The United States Eventing Association offers a series of Appreciation Awards and the 2025 Nomination Form is now open. These awards cover a variety of categories and all awards will be distributed at the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention which will take place December 10-14, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The nomination form can be found here. Nominations are due by October 24, 2025. An outline of all awards provided by USEA can be found here.
Above and Beyond Event Personnel Award
The Above and Beyond Event Personnel Award goes to an event personnel member who devotes themselves behind the scenes and goes above and beyond for our sport.
Amateur Impact Award
The Amateur Impact Award is given to an adult amateur who embodies a dedication to the sport of eventing and shares outstanding sportsmanship.
Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy
The Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy recognizes the role of event organizers and their commitment to the sport.
As You Like It Above Owners Award
The As You Like It Owners award is presented in recognition of an owner who has supported their horses and, by extension, the riders of their horses, and has enabled them to have not only the best care but have also provided competitive opportunities that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. Additionally, the winner must have offered support “above and beyond” that described above which has benefitted the sport of eventing.
Concour Complet Trophy
The Concour Complet Trophy is awarded to an individual who performs an extraordinary act of courage.
Cornerstone Instructors Awards
The Cornerstone Instructors Award honors the lower level instructor who has inspired riders in the sport of eventing with their encouragement and long-term dedication teaching basic horsemanship skills.
Courtney C. Reeves Memorial Trophy
The Courtney C. Reeves Memorial Trophy is awarded to the young individual who exemplifies sportsmanship, the spirit of the sport, and who gives back to the sport.
Eventing Coaches Program Sue Hershey Award
The Sue Hershey Award honors an ECP certified instructor who exemplifies the values, commitment, and character of the ECP program and who has inspired students in the sport of eventing, with their instruction, encouragement, and long-term dedication to teaching correct horsemanship and stable management skills. Sue Hershey dedicated over 20 years to the development and continued progression of the Coaches’ Certification Program.
Governor’s Cups
The Governor’s Cups are presented in recognition of volunteers whose services have contributed significantly to the sport.
Ironmaster Trophy
The Ironmaster Trophy is presented to the individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Open to anyone associated with the sport: volunteer, spectator, official, trainer, competitor, groom, or grounds-keeper.
Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award
The purpose of the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award is to recognize the vital role played by the grooms who works countless hours behind-the-scenes to make sure their charges are healthy, happy, and poised for success.
Neil Ayer Course Designers’ Award
Presented during a Hall of Fame year, the Neil Ayer Course Designers’ Award is presented to a cross-country course designer in recognition of their innovation and vision.
Posthole Digger Award
Presented during a Hall of Fame year, the Posthole Digger Award is presented to a builder who has exhibited exceptional ability and dedication to the sport through their work.
President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented by the USEA President to members who have committed a lifetime worth of service to the Association. Their work may be behind the scenes, or as a leader on the forefront but ultimately their efforts have a major positive impact on the sport.
Vintage Cup
The Vintage Cup is awarded to members 60 years of age and over who are competing at any level in recognized USEA competitions and who show good sportsmanship.
USEA Century Ride Award
The USEA Century Ride Achievement Award, sponsored by Spokane Sport Horse Farm, recognizes horse and rider pairs whose combined ages total 100 years or more. For achievement, the horse and rider must complete any level of eventing competition, there is no minimum score requirement. Both the horse and rider must be USEA members at the time of achievement, and the achievement must take place at a recognized USEA event. An application must be submitted after completion of the event to receive award.
Wofford Cup
The Wofford Cup is presented by Jim Wofford to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the sport.
