February 2016 Newsletter

KRISTINA McCOMBIE WINS MARVIN W. LUTTGES ADULT AMATEUR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"2058","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image image-style-none image-style-none","height":"200","style":"width: 200px; height: 200px; margin: 10px; float: right;","width":"200"}}]]Amateur rider Kristina McCombie was presented with the Marvin W. Luttges Adult Amateur Sportsmanship Award at the recent CHJA Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet. The thing is, she had no idea. Her barn mates had ripped out the page in the banquet book revealing the award winner so that it would be the surprise announcement it normally is.

"I am still completely floored," Kristina said. " While I enjoy winning (who doesn't) I love this sport because of the many other aspects of it. Being recognized for my sportsmanship and horsemanship will trump a ribbon any day."

Kristina, whom many still remember as Tina Harkin, has been riding and showing for as long as she can remember. Growing up, her parents let her try every sport but in the end she chose horses over all the others. She considers herself fortunate enough to have had a wonderful pony and then a great horse who took her all the way through the junior hunters. In college, she rode for the University of Colorado and represented CU at IHSA Nationals in 2008. She currently rides and shows a horse she leases from her trainer, Jill Pelzel.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"2059","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image image-style-none image-style-none","height":"200","style":"width: 200px; height: 200px; margin: 10px; float: left;","width":"200"}}]]While Kristina had heard stories about Marv before receiving the award, she didn't know much about him personally. That is until she talked with Jill about him, his life, his view toward competition and the profound influence Marv had on Jill. She noted Marv's saddle still resides in Jill's basement and how moved she was when Jill took her down to see it.

"From the stories I have heard, Marv was an incredible man; to consider myself like him seems unreal. He was kind, generous, funny, appreciative, loving and forgiving. He supported people in their hardest moments, and celebrated with them in times of success," said Kristina. "I want people to know this sport isn't about how much you spent on your horse, or what brands of clothes you wear, or even who you train with - it is about a connection with an amazing creature who owes you nothing and a bond that can only be described as unconditional love."

The Marvin W. Luttges Adult Amateur Sportsmanship Award was donated by his wife, Nancy in 1994. It is presented to the CHJA Adult Amateur who best exemplifies Marv's attitude toward the sport he so loved. Recipients are nominated by the membership and voted on by the Board of Directors.

DEVON HUSSEY RECEIVES KEIRI KANEPS HUNTER RIDER AWARD

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"2057","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image image-style-none image-style-none","height":"212","style":"width: 200px; height: 212px; margin: 10px; float: right;","width":"200"}}]]The 2015 winner of the Keiri Kaneps Professional Hunter Rider of the Year Award is Devon Hussey. Donated by the Colorado Hunter Jumper Foundation and Friends of Keiri Kaneps , the award recognizes a professional hunter rider who exemplifies the integrity, horsemanship and beautiful skills that made Keiri so special.

Devon began riding at the tender age of four. At eight, she ended what she termed "her promising soccer career" to focus on riding and worked at the barn in order to earn lessons. After graduating with a degree in business, Devon decided the only business in which she wanted to be involved was horses. She is often asked by other professionals to ride their horses because of her ability and the quiet patience that allows the horse to be the star.

"I was truly honored to even be considered for the award," Devon said. "As a junior, I was able to watch Keiri ride and train, and I always admired her compassion, grace, and professionalism on and off the horses. As a young professional, I strive to emulate trainers like Keiri every day. I owe a big thank you to my boss and friend Rebecca Johnson for making me the person and rider I am today. I'm very thankful that I am able to work in the CHJA community, and very grateful for this award."

CHJF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

Are you a graduating high school senior? You may be eligible for one of several scholarships offered through the Colorado Hunter Jumper Foundation. Information about the scholarships and application forms are available on the Foundation button on CHJA website or by emailing carolomeara@aol.com.