OREGON HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION

OHJA Nomination-Based Special Awards

 

Each year the OHJA seeks nominations for the following special awards, which are voted on by the Board of Directors, and presented at the Annual Awards Banquet and Fundraiser.

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Nominations are due by OCTOBER 15 and should include a photo and a letter describing why the nominee should be presented with the applicable award. Please send nominee photo and letter via email to president@oregonhunterjumper.org

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Father of the Year
Mother of the Year

These awards are given to parents who show their continued support and dedication of their children, the horses, and the sport throughout the year.  The OHJA recognizes that the support and commitment of parents to this sport is necessary, is impressive, and inspiring.

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2025 NEW AWARD Cheerleader of the Year

Behind every rider in the ring is a village of supporters who make their success possible. While parents often play a central role, many riders rely on grandparents, friends, mentors, and other dedicated individuals who offer encouragement, guidance, and assistance behind the scenes. This award recognizes those cheerleaders—no matter their relation to the rider—whose time, energy, and enthusiasm help riders pursue their goals and make the OHJA community stronger.

Special Nomination Guidelines:

Nominees may include grandparents, extended family members, mentors, friends, or other supporters of OHJA members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and encouragement.

Nominations should include a photo and a letter describing the nominee’s contributions and impact on the rider(s), the horses, and/or the OHJA community during the year.

Examples of contributions may include, but are not limited to:

- Providing moral, emotional, or logistical support

- Volunteering time or resources to help the rider succeed

- Encouraging sportsmanship, growth, and development

- Being a positive influence on the OHJA community

 

Senior Sportsmanship
Junior Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “conduct (such as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.” This award, one given to a junior member and one to a senior member, is given to the nominee that exemplifies the attributes of sportsmanship and helps better our sport from within.

 

Smooth Jazz Perpetual Trophy

The horse, what a marvelous creature! We are lucky to enjoy our wonderful relationship with these animals. Over the years, horses have become increasingly dependent upon humans for their well-being. Awareness of and concern for our horses’ welfare has grown out of this relationship. Thanks to OZ’s generous donation of the Smooth Jazz Perpetual Trophy, the Oregon Hunter Jumper Association now recognizes one of its members annually for their demonstrated commitment to horse welfare.

 

Volunteer of the Year

The OHJA is a volunteer organization.  Each year we recognize an individual who has given of his/her time and energy to support the OHJA in making the organization a success.

 

School Horse of the Year

Almost every rider and trainer started off riding a school horse, they are the unsung heroes of our sport and none of us would be where we are without them.

Nominations for the above awards can be made at any time prior to December 15 of each calendar year and should be directed to the Membership Representative.

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OHJA High Point Special Awards

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Cynthia Hoyt Dibbins Trophy

The Cynthia Hoyt Dibbins Trophy is awarded to the High Point Certificate of Merit Rider in memory of Cynthia Hoyt Dibbins, who was a lifetime equestrian, teacher, and student. This special award will be presented with the Certificate of Merit.

 

Winning Hand Perpetual Trophy

The Winning Hand Perpetual Trophy, sponsored by Mary Reid, is awarded to the high point horse in the Open System’s High-Performance Hunter, 4’ – 4’6” division. Also known as Mac, Winning Hand was a wonderful horse who shared his kindness, talent, and unconditional love with everyone and we give this award tonight in his memory.

 

Milkey Way Perpetual Trophy

Presented by Avery Winston, the Milkey Way Perpetual Trophy is awarded to the high point equitation rider, regardless of age.

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