The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) closed 2008 with a successful Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN, December 8-11 at the Hilton Downtown. The annual convention saw a record number of attendees with 250 members sitting in on rule change forums and open committee meetings. Many members, affiliate organizations and equestrian businesses donated either their time in the form of lessons or sponsored various clothing, artwork and equipment items to the silent auction that raised over $5,000 to benefit the USHJA Foundation and NARHA.

The highlight of the meeting was the Evening of Equestrians awards ceremony that recognized members and their horses for their achievements throughout the year. Jimmy and Danielle Torano as well as Candice King helped President Bill Moroney present awards to deserving members. The featured award of the program was the new Lifetime Achievement Award that was created to recognize members whose involvement in the sport has made an impact on the industry.

Several award winners from the Evening of Equestrians are featured below, as well as more information on the silent auction. For full coverage of the 2008 Annual Meeting, turn to the upcoming February issue of In Stride.

Beth Miner and Alvin Topping Honored with USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award
In its inaugural year, the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize members whose involvement in the sport and the USHJA itself has benefited the industry. On December 10, Beth Miner and Alvin Topping were honored with the prestigious award at the 2008 Evening of Equestrians during the USHJA Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. Both Miner and Topping have an illustrious history with the USHJA and took a prominent role in its founding.

Read the full article at www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=3958.

Mindy Darst Named 2008 USHJA Volunteer of the Year
Mindy Darst of Lebanon, OH, was named Volunteer of the Year at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians on December 10, 2008. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who donates their time to develop and implement programs in the organization. Darst was selected from an outstanding group of volunteers by USHJA President Bill Moroney and USHJA staff to receive the award based on her contributions to the association.

Read the full article at www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=3956.

Silent Auction Supports USHJA Foundation and NARHA
A silent auction held by the United States Hunter Jumper Association raised over $5,000 in proceeds to benefit the USHJA Foundation and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). The silent auction featured a diverse range of items donated by affiliate and national organizations, USHJA members and equine companies. Donated items ranged from private lessons with Olympians to collectables for the upcoming 2010 World Games.

Read the full article at www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=3955.