On January 15th, 2011, the 2010 show season was officially celebrated with the Annual Washington State Hunter Jumper Association Year-End Awards banquet. The banquet was held at the Meydenbauer Convention Center in Bellevue, and featured a Silent Auction, slide show, trophies and ribbons galore. Several categories were embellished with Perpetual Trophies which had been donated by both barns and individuals, giving Year-End Award winners a little extra “splash” for their shelves for a year, and the opportunity to have their name engraved on the trophy for years to come – a fun way to have both horse and rider remembered.
Awards were handed out for State and National categories, hunters and jumpers, as well as “Special Awards”, including the Junior Sportsmanship Award and the President’s Award, with the highlight of the evening being the Lifetime Achievement Award which was accepted by Ned Coffin on behalf of Dina Happy. Ned gave a lovely speech about Dina, her life and accomplishments. She has been truly missed at the back gates around the show rings this last year, and it was a great opportunity to thank her for all she has given to the horse industry. The 2010 USHJA Zone Awards were also handed out, giving participants one more chance to show off yet another, well earned, ribbon.
The WSHJA enjoyed an increase in membership in 2010 – logging the highest number of members they have ever experienced, allowing them to continue their support of Hunter/Jumper riding in WA State, as well as providing scholarships and clinics to members. Of the members of the WSHJA, 43% participate in the Hunters, 12% in the jumpers and 45% do both. The board is made up of volunteers who donate their time and energy toward raising funds to keep the horse shows running, improving the spectator and exhibitor experience, and, of course, totaling it all up at the end of the year, so we can relish in our accomplishments!
As the show season gets underway for 2011, with the HITS circuit in Thermal, CA, if you haven’t renewed your membership – or signed up for the very first time – now is that time! Memberships can be taken care of at the horse show, but getting it done early ensure a seamless transition into the one organization in WA State that recognizes the “A” circuit Hunter/Jumper rider. Get your membership now, and we will see you at the 2011 banquet!
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