LEXINGTON, KY-November 5, 2014-The United States Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce Leo Conroy and Sally Ike as recipients of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Conroy and Ike will be recognized for their support and involvement in the industry during the USHJA Annual Meeting’s Evening of Equestrians on December 9, 2014 in Las Vegas, NV.

“We are very fortunate to have so many great contributors to our sport,” said USHJA President Bill Moroney. “When selecting the Lifetime Achievement award winners there is always a long list of deserving candidates to consider. This year’s recipients, Sally and Leo, have dedicated their lives to the sport and have each contributed through governance, officiating, teaching and volunteer service. We commend them both for their contributions and are pleased to honor them with this award.”

With more than 40 years of experience in the hunter jumper industry, Leo Conroy is renowned for training top horses, riders and judging some of the country’s most prestigious horse shows. Owner of Leo Conroy Stables, Conroy has trained successful ponies and junior hunters including Mimosa, Calling Card, Peterbilt, So No Wonder, Overdressed, Guest of Honor, All That and Winning Edge. In 1997, The Chronicle of the Horse named Conroy Horseman of the Year.

In addition to his success in the ring, Conroy holds his USEF “R” rated judging license and has officiated at iconic shows such as USEF Pony Finals, Devon National Horse Show, the Royal Winter Fair in Canada and the National Horse Show. He has also served on several committees at USEF and USHJA and has served on the board of directors of The National Horse Show.

Also receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tremendous and storied contribution to the equine industry, predominately in show jumping and eventing, is Sally Ike. With more than 50 years of experience, Ike has used her considerable knowledge and involvement in the industry to direct all aspects of show jumping at both the national and international level.

An accomplished rider and Olympian (1968 Three-Day Event Team), Ike has also served as the Show Jumping Team Leader for numerous FEI World Cup Finals and for numerous World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games and Olympic Games.

Ike also gives back her time through her work on various USHJA committees and task forces. Currently, Ike serves on the USHJA Nominating Committee, the Officials and Officials Education Committees, the Competition Standards Committee and is a member of the Jumper Working Group’s Young Jumper Task Force. She is also Chair of the Joint Emerging Athletes Task Force.

In her role as chair of the Joint Emerging Athletes Task Force, Ike, who is dedicated to the fostering of young riders for the national and international Show Jumping arenas, has guided the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program from its inception. Created to provide opportunities for up-and-coming young riders to train with the industry’s top clinicians and stable managers, the Emerging Athletes Program has seen hundreds of riders benefit from the program and Sally’s leadership in its six year history.

The USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award honors members whose lifelong involvement in the sport and USHJA itself has benefited the industry. Recipients of this award have dedicated their lives to furthering the disciplines of hunters and jumpers on a national platform.

Award recipients will have their name engraved on the Eugene R. Mische Perpetual Trophy. Mische, the trophy’s namesake, was a 2001 inductee of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame and continues to be instrumental in the growth of the industry.