Saturday night marked the final social event of the United States Equestrian Federation’s annual meeting and the announcement of the Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year in Louisville, Ky.
Five horses were up for the prestigious award, but it was show jumping champion Authentic who took the prize.
A lengthy standing ovation erupted when Chris Jacobi, president of Farnam’s Horse Products Division, declared Authentic as the winner.
“Authentic epitomizes the courageous spirit and dedication so necessary in the show jumping discipline,” Jacobi said. “It is this dedication and exceptional talent for which this award was established.”
Beezie Madden, who rode the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding in international competition, was visibly moved.
“I’m happy people voted for Authentic because he is so special to me,” Madden said. “He has touched the lives of so many people.”
One night earlier, Madden had been named the 2006 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Together, the pair has had whirlwind success with an amazing medals haul. It began in 2004 when Authentic and Madden wowed crowds at the USEF Olympic Selection Trials and proceeded to star for team USA in the show jumping competiton at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and culminated in 2006 at the FEI World Equestrian Games when they took home the individual silver medal and contributed to the team silver.
Authentic, owned by Abigail Wexner, was selected by the votes of the USEF Board of Directors, members and media. In addition to prestige, a 39-inch bronze sculpture will be on permanent display at the USEF headquarters in Kentucky. A bronze replica was presented to the owner and the four finalists received crystal trophies.
For more information about the Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year program, visit www.usef.org.
I love Beezie and Authentic, and are very happy for the both of them. You guys rock :)!!
i am so glad that Authentic won. he is such a great horse. his owner must be very proud.
cool
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone…
Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky…
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…
Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders…