"We are so fortunate to have many exceptional people in our sport," said USHJA President Bill Moroney. "They dedicate their time and resources through volunteering, governance, officiating, teaching and much more. We commend them for their contributions and are pleased to honor each of them through their respective awards."
The USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award honors members whose lifelong involvement in the sport and USHJA itself has benefited the industry. Recipients of this award have dedicated their lives to furthering the disciplines of hunters and jumpers on a national platform. The recipients of the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award are the dynamic duo and husband and wife team of Graeme "Butch" and Lu Thomas. Butch and Lu Thomas, with their son Guy, own and operate Willow Tree Farm which includes a show facility in Woodside, CA, and a breeding and rehabilitation facility in Burson, CA. Born and raised in New Zealand, Butch had a successful riding career before moving to the United States, including riding on the New Zealand Olympic Equestrian Team from 1966 to 1971. A renowned rider, coach and trainer, Butch's outstanding leadership qualities have contributed to the success of many riders and horses at the highest level. Also a highly regarded rider and trainer, Lu Thomas has an equally impressive resume that spans the hunter rings and jumper rings. With successful rides in the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals and at prestigious hunter competitions such as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Lu now focuses on teaching students to excel in the equitation division.
Additional award winners include:
Richard Watson (Alachua, FL) recipient of the Jane Marshall Dillon Award, which honors teachers who have been instrumental in building future horsemen by instructing their students in proper horsemanship, training and riding while instilling in them empathy for the horse and a strong work ethic.
Laura Wasserman (Beverly Hills, CA) owner of BOSS and recipient of the Hunter Owner Recognition Award
Sagamore Farms, owner of ROTHCHILD and recipient of the Jumper Owner Recognition Award
Harry and Mollie Chapman (Wilsonville, OR), recipients of the Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award, created to acknowledge a past or current owner who has been a true patron of the hunter/jumper industry and who has created a legacy of giving back to the industry through continued support and dedication.
Andrew Kocher (Lake St. Louis, MO), second annual recipient of the Dash For Cash Award which honors the rider earning the most prize money in $25,000 to $40,000 grand prix events held as the feature jumper event at a licensed USEF competition.
Maurene "Mo" Moffett (Waller, TX) and Francisco "Lefty" Gomez (North Bergen, NJ), recipients of the Vital Staff Award, honoring the support staff of our sport, often working behind the scenes, whose current role is essential to the success of our horse shows including announcers, starters, secretaries, technical coordinators, facility managers, ring crew, and assistants of every type.