2009 Medal Final Champion Faye Wuesthofen with Kiss of the Zodiac. (Photo by Howard Schatzberg.)
The American Horse Shows Association Equitation Medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States. In 1950, the Medal Final was fashioned into the competition format we now know, with qualifying classes and a Final to determine the overall winner. Riders who are 17 years of age and under are eligible to compete in the Saddle Seat Medal Final by placing first or second in an official qualifying class during the specified qualification period.
The winner of the Final will have his or her name engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen trophy and Helen K. Crabtree perpetual bronze. In addition, the winner will receive a handcrafted bag made exclusively by Freedman Harness. The champion and reserve champion will be presented with the traditional medals and rose bundles; their mounts will receive coolers and halters.
Participants in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, along with instructors and family members are invited to attend the annual brunch sponsored by Steve and Terri Chancellor, of Evansville, IN, where the riders will be recognized and given gifts sponsored by the McGinnis Family of Fishers, IN and Tom Brock, Roanoke, VA. The youngest rider in the Final will receive a Will Shriver special edition model horse, donated by Breyer Animal Creations.
The USEF would like to thank those who graciously contributed to this year's Final mentioned above, including Mary Anne O'Callaghan Cronan, the 1960 AHSA Saddle Seat Medal Final Champion.
For more information regarding the Saddle Seat Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs at [email protected] or (859) 225-6955.