CONCORD, N.C.--Marty Bauman and Robin Rost-Brown were among those honored during the USHJA Annual Meeting's Evening of Equestrians on Dec. 5.

Marty BaumanBauman was presented with the William J. Moroney Visionary Award that honors an individual, group, organization or corporation deemed inspirational, influential and integral to furthering the Hunter and Jumper disciplines.

The winner should have a keen ability to plan for the future, demonstrate endless passion and depth of knowledge of and for the Hunter/Jumper sport.

They should offer innovative thinking at every opportunity and inspire others, as well as challenge them to their best at all times.

This year's recipients are Marty Bauman and Colleen McQuay of Aubrey, Texas.

Bauman, of North Foxborough, Mass., has been a staple in the industry's media operations for over 40 years.

He founded his own Classic Communications in 1979, going on to become the director of public relations for the United States Equestrian Team and currently the executive director of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum.

His accolades include serving as press officer at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games; 10 FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals; and the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.

 

THROUGHOUT his time in the industry, Bauman's dedication to the sport and passion for public relations have helped put equestrian sport in the spotlight.

Robin Rost Brown, right , receives the award from Mary Knowlton"If I am being given this award because of what I have given to the horse show world, all I can say is: anything I've given to the horse show world is nothing compared to what it has given me," said Bauman. "I thank the USHJA and everybody in this room. I thank everyone who has been part of my life and the horse show world itself."

Robin Rost-Brown, of Ocala, Florida, is this year's recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.

This award recognizes volunteers behind the scenes who work the long hours with a passion for bringing the sport forward and providing a safe, fair and understandable sport for fellow equestrians.

"This year's award winner is a person I can count on 100% all of the time. She is integrity through and through. She is strength. She is quiet. She is peace, she is wisdom and she is Robin Rost-Brown," said Knowlton upon presenting the award.

Rost-Brown is co-vice president of the USHJA Board of Directors and has spent years dedicated to the Hunter/Jumper sport.

Along with training top riders, Rost Brown has her USEF “R” Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation cards and has presided over shows across the country.

In addition to serving on the USHJA's Board, Joint Equitation Task Force, Hunter Working Group and Rules Committee, she sits on USEF’s National Breeds and Disciplines Council and National Hunter Committee.

Her tireless efforts to support the sport are integral to the growth of the Hunter/Jumper community.

 "I am so honored to have been selected as the recipient of The USHJA Volunteer Of The Year Award," said Brown. "As I read the description of this award I am humbled to learn that it is the highest USHJA honor awarded to a volunteer. Forever grateful to Mary Knowlton and the staff for selecting me."

The President's Distinguished Service Award was developed to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members and volunteers to the USHJA and our sport,and this year's recipients are Beverly Bedard, Jim Hagman, Connie Tramm Hunt, Liz Soroka, Cricket Stone and Peter Wylde.

Bedard, of Camp Hill, Pa., is a dedicated horsewoman who has been licensed as a recognized steward since 1967 and later received her large R for judging Hunters, Hunter Seat Equitation and Jumpers.

She has stewarded prestigious competitions including the National Horse Show, Capital Challenge, Gulf Coast Classics, Tryon International Equestrian Center, Upperville, Pennsylvania National Horse Show and many more.

In 2013, she was awarded The Edna Lytle Perpetual Trophy during the USEF Pony Finals for her dedication and service to the Hunter/Jumper community.

Mary Morrill, of West Chester, Pa., and Jane Fennessy, of Rivera Beach, Fla., are this year's Jane Marshall Dillon Award recipients.

The award recognizes equestrians who have devoted their lives to teaching and mentoring riders beginning their education in the Hunter/Jumper discipline.

Morrill has been training riders and horses for more than 55 years, currently out of her own Bentbrook Farm.

Described as a role model by her nominators, Morril's teaching techniques instill proper horsemanship and responsibility in her students.

She is said to "consistently celebrate and advance riders of all abilities" and focuses on making riding accessible to all of those in her community.