The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Maxi Gumprecht as the winner of the 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Gumprecht was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed/discipline affiliates from across the country. Gumprecht, of Mercer Island, WA, was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) for her leadership and sportsmanship along with her commitment to the Morgan horse and the equestrian community.

Gumprecht has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and her affiliate organization. She was selected based on her impressive resume and her contributions, passion and dedication to the equine industry. Gumprecht is a versatile equestrian competing in multiple disciplines—from Western, sidesaddle, showmanship, hunt seat to park saddle. She has won multiple top 10 awards in all seats (both pleasure and equitation), and a Grand National Championship in Showmanship 14-17. In 2008, she was the reserve AMHA Youth of the Year at the Morgan Grand Nationals. She was selected by her peers for the 2007 Horse World’s People’s Choice Reserve Western Seat Equitation and Reserve Saddle Seat Equitation Rider of the Year. She has been an active 4-H officer and member; and has been recognized for her achievements in hippology, horse bowl, and horse judging. In addition, she has won several 4-H high-point horse show awards. She was also a member of the Washington State National Horse Judging Team, where she earned the Senior Overall State Champion title.

A sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in International Studies, Gumprecht is a Hodson Trust Scholar, a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, and is involved in theater and a sketch comedy group. In high school she was a member of the National Honor Society, a Commended National Merit Scholar and played varsity soccer. She does volunteer work for her sorority, church and the Morgan Youth Club. In addition to horses, Gumprecht enjoys quilting and reading Agatha Christie mysteries.

“I intend to remain active in the horse industry using the experience I have gained from multiple breeds, disciplines, and trainers,” said Gumprecht. “I plan on sustaining opportunities for the new youth, just as so many volunteers did for me, in order to build a stronger breed of horsemen and women. All my accomplishments have really been a team effort. I thank the countless people who are part of this wonderful horse industry for letting me be part of their team.”

Gumprecht will receive a trophy, a scholarship to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. Gumprecht, along with the other national nominees, will be recognized in January 2010 at the USEF Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY.

The other national nominee’s were:

— Sarah Hinds, Lake Saint Louis, MO (American Saddlebred Horse Association)
— Amanda Horn, Huntington, NY (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
— Kelsey Kimbler, Aberdeen, SD (American Endurance Ride Conference)
— Maxance McManamy, Templeton, CA (United States Eventing Association)
— Taylor Nedurian, Muncy, PA (American Driving Society)
— Taylor Noonan, Portland, ME (United States Dressage Federation)
— Katie Pelphrey, Louisville, KY (Arabian Horse Association)
— Taylor Prince, Herscher, IL (American Shetland Pony Club)
— Hannah Randall, Jefferson, GA (Paso Fino Horse Association)
— Ryan Stark, Oregon, WI (International Friesian Show Horse Association)
— Jessica Swenson, Castle Rock, CO (International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association)
— Laura Yelavich, San Jose, CA (American Vaulting Association)

The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to develop youth to become leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines. This program provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements.

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, at [email protected] or (859) 225-6955.