Learn more about our nomination based year end awards:
Best Eventing Buddy Award
This award, sponsored by Suzanne Adams (former Area 1 Chair and Adult Rider Coordinator) was designed to honor a friend – eventer, spouse, child, etc – who has supported a rider and the sport of eventing. The criteria is simple – nominees exemplify the spirit of eventing – volunteering, are active supporting the sport or an active eventer. This award was inspired by the teamwork that develops between eventers and their “village” or support team (i.e., watching the husband of an eventer show up for every event at 5:30 in the morning to park cars while his wife competes.)
The Orange Pippin Jumpstart Award
This award will be given annually to a special horse who, over the course of their career, has sparked a love for Eventing to multiple riders new to the sport. The award is given in memory of Orange Pippin, an incredibly special chestnut Thoroughbred mare who was an early mount for five different Area 1 young riders during her 11 year career, introducing them to the joys and challenges of Eventing and inspiring them all to remain lifelong horsepeople.
Adult Rider Program Annual Awards
The Area 1 Adult Rider Program offers a series of awards, all of which can be found here. If you have any questions about these awards, or have an idea for an ARP award, please contact, ARP Coordinator, Amy Winnen at adultriders@area1usea.org.
“Living Courageously” Sportsmanship Award:
- The “Living Courageously” sportsmanship award honors the memory of Devyn Merritt Anderson and Jessica Halliday, two beloved Area 1 Adult Rider Program (ARP) members who lost their courageous battles with cancer in 2021.
- Devyn and Jessica exemplified resilience and generosity of spirit. Throughout their battles, they continued to support their eventing friends and family with unwavering positivity, often cheering others on with smiles that lifted everyone around them.
The Jessie Aikman Memorial Scholarship
- The Jessie Aikman Memorial Scholarship honors the life and spirit of Jessie Aikman, an extraordinary equestrian who embodied determination, courage, and an unwavering passion for horses. Jessie’s journey serves as an inspiration to adult riders everywhere—she returned to competitive eventing in her mid fifties after a life-changing trail ride in Colorado, and despite battling rheumatoid arthritis for decades, she pursued her childhood dreams with remarkable dedication and joy.
- Known in the eventing community for her kindness, sass, and “stick-to-itiveness” Jessie was more than a competitor. She was a devoted teammate who celebrated everyone’s success, a mentor who guided with a firm but gentle hand, and a friend who reminded us all that “Every day is a great one when you’re with a horse!” Her light, love, and infectious enthusiasm touched countless lives within the Area I eventing community.
- Jessie tragically passed away on September 3, 2023, from injuries sustained while competing at a USEA-recognized event—doing what she loved most.
