US Equestrian Governing Body Announces the USEF’s ‘National’ Athlete of the Year in Latest Post

If an equestrian athlete hails from a family of stellar riders or a family that owns horse farms or is in any way related to the majestic breed, it’s a cherry on top. Over the years, several phenoms have surfaced for their notable successes in etching history. But there’s one rider whose recently acquired acclaim justifies his top position.

One of the most recognized hunter-riders in his respective sport, he has piloted horse after horse to stardom. The 4x World Champion Hunter Rider has his name registered in the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame as well. Boasting two other professions, a coach and a clinician, his latest crown speaks volumes about his series of achievements.

The 2023 USEF National Equestrian of the Year

The official Instagram page of US Equestrian has broken the news, which read, “John French is the 2023 USEF National Equestrian of the Year!” Further on, the governing body has also accoladed the rider for his noteworthy career milestone attainment. The caption further reads, “In 2023, French won three major hunter events on three different horses, all of whose hunter careers he started himself.” Besides an array of wins on the track, John French was crowned the winner of the 2012 WCHR Lifetime Achievement Award, too.

In the Kentucky Horse Park Rolex Stadium, French flew to victory with Meredith Lipke’s horse Paradigm, at the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. The one who had said, “My mother was a riding instructor and we boarded horses on the farm my parents leased”, is now responsible for another glory as well. Having said that, the Warmblood gelding he had ridden for the Derby win stands with a crown too.

Paradigm stands with the National Horse of the Year title

Hours of practice, perfecting the style and gallops culminated in the highly awaited Horse of the Year title. Alongside rider John French, when Paradigm displayed the graceful maneuver, the world was left spellbound. So, to honor the equine, US Equestrian’s Instagram post read, “Congratulations to Paradigm on winning the @SmartPak x USEF National Horse of the Year award”. 

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Some of Paradigm’s most celebrated victories are on the grounds of the High Pеrformancе Huntеr Championship at the Middleburg Classic, and the High Pеrformancе Huntеr Championship at Lake Placid. Also, the $10,000 USHJA Intеrnational Huntеr Derby at the Saratoga Classic I. As an add-on, the coveted title of  2023’s Lеading Intеrnational Dеrby Horsе also got included in Paradigm’s wall of fame. Horsepower Vineyards handed over a premium gift pack containing wines to owner Meredith Lipke. It acted as a golden feather to Paradigm’s equine excellence.

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