Special Awards

Nominate your favorite horses and people using the nomination form below. Write a letter to the Board of Directors explaining how you feel this person or animal displays the qualities of the award you are nominating them for. *The Horse Show Of The Year award is voted on at the Annual Banquet by all members in attendance**

Each year the Vermont Hunter Jumper Association recognizes great people and horses that are a part of our organization.  Our members are encouraged to nominate worthy candidates, particularly those who may go silently unrecognized despite how much they contribute to our community. Nominations are due by December 15th.

It Takes A Village Award

Riding is a team sport and every rider needs the support of those around them to succeed.  This award is meant to recognize a family member or special person that has consistently supported their riding and made their enjoyment of the sport possible.  Whether it’s a mom driving the trailer at 5am every weekend, a dad polishing boots or taking out the braids at the end of the day, an aunt who is always there to pick them up from their riding lesson, or a grandparent who has always made sure you had a horse to ride – many riders have that one person who has made their horse showing a possibility.  This award will recognize the person who supports their rider and without whom the enjoyment of horses and horse showing would not be possible. 

2021 – Allison McNamara     2022- Polly & Ryan Green         2023~ John Daly, Sr.

The “Jill Brierly” Youth Memorial Sportsmanship Award

This award is sponsored by the family of Jill Brierly in memory of Jill. It is awarded to the rider who displays the finest sportsmanship in competition; who is gracious in victory and in defeat. Past winners include:

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The “Best Friends” Award

This award was previously sponsored by Karen Didrickson in memory of a special friend and partner, and was known as the “Lasting Impression Award”. In 2004 the trophy (painting) was retired. The new sponsor is Julie Tisbert. The new painting, “Best Friends”, is awarded to an adult rider who serves as a positive role model to other VHJA members and who demonstrates compassion, dedication to, and enjoyment of his/her equine partner. Past winners include:

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The “Hillside” Award

This award was started and continues to be sponsored by Jeanie and Jamie Ketcham in memory of Bruce Hilliker. In the spirit of Bruce, who supported Jamie in all of her endeavors, this award will be given each year to the man who best exemplifies the same super-hero qualities that Bruce did: he will do anything to get his equestrian to the show and into the ring; he offers words of encouragement and hugs of support; with a smile on his lips and love in his heart, he helps them to believe too. Nominations must be made by a child.  Past winners include:

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The “Hanover Street” Equitation Horse of the Year

Given in honor of “Hanover Street” to the Equitation horse whose outstanding achievements in Equitation and Medal Classes at the Local, Regional and National Levels, as well as devotion and loyal service to his or her rider, deserves honored recognition.

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The “Mozel Tov” Memorial Award

This award is sponsored by the Hall family in memory of Mozel Tov; 1971-2003. Mozel was shown by many riders on the Vermont show circuit for more than twenty years. The award will be presented to the pony that best displays Mozel’s character. Mozel was a wonderful teacher who was patient and safe enough for the youngest leadline rider, yet a challenge for the best of the Pony Medal riders. Past winners include:

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This award is given in memory of Quadrant de Revel. Quad, aka “The Professor”, somehow knew what every rider needed, and how to test them just the right amount. From Leadline and the Hopeful divisions, to the New England Equitation Finals, Quad dutifully carried his riders and taught them the fundamentals and intricacies of riding.This award will be given each year to a horse that goes above and beyond to help and support his or her rider(s). The spirit of this award is not necessarily to recognize ribbons and standings at any level, instead, this award recognizes an unsung hero of the VHJA horse show world; the school horse that packs child after child around; the horse that tries his or her heart out for a rider or riders, a horse that has taught many people over the years. Sponsored by the Sandler Family.

VHJA Horse Show Of The Year

Each year those who attend the Annual Awards Banquet take a moment to vote for their favorite horse show of the season. Nominations are not submitted for this award.