ROLAND CONNORS RECEIVES LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION AWARD FROM CHJA

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"2051","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none","height":"177","style":"width: 220px; height: 177px; border-width: 3px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: left;","width":"220"}}]]Longtime CHJA member and familiar horse show official Roland Connors received the prestigious Lifetime Contribution Award during the recent CHJA Year-End Awards and Recognition Banquet.

"I was startled and humbled by being placed in the company of the people  represented on the trophy," Roland commented.  "Those are folks that I have looked up to for more than 30 years."

The Lifetime Contribution Award is presented to the horseman or horsewoman whose lifetime experience and accomplishments exemplify uncommon devotion to the sport of horse showing and whose equestrian career and horsemanship have continually elevated the sport.  The award was established in 2003. Past recipients have included Wilson Dennehy, Bini Abbott, Helen Krieble, Louise McConnell, Sandy Dennehy, Preston Smith, Helen Gould, Littleton Equine Medical Center, Betty Weber, Corky Shaha, Keiri Kaneps and Suzy Balenseifen.

Not only has Roland competed in a variety of disciplines, he has volunteered tirelessly for the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Board of Directors. This past year, he took the time to formally develop a working budget for the association, something that has been missing for years. Fellow Board Member Carol O'Meara noted how Roland provided orientation and support when she assumed the role of Show Standards Chairman.

"As a Steward, (Roland's) reports are always timely, detailed and often contain come humor as well," Carol added. "I have consulted with him many times regarding rules and he provides me with a thorough answer, including references."

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"2053","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none","height":"222","style":"width: 220px; height: 222px; border-width: 3px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: right;","width":"220"}}]]As a one-time high school coach and teacher, what brings Roland the most joy is watching riders come up through the ranks.

"It has been a rare privilege to watch the kids around the barn change from star struck beginners to talented juniors, amateurs, and in many cases, trainers with their own flocks."

CHJA President Jill Pelzel has seen this manifest time after time. "I love that Roland always stops to say hello to my kids, and  takes the time to talk to them about both their horse-y endeavors and regular life achievements."

Roland remains humble. "Knowing and being associated with you folks as time moves along has been its own reward," he said.

JILL PELZEL TAPPED FOR BETTY WEBER AWARD 

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"2052","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none image-style-none","height":"220","style":"width: 220px; height: 220px; border-width: 3px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px; float: left;","width":"220"}}]]Named for its first recipient, the Betty Weber Award recognizes an individual who has made sustained contributions to the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association as an officer, board member, committee chair, committee member or event volunteer.  The 2015 winner is Jill Pelzel.

"I am honored to have won the Betty Weber award for 2015" Jill said.  "Betty has always been such a huge supporter of CHJA, and I  feel very blessed to have had my life touched by her volunteerism and commitment to CHJA."

Jill had an active and very successful run as a CHJA Junior and Amateur rider before opening her Fall River Farm training and show business in 1992. She also has filled numerous roles on the CHJA Board member for "too many years to count" including president and vice president as well as committee volunteer and chairman.

Jill began coaching the CU Equestrian Team in 2007. She has taken individual students or teams to the Zone or National competitions every year. Two years ago, she also began coaching an IEA team.

"As a client,  I appreciate her dedication to horses as well as her honesty and integrity, and commitment to her students education as riders and citizens," said Kristina McCombie. "Jill also is super supportive of CHJA. Not only do her two daughters ride and show but she brings a barn full of riders to Copper Penny, Estes Park and Medal Finals every year."

Does she ever feel overwhelmed by everything going on in her life?

"Some days I wonder how everything will get done, but in the end, I say to myself, 'who raised your hand to volunteer?'  Somehow, I just keep raising my hand.  I enjoy being a part of our amazing organization, and am looking forward to the future of CHJA.

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