Awards & Nominations

 

Mason Phelps "Spirit of the Sport" Grant

2023 Winner: Eleanor Pieters

Deadline - October 1

Mason Phelps (1948-2021) was involved in our sport in every way possible: from groom to Olympian to governing leader and more. He launched dozens of ingenious events that raised money and interest in Equestrian sports over his career including the AA rated Christmas show in San Antonio, the American Jumping Derby (later the International Jumping Derby), the New England Hunt Seat Medal (in 1977), and numerous inventive classes in the early days of WEF. Phelps served and left his mark on numerous boards and committees including the AHSA (now the USEF), USET, Show Jumping Hall of Fame, NEHC, RIHA, The National Horse Show, and as a show judge and trainer. He created the New England Hunt Seat Medal class as a stepping-stone for riders to make it through Regionals and on to The National Horse Show. It was important to him that financials should not prevent a qualified rider from attending a National Final.

The Mason Phelps grant will be awarded to the Junior Rider whose essay is voted among the top three by the Grant Committee (announced on Friday night at NEEC), achieves the highest first round NEEC score among the Grant finalists, and has qualified to compete at the NHS 3’3” Medal or Maclay finals at The National Horse Show and will be attending. Applications must be received by October 1. Past winners may not reapply.

The winner will be awarded $750 from the NEEC and $750 from the NHS to be put towards stall, entries and entry blank fees at each final. 


Sue Brainard Award

2023 Winner: Ellen Raidt

This award is presented in recognition of those who have dedicated themselves to the continued success of the New England Equitation Championships and are not a member of the NEEC Committee.

Joe Medico Junior Grant

2023 Winners: Daniela Carvajal & Kennedy Teasdale

Deadline - September 1

Joe Medico, was a driver for JR Hudson Horse Transportation for over twenty years and he passed away this April. Joe always had a smile on his face and was the first to lend a helping hand. To commemorate his dedication to the NE horse world JR Hudson Horse Transportation is sponsoring two grants of $1250 each. These grants will go to qualified and competing NE Junior Medal riders who demonstrate a financial need in order to participate in the NEHC Championships.

Lifetime Achievement Award

2023 Winner: Robin Petersen

This award is presented to a professional horse person that has had a positive affect on the New England horse community.

This could be evident in their talent as a professional, unselfish giving, volunteer work, and or life long commitment to the horse industry.

Groom's Award

2023 Winner: Nicole Melanson 

Deadline - September 1

Awarded to an individual who has consistently demonstrated their dedication to the care and well being of the horses.

The grooms are the unsung heroes of the equestrian sport. This person must be at the NE Finals to receive his award.

Adult Sportsmanship Award

2023 Winners:

Adult Older -

Leigh Gallagher Tricker

Adult Younger -

Sarah Baker

Deadline - September 1

Presented to an adult rider showing in any of the adult sections of the New England Equitation Finals whose character best exemplifies the definition of sportsmanship.

Their conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, putting the horse’s welfare first, striving spirit and graciousness in victory or defeat.

Fred Hunt Adult Grant

2023 Winner: Scott Galinsky

Deadline - September 1

Fred Hunt was a member of the New England Equitation Committee for over 40 years. He was a very well respected horseman and judge in the Hunter/Jumper/Equitation community. He trained many horses and students to regional and National Championships. He will be remembered for his fierce friendship and quiet wit. To Commemorate his dedication to the NE horse world The NEEC is sponsoring an Adult Grant of $1,000. This grant will go to a qualified and competing NE Adult Medal rider who demonstrates a financial need in order to participate in the NEHC Championships.

Nicholas Award

2023 Winner: Stand By Me

Deadline - September 1

Presented in honor of a horse that has demonstrated excellence in its career as an equitation horse.

Applicants must note the horse's successes at the NE Finals. The horse needs to be present to receive this award at the Championships.

Junior Sportsmanship Award

2023 Winner: Daniela Carvajal

Deadline - September 1


This award is presented to a junior rider qualified and showing, and in their last year whose character best exemplifies the definition of sportsmanship.

Their conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, putting the horse’s welfare first, striving spirit and graciousness in victory or defeat.

NEEC & NEHC
Scholarship Awards

2023 NEEC Winner: Keely Grady
2023 NEHC Winner: Gina Plano

Deadline - October 1