The United States Eventing Association (USEA) announced today that it is presenting a new award for Eventing Groom of the Year. Chris Stafford and the British company, Carr, Day & Martin whose products are available through John Nunn at Bit of Britain, are jointly sponsoring the Award.

“U.S. Eventing is delighted that the grooms, who are such a vital part of the sport, are being recognized for all their hard work behind the scenes. Their contribution is equally important to the competitor’s success and the welfare of the horse. U.S. Eventing would like to thank Chris Stafford and Carr Day and Martin for making this award possible,” said Jo Whitehouse USEA Executive Director.

Grooms must be nominated by employers, owners or riders and will be judged on best turned out at the following competitions around the country: Fairhill International, October 23-26, 2003 and Galway Downs, October 31- November 2, 2003.

The Award, known as ‘The Christine E. Stafford Eventing Groom of the Year Award’ will be presented at the USEA Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon on December 13, 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. The winner will have an all expenses paid trip to the annual awards luncheon to receive their award plus a free registration to the convention and a free subscribing membership in U.S. Eventing.

“A key part of any rider’s team is the groom and no more so than in eventing. I believe their hard work and dedication in preparing and caring for competition horses deserves national recognition. Having begun my career as a groom I would like to offer something back to the sport in acknowledging the groom’s commitment to the performance and welfare of the horse,” said Chris Stafford.

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