Beezie Madden, who took two show jumping medals at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, has been named American Equestrian of the Year. At the Pegasus Awards ceremony last Friday (12 January), the US team rider accepted her award to a standing ovation.
Madden, 44, from Cazenovia, NY was the first female rider to win over a million dollars and has been an anchor for the US show jumping team for many years, helping them win gold at the Athens Olympics. Last year she took individual and team silver medals at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, aboard Authentic.
“I am truly honoured to be the recipient of this award,” said Madden. “When I watch the videos, I see so many famous people, and I can’t believe I’m up there among them.”
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The following night it was Authentic who was in the limelight when he was named USEF Horse of the Year in a ceremony in Louisville KY. Owned by Abigail Wexner, Authentic is an 11-year-old KWPN Dutch warmblood gelding. “He has touched the lives of so many people,” said Madden. “I want to say thank you on behalf of Authentic’s owner, Abigail Wexner.”
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