Rally Awards

The Virginia Region offers two new perpetual trophies at our Regional Eventing Rally, the Diamond Legacy Award and the Andi Merritt Arabak Award.

The Diamond Legacy Award, a silver tray, was donated in 2014 by Melissa Fox, Graduate “A” (LHPC) to honor her horse’s involvement in Pony Club. Diamond Legacy (aka Gus) participated with Melissa in numerous Pony Club activities, rallies and USPC Championships. He also contributed to the success of several regional members in attaining their national certifications. It is awarded to the Pony Club member whose horse has been determined to be the best conditioned at the training level at the Regional Eventing Rally. The following criteria are used for the determination: best recovery rate as determined by the rally veterinarian after cross-country; complete all three phases without elimination and no cross-country jump penalties.

2014 Haley C and True Grace (LHPC)

Andrea Merritt Arabak Spirit Award was donated in 2014 by Misty Brae Farm Pony Club, in memory of Andi Merritt Arabak, to be given for outstanding performance by a stable manager. Andi’s dedication and passion for life, the barn, the members and Pony Club was unwavering no matter how she was feeling and no matter what challenges she was facing. She always had a smile and a laugh. She was a fixture at Misty Brae for eight years helping riders and parents, especially taking new riders and parents under her wing providing guidance, tips, and advice. The Award will be given to the stable manager whose performance goes beyond the duties listed in the stable manager job description. It is for the stable manager that guides or teaches her team, leads with a positive attitude, offers assistance to riders with kindness and with an encouraging manner. The winner will be selected by the Horse Management staff at the Eventing Rally.

The Virginia Region offers two perpetual trophies at our regional Show Jumping Rally, the Dancing Weather Perpetual Trophy and the Aspen Award. Each award is represented by a beautiful silver plated bowl, engraved with the names of the award winners.

The Dancing Weather Perpetual Trophy was donated by Gordon Reistrup, Graduate “A” (RBPC) and his sister, Catherine, Graduate “A” (RBPC), in memory of their horse, Dancing Weather. It is awarded to the Pony Club member that demonstrates outstanding equitation skills (position, control and guidance) over all show jumping rounds, and horsemanship at the Virginia Region Show Jumping Rally. This trophy was first presented in 1991 in memory of Dancing Weather, who was well known throughout the 1980's when he anchored numerous Pony Club regional and national teams in Dressage, Combined Training, and Show Jumping.

The region is currently trying to locate the retired trophies and recipients back to 1991.

The Aspen Award was created in 2002, in honor of the partnership of Ginny-Len Hazel, H-A (MOCPC) and her horse, Aspen. This pairing exemplified the goals and training of the Pony Club programs. Ginny-Len and Aspen worked as a team in numerous regional rallies and national competitions. Ginny-Len set an example of good sportsmanship and fine horsemanship, always making sure that care of her horse came first, while winning numerous riding and horse management awards during her long and illustrious Pony Club career. The trophy was not awarded in 2009, 2010, or 2011, for reasons unknown. The region is currently trying to locate the retired trophies and recipients back to 2002. If you have any information about this award, please contact the Regional Supervisor.