky to have the partners I have.” Madden was one of eight in the running for the USEF’s top honor.
