Displaying items by tag: USHJA

Wednesday, 08 August 2012 12:21

USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

USHJA

Published in Equestrian Sports

Monday, 21 May 2012 12:24

USHJA Unveils New Wheeler Museum Exhibit: Ponies Through the Decades

Ponies through the Decades, 2012 Wheeler Museum, Nancy Baroody and Cynthia Weiner._Photo R Meisel

May 16, 2012

Lexington, KY- Calling all pony lovers, it’s your time to shine in the latest exhibit at the Wheeler Museum, located in the USHJA Headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The exhibit, Ponies Through the Decades pays homage to a vital part of both the sport of horse showing itself, and the people and ponies throughout history, who have influenced us all.

A special opening reception hosted by USHJA was held on May 15th and officially debuted memorabilia from some of history’s most revered pony athletes such as, Midget, a 12.3 hand grey mare owned by Nancy Baroody. This pair is one of the most successful teams on record, having won the American Horse Show Association’s (now USEF) most coveted Horse of the Year Award four consecutive years- 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969, and during this era were the highest scoring junior horse or pony in the history of the AHSA awards. Nancy has donated much of Midget’s legacy to the exhibit and shared her insight on the exhibit, “I’m so happy that I can share her legacy with everyone, because from an educational and a historical standpoint this era really was the beginning of the sport with the ponies and it [the exhibit] really shows people how the sport began with these ponies. The attire and the kind of appointments we used. I’m hoping people can see the perspective of it all-where we’ve come from and where we are today.”.

Ponies Through the Decades presents the pictures, ribbons, coolers, and trophies that these special and often famous ponies have been awarded. Among these treasures guests will learn about Gremlin’s Delight, the little mare that Marguerite Taylor-Jones purchased from Farnely Farm for the then three year-old daughter Marianne. Gremlin would become a champion at events nationwide and in 1961, partnered with Sally Todd produce a perfect score over fences to take the win at the International Pony Team competition held on the grounds of Windsor Castle in England. Gremlin went on to become the foundation broodmare for the highly respected Taylor Made Ponies breeding program. Many of the mare’s prodigies, such as Dresden and Swan Song inherited her championship qualities and continue to be celebrated among the greatest equine athletes. Throughout this exhibit are mementos capturing the Taylor Made Ponies glorious history and influence in our sport.

“Working with the Wheeler Museum Committee to put together the Ponies Through the Decades exhibit really made me understand the importance of our museum in preserving and keeping alive the history of our sport. In the process of putting this exhibit together we built connections with so many individuals who are passionate about our sport and were so excited to have the opportunity to share their memories of special ponies with us, tell us how the Taylor Made line of ponies came about, remind us of the days when ponies and horses competed head to head at the National Horse Show, share their experiences traveling as a team member to represent the US at the International Pony Hunter Competitions and so much more. We have a responsibility and opportunity with the Wheeler Museum to make sure that those new to our sport are aware of its history and I feel that this exhibit has propelled us forward toward achieving that goal.” Shelby French, CEO USHJA said.

The pony loving public is invited to visit and learn how many of our most accomplished riders today started out as pony riders, and take a look at how history has evolved with regard to ponies and their special place in our sport. Grandparents and parents alike, who are horsemen and horsewomen themselves, can both reminisce and share memories. Spectacular sterling silver goblets, gorgeous ribbon displays, specially created Breyer® horses, wardrobe items, and exquisite retired trophies from such prestigious shows as Devon, will be just a few of the items on display. The exhibit opened May 15th at the Wheeler Museum and will continue until September 23rd.

For more information on the Ponies Through the Decades exhibit please contact Shelby French at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 859.225.6701.

Published in Education / Museum

Tuesday, 06 March 2012 00:00

Kentucky Spring Horse Show Prize List

Ky Spring_Horse_Show

Published in Equine News

Tuesday, 13 December 2011 07:45

Hugh Kincannon Honored with USHJA’s President’s Distinguished Service Award

Written by: Rebecca Walton
Client: Kentucky Horse Shows LLC
Release Date: 2011-12-12

Lexington, KY – December 12, 2011 – On December 6, 2011, Hugh Kincannon of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was recognized at the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. Kincannon received the President’s Distinguished Service Award for his management of USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, the USEF Pony Finals, and the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. The USHJA presented the award to Kincannon for his dedication to these events, and his efforts to always go above and beyond to make them a success.

Hugh Kincannon_by_Kenneth_Kraus_for_PhelpsSports_small In 2006, USHJA created a new award category, the USHJA President's Distinguished Service Awards. These awards were developed by the President and staff to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members to USHJA and our sport. The staff and President reviewed the programs of USHJA, as well as the work involved in developing and implementing them, and those individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to bring our sport to a new level and to benefit our membership.

These awards are presented annually at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. The recipients of these awards remain a surprise until the night of the presentations. Kincannon was not able to attend the event and Marion Maybank accepted the award on his behalf.

“Receiving this award is very gratifying,” noted Kincannon. “We’re very happy to have the opportunity to be involved with those very special events. A large part of it is the fact that we have the best place to do those events, the Kentucky Horse Park. I think it’s a combination of many factors that makes my job so much easier. It includes my talented staff, the facility, and the cooperation of the groups for whom we are producing those events.”

Kincannon is the founder of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, one of the leading horse show management companies in the nation, and is pleased to announce the dates for the 2012 horse show season. Featuring “AA”-rated hunter/jumper competition throughout the spring and summer at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, these events draw the country’s top horse and rider combinations each year.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Photo Credit: Hugh Kincannon received the USHJA’s President’s Distinguished Service Award. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

Published in Equestrian Sports

Tuesday, 02 August 2011 10:04