The Missouri Hunter Jumper Organization had their awards banquet yesterday evening. Harry, Jane and I, along with the dogs, Weedy and Eddy, packed into the car to attend. We had planned to applaud our friends winning big ribbons. Then, I was notified that I was being given a special award myself. I am not very good at taking compliments, and this was a huge honor. I was flattered and stressed!
Unlike Harry, I am not at all comfortable with public speaking. I did write a short speech for the occasion.
Louise and Joey were stars of the Crossrails Division. Joey was Champion on Clyde, and Louise was Reserve on Paula Mangiaracina’s Beau. Pam, who also rides Beau, was in attendance to cheer.
Susan came with Melissa and Wiley. She won the Adult Jumper championship on Teah.
To my surprise, Brett and Lynda came specifically to see me receive the Stacy Wright award, thanks to Janis Collette. Stacy Wright died suddenly and unexpectedly of cancer in 2021. MOHJO established a perpetual trophy in her memory, and last year Melissa Mihalevich was the first recipient. This put me in company with a horseman I admire tremendously.
I was pretty emotional. My heart was slamming worse than it does when I am at the ingate, waiting to show. The difference here was that when I enter the ring, my nerves vanish. When I went to accept the award from the MOHJO president, Lynne Miller, I got more nervous. I had tried to memorize a speech, but I didn’t do a very good job. Here is what I MEANT to say. I muddled it up a bit last night.
I’m a little overwhelmed, but extremely grateful.
Stacy Wright was a vital member of the Missouri horse community. More importantly, she was a good friend. I miss her, and I am truly touched and honored to receive this award.
Horses have brought great joy to my life for over 60 years. They have really given me everything – my husband, Harry, who literally “fell” for me while steeplechasing, before becoming un unbeatable competitor in the show ring; my best friend, Jane, who has been a horse show companion (and much more) for 40 years; and many other treasured friends…
I have been privileged and lucky to have loved and learned from a myriad of horses. They have brought to my life friends, excitement, adventure, and great stories.
Thank you to MOHJO, and, of course, to the horses.
MOHJO used a great picture of me on Bart taken by Allison Hartwell. She caught me smiling over a jump at The American Royal in 2019.
In introducing me, Janis Collette read a tribute by Hillary Moore, who is showing in Florida for the winter. It reduced me to tears, which did not help with my speechifying!
I feel very fortunate to count myself amongst the many horseman whose lives Anne Weber has touched. As an aspiring young professional Anne played a key role in making sure I received an education as a horseman and as a rider. Through Anne’s encouragement and support I attended clinics with top professionals that would have never been within my reach. Thanks to Anne’s patience and wisdom I learned so much more than how to ride, but how to care for horses on a level that I still strive to meet everyday now as a full time professional. Without Anne’s support and guidance as a mentor in my early career I simply would not be where I am today. Thank you Anne, for the gift of horsemanship and a true life long love of caring for and riding horses. Hillary Moore
Well, there you have it. I am humbled and grateful. On we go…
Be safe, be well, be grateful. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Congrats, Anne!
Congratulations. An honor well deserved.
Love to you and Harry from all of us
Aunt Pat and the Quetsch clan !
😘🧑🎤☘️
Congratulations, Anne! Loved reading the account of your honor.
Congratulations Anne! Thanks so much for sharing your good news. Your pictures tell the story of friendship and love for horses shared by some of my favorite people. Happy to know them all.
Slava Ukraini
Peace
Wow! A well deserved honor!!! Congratulations. I loved your story and photos. Keep on being you.
You spoke well, no matter what you thought at the time. No one will remember what you said (or meant to) because they don’t know you, and those who do know you will read your blog and understand.
Anne,
What you might struggle to dictate in a speech, you most eloquently covey with the written word. I look forward to your blog posts and when I see one in my inbox; it is the first email I read. Congratulations, not only for the reward you so rightfully deserve, but for being a stalwart friend, mentor, and cheerleader for horse and human, alike. Much love and admiration to you, now and always.
Congratulations !
Congratulations, so well deserved. You are such an amazing human, friend and Horsewoman. I feel so lucky to have met and gotten to know you and Harry.
Xoxoxo
I tell everyone that Anne Weber is my horse mentor. Throughout the years, you have helped me advised me, supported me taught me and become a good friend. I’m sure you deserve this award and many more. I’ve been lucky to benefit from your expertise and have always appreciated your friendship.
Don’t forget
Gallup, Gallup Gallup
Wow! Fabulous recognition. The photos are perfect! So well done, your life!
Congratulation Anne. I am so proud of you. I love the picture of you with little Larkspur you look very adorable.
Congratulations! What a very special award and I am certain well deserved. What a special group of people you all are. I enjoyed seeing young Harry and you!
A huge congratulations to you! Wish I had known about it. I would’ve been there to cheer you on. Kamerra got an award with Missouri horse shows association Saturday night in Columbia. Is that where you were? Loved all your photos especially the one of you, jumping with the big smile on your face, now that you’ve given that speech, you should have confidence to come and do a lead event for me about your photography! Please consider it.
Harry, you’re the man! What a great shot of Harry jumping Willi. That’s no small obstacle! Harry makes a pretty handsome steeplechase jockey as well. Did he know Marshall Jenny – PU’63?
Dear Anne,
Best blog ever! What a lovely juxtaposition, in words and pictures, of selected memories from your lifetime of equestrian pursuits, with the story of your acceptance speech. Nicely collated.
If I’d introduced you, I’d have mentioned Galloping Through, your photographs and essays, capturing the beauty of nature, the birds & squirrels, dogs & cats, trees, pastures, streams and flowers around which you and Harry orbit day to day, with those magnificent horses shining at the center. You’re both great artists.
Love, Mark (solarpunk)
Wow, what a wonderful honor! You certainly deserve it! Your pictures were fabulous as usual and enjoyed by all of us. Congratulations on a well-deserved award!
Congratulations to you and all the award recipients at the banquet!
Congratulations Anne! Well deserved. However I also want to give a thumbs up to Harry. That jump he is navigating with Willi is not chump change. He also is one handsome steeplechase jockey. I wonder if he ever knew Marshall Jenny (PU-63) another renowned steeplechase jockey?
I knew of him but did not know him personally. He was the real thing.
Congratulations Anne! You are an inspiration and this is so well earned ❤️