2026 Year End Award Voting

Bordeau Sport Horses Horsemanship Trophy Nominees
This award recognizes a TEAM member who demonstrates outstanding horsemanship through thoughtful care, respect for their horse, good judgment, and a commitment to putting their horse’s well-being first—both in and out of the saddle.

Amelia Barczak Nominated by Laura McCombs & Nicole Barczak
The way Amelia guides her horse, Diva, through the cross country. She handles her well! They make a perfect match!

When Diva came to us, she was an OTTB who had been transitioned into a casual riding horse. Amelia has patiently worked with her to develop the partnership they have today, bringing her along as an eventing horse while respecting that she is still learning. Through Diva's green moments, challenges, and occasional setbacks, Amelia is patient, encouraging, and adjusts her expectations to meet her horse where she is.

Bridget Hermann Nominated by Courtney Zachary
Bridget is always smiling and always out going to all. I always hear her thanking a volunteer when she’s about to head out on xc or trot down center line.

Brittany Weber Nominated by Taylor Goodwin
Brittany goes to so many lengths to make sure all the horses are taken care of even ones that aren’t hers.

Caroline Adams Nominated by Halley Widlak
Time and time again I'm impressed by Caroline's dedication to her horses health and well being. From thoughtful conditioning practices, long warm ups, and even calling it a day when the footing was not great I'm also in awe of her outstanding horsemanship year after year.

Faith Forte Nominated by Sara Kolenda
Faith has shown so much love and support for her older mare, Tessa. They have been partners for years and faith is always trying to choose the level and strain that is best and most appropriate for Tessa. She goes out of her way to make sure Tessa’s needs are alway met.

Halley Widlak Nominated by Breanne Palmerini
Halley works so hard to make sure her horses are happy and enjoying their jobs. Her perseverance and commitment is always happening behind the scenes and it is also showing up in her results.

Hannah Fountain Nominated by Sandy Fountain
Because I am Hannah‘s mom I get to see a lot, I watch her work with both horses and honestly she always put them first. Her concern and love for them is undeniable.. I feel she deserves this award because sometimes being young, you’re not as responsible and you think of yourself and she is far above her age immaturity, and it shows in a horsemanship.

Jenna Howison Nominated by Brittany Weber, Sarah Bush, Jennifer Merrick-Brooks
Jenna is always putting her horse Frank the tank first as an older tb eventer, keeping up with maintenance is always a top priority. This fall when it seemed like he needed a little bit of a break before kentucky she gave him an extra weekend off instead of doing team challenge, so he could go down to Kentucky feeling his best!

Jenna not only takes great care of her own horse, but she is very helpful in supporting other owners at the barn. She has hosted horsemanagement clinics at Sandhill and EquiJenn Training Center specializing in turnout, braiding, mane-pulling, amongst other things.

Jennifer Merrick-Brooks Nominated by Amelia Barczak
Jenn always makes sure her horse and others are taken good care of. She has great confidence in greener horses.

Nicole Brady Nominated by Heather Lawson
Nicole’s horse peanut is a lovely American cream draft who struggles with asthma. Nicole is always going above and beyond to ensure peanut feels her best and is ready to take on the eventing competitions. Extra supplements, nebulizer treatments, taking training off on days her asthma is bad. She truly values the horse as much as the sport.

Reagan Richards Nominated by Anabelle Iverson
Reagon demonstrates outstanding horsemanship and care.

Sadira Clarke Nominated by Tracy Tabor
Sadira puts the horse’s best interests ahead of all else.

Taya Sedine Nominated by Brooklyn Bickley
Taya is an incredible rider, person, and friend. She always goes above and beyond to make sure her horses are as happy and comfortable as possible. Taya is always offering a helping hand no matter what she is doing. Taya is able to read her horses like no other. She has such a strong connection with them and the minute anything feels off she immediately goes to figure it out. All in all, Taya is a strong, kind, and over achieving equine lover.

Past Winners of the Bordeau Sport Horses Horsemanship Trophy
2025 - Brittany Weber
2024 - Mary Claire Owdziej
2023 - Deena Zaitounh

Molly Bucci Memorial Award Nominees
This award recognizes an outstanding horse show parent who goes above and beyond to support their rider, lend a hand, cheer on others, and help make long days at the barn and horse shows a little easier—and a lot more fun.

Amanda Broughton Nominated by Miriam Kother, Jamie Hayden, & Breanne Palmerini
This mom does everything and more for her child and their horse. From cleaning stud holds to braiding and all the massage she does so much for her horse and child. She is always so supportive to everyone around her and is always willing to help out! She is everyone’s favorite show mom.

Amanda is always at the barn and constantly helping her daughter and other riders as well. Helping the lesson kids with anything all the way to sitting in on lessons and getting videos for everyone. At shows she is everyones show mom and even finds time to volunteer to help out at shows.

Olivia is an awesome, enthusiastic rider and her mom (Amanda) is always behind her. She volunteers at shows and helps on the sidelines.

Chris Gordon Nominated by Nicole Barczak
Chris can almost always be found helping out on Honey Run work days, volunteering during shows or afterward, and lending a hand.

Dana Richards Nominated by Courtney Zachary
Dana is always supporting her own daughter, making the long drive from northern Michigan to come to all of our events, and not but least she always offers to help out. Dana always has a smile on her face and is always a pleasure to talk too.

Judi Pershing Nominated by Jessica Phillips
I'm nominating my mom for the Molly Bucci Memorial Award because this summer, she saw my vision for Honey Run and jumped right in beside me to make it happen.

From organizing telephone pole deliveries for new Intro fences to creating unique jump decorations and staining and repairing old fences, she spent so much time at Honey Run you'd have thought she was the rider, not me! She's also a staple in the jump judge chair and even returned to scoring this year. 

My mom has never stopped being my horse show mom, but this year she went above and beyond for the entire Honey Run community. She's always been my biggest cheerleader, and now she's one of Honey Run's, too. I can't think of a better reason to nominate her for this award!

Julie Owdziej Nominated by Halley Widlak
Julia is such an outstanding horse show parent who is always volunteering her time where needed at horse shows. I love seeing her smiling face in warm up even though she could be helping her daughter Mary Clare. We are so lucky to have such a knowledgeable and helpful TEAM parent ready to help when needed!

Kathy Kocsis-Neirnynck Nominated by Jessica Pruss, Brittany Weber, Sarah Bush, Amelia Barczak, Jennifer Merrick-Brooks, Taylor Goodwin
Kathy is everywhere! Show day secretary, manning the tack sale, Pony Club treasurer, photographing her own rider as well as her teammates, coordinating barn lunches…you name it, Kathy is knocking it out of the park! She goes above and beyond in every way to help TEAM events be a smashing success!

Kathy is always willing to lend a hand when you need it, whether its being secretary at team challenge and volunteering at revel run while her daughter is showing, and being the super horse-show photographer for everyone, she still manages to find time to make homemade breakfast sandwiches for everyone in the morning!

Mrs. Kathy is always volunteering at shows and never fails to cheer others on!

I am nominating Kathy for this award because of her outstanding commitment and contributions to our show days-she's a true cheerleader.

Kathy is almost everywhere always providing thoughts, answers and breakfast 😂 she’s such a help and always volunteers!

Lindsey Iverson Nominated by Anabelle Iverson
My mom always goes above and beyond from me helping me clean my tack. Always having her horse show backpack stocked with everything for me and my horse. Always cheering me on. And most of all putting up with my occasional horse show tried sass.

Nicole Barczak Nominated by Tracy Tabor & Anne Silva
Nicole is always volunteering and coordinating and helping to make riding fun for all of our kids.

An amazing show mom who’s been through thick and thin with both her daughters in eventing, always keeping their adventures fun, interesting, and positive! 🐴❤️

Sandy Fountain Nominated by Nicole Wozniak & Hannah Fountain
Sandy is the number one cheerleader for not only her daughter, Hannah, but for everyone else too. When shows get tough, Sandy is there to offer comfort and encouraging words. When they go well, she is hugging you with excitement. She often even volunteers as a jump judge while there supporting her daughter, and she ALWAYS has the loudest cheer as you ride by. Sandy embodies the very essence of a great horse show parent, tough, caring, supportive, and she always shows up. I can't think of anyone better for this award!

My mom is the best horse show parent. She always goes above and beyond to support not only me, but everyone else who is competing. Whether is it volunteering, making snacks, or just lending a hand, she is always there and ready to help in a positive way however she can. She is also the best horse show groom and vet box supporter!

Past Winners of the Molli Bucci Memorial Award
2025 - Margaret Wooldridge
2024 - Kim Blumke
2023 - Wendy Wilford

Carolyn Van Cise Trophy Nominees
This award recognizes an outstanding TEAM support person who consistently goes above and beyond to help riders, volunteers, events, and the TEAM community as a whole. This award celebrates someone who can always be counted on to lend a hand, offer encouragement, and help make TEAM better for everyone. 

Carolyn was a longtime trainer, instructor, judge, and mentor in Michigan’s dressage community. A “woman on a mission,” as her license plate proclaimed, she shared her passion for dressage and inspired those around her. Following her unexpected passing in 2014, this award honors her legacy of support and dedication.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alex Otulakowski Nominated by Heather Lawson
Alex and her husband Scott are always volunteering at the TEAM shows. They are a huge part of the Hunter’s run group not only for volunteering at the show but prepping the property ahead of time. I have also witnessed them out volunteering at both revel run and honey run this year as well

Brittany Weber Nominated by Amelia Barczak
Britt always helps riders with their horses and helps out tons at events.

Cricket Killen Nominated by Sandy Fountain
Cricket is probably the kindest person I’ve ever met. She was always there to give a hand and encourage each and every Mom and ride. No matter what the weather is she is there with a smile and a positive attitude.!!!

Halley Widlak Nominated by Nicole Wozniak, Jessica Phillips, Meghan Cole, & Jennifer Merrick-Brooks
Halley is one of those people who always goes above and beyond for TEAM. She works her butt off behind the scenes, coming up with new ideas, organizing committees, and creating an amazing social media presence. She is involved in at least 4 different committees! This year, Halley was instrumental in helping TEAM organize our budget so that we could offer more fun events while keeping the organization running smoothly. More than that, she is always a smiling face at shows and participates in all the TEAM activities. Halley is someone who probably prefers to keep her hard work under wraps, but I am shouting her out anyway, so everyone knows how big of TEAM champion she is. When you need help, Halley is always there!

Halley has been an absolute rock for me this year. When the Vice President position on the TEAM Board unexpectedly opened up, she didn't hesitate to step in and take on the role. But beyond her contributions to the board, Halley has been one of TEAM's biggest cheerleaders all year. She worked alongside another board member to organize pop-up clinics throughout the season, stepped up whenever an extra hand was needed, and has consistently been a positive, encouraging presence on the board and the TEAM community through her awesome Facebook updates and posts.

Halley doesn't just show up and do the work. She brings enthusiasm, perspective, and a genuine desire to see TEAM succeed. She's the kind of person who makes the people around her better, and I am incredibly grateful to have had her in my corner this year.

Halley is always the first to volunteer to help out and encourage others to do the same! She has been tremendous help in organizing our “local pro” clinics and is everyone’s cheerleader at shows. She’s an amazing human being and deserves nothing less than the best!

Halley is always trying to introduce a better way to do something or support existing activities.

Hodgson Family Nonminated by Sarah Bush & Brittany Weber
All members of the Hodgson Family have been seen volunteering this year and only one has been sound to do the last derby of the year. They religiously show up to help for the honey run work days and volunteer at many of the shows even if they aren’t competing.

Jennifer Merrick-Brooks Nominated by Nicole Barczak
I'm grateful for everything Jen has done for my own girls, but this year has given me an even greater appreciation for all she contributes to the larger equestrian community. She consistently shows up, generously gives her time and knowledge, and works to create opportunities for riders, families, and volunteers alike, often without much recognition for everything she does behind the scenes. I truly can't think of anyone more deserving of the Carolyn Van Cise Trophy!

Jennifer Nascief Nominated by Alessia Hoisington
Jen volunteers her time continuously throughout the season. This season in particular she dedicated her time to the eventing community even though she wasn’t able to compete herself. She’s always very encouraging to others and has a smile on her face!

Jessica Phillips Nominated by Halley Widlak & Breanne Palmerini
Has Jessica won this the last two years? Yes
Does she deserve to win this again this year? also yes

Jessica is by far the hardest working, dedicated, thoughful TEAM member I've ever me. She pushed the board to be better. She supports people as they learn, she follows through on her word and she has single handedly turned Honey Run into a safe and fun place for eventers after it was a bit neglected. I hope for many more fun and accomplished years with Jessica as we make TEAM and Michigan eventing THRIVE!

Jessica does so much for TEAM and it's fabulous.

Marliese Derkach Nominated by Taylor Goodwin
Marliese is always helping all of her teammates out at the shows she even competes at. During Hagyard Midsouth she was there not riding but wiping my horses nose before my SJ trip🤣 she always goes up and above for everyone.

Past Winners of the Carolyn Van Cise Trophy
2025 - Jessica Phillips
2024 - Jessica Phillips
2023 - Cricket Killen

Mr. Sandman Trophy Nominees
This award recognizes a TEAM member who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship through kindness, respect, encouragement, and a positive attitude—whether they’re competing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines. This award celebrates someone who embodies the spirit of good sportsmanship and helps make the eventing community a welcoming place for everyone.

Amelia Barczak Nominated by Anne Silva, Sarah Bush, & Brittany Weber
An amazing rider with a great judge of character for her age, both in people and horses. She’s so passionate about the sport and always encouraging others, whether through funny memes or heartfelt posts about her love of eventing. Her enthusiasm is contagious!

Ameila always has a smile on her face even when things don’t go as planned. (Which happens a lot when you have an ottb mare). She learned a rule the hard way at honey run horse trials but came bouncing back for honey run team challenge, then had an awesome finish in Kentucky, all with the same smile on her face!

The Barczak Family Nominated by Halley Widlak
There is something so inspiring about a mother daughter trio that is fierce, brave, hard working and bring the most positive energy wherever they go. These three embody everything I strive to be. They LOVE the sport, they LOVE their horses and always take something positive away from any horse show day, no matter the score. They are always smiling and I secretly wish they would adopt me because boy would it be a PARTY! ROCK ON GIRLS!

Brittany Weber Nominated by Breanne Palmerini
Britt epitomizes what eventing is all about. She helps everyone around her and she cares about horse and people alike.

Brynn Gordon Nominated by Chris Gordon
Brynn is always cheering on her teammates from the sidelines as they compete; videoing their rounds, comforting them through pre-round jitters, reading dressage tests, assisting in tacking up, hand-walking a jittery horse to warmup, polishing boots before they go into the ring, and offering her equipment to someone who may have forgotten something. At Kentucky, she offered anybody a ride in her golf cart and also picked up walkers when a downpour was happening. She is extremely uplifting and supportive and always gives a smile and joyfully greets those she passes during shows, she will wish her competitors goodluck and compliment their round, and also shows immense respect to judges—further past the standard formalities—she always thanks them for their time and dedication before and after each round, she will also always take time to salute, acknowledge, and verbally express her gratitude to judges during showjumping and XC. Additionally, she demonstrates strong sportsmanship towards her horse, whom she regards as a teammate and treats him as such; she will always be talking him through each round, and you’ll frequently hear from the ringside or ropes her praising Song and telling him how well he’s doing. No matter how her round goes, she is always quick to dismount and immediately remove the saddle, hug and kiss her horse, give him a peppermint she keeps stashed in her pocket. Even if it means walking 10 minutes while holding the saddle and leading Song, she cares immensely about his wellbeing as an athlete and as her teammate. She is a very well rounded individual in all aspects of sportsmanship when it comes to this wonderful sport.

Courtney Zachary Nominated by Heather Lawson
Courtney is always volunteering, hauling riders to shows, and cheering on everyone at the shows.

Cricket Killen Nominated by Jennifer Merrick-Brooks
Cricket is always positive and always welcoming to new and existing TEAM families.

Hanna Walters Nominated by Brooklyn Bickley
Hanna is truly one of the most encouraging people I have ever met. She is an incredible rider, coach, and woman. Everywhere we go she is cheering everyone on and no matter what happens, she sees the good in it. Hanna always has a smile on her face and is willing to help with whatever is needed. She is an incredibly strong, supportive, and humble woman.

Jenna Howison Nominated by Hannah Fountain
Jenna is always their to support everyone with a positive attitude and is always there to celebrate the big wins as well as be a shoulder to cry on. She is the best groom around and has been a big supporter to everyone around.

Marliese Derkach Nominated by Jessica Phillips & Amelia Barczak
Marliese is a teen at the barn where I board, and I've had the pleasure of watching her not only compete this year, but also demonstrate what it truly means to be a good sport.

This young woman will be at the barn at 5 a.m. to help feed horses so our trainer can get to a show on time. She'll help braid a friend's horse for a competition she's not even attending. Whether she's competing, volunteering, or simply lending a hand, Marliese approaches everything with a smile and a positive attitude. She cheers on her fellow riders, wishes everyone good luck, and celebrates their successes just as enthusiastically as her own. 

What stands out most to me is that Marliese doesn't just demonstrate good sportsmanship when she's in the saddle. She lives it in everything she does around the barn and at competitions. She's the kind of young person who makes our sport, and our community, better simply by being part of it. I can't think of a more deserving example of the spirit behind the Mr. Sandman Trophy.

Marliese is always helping out at shows and always has a good attitude. She cheers everyone on and is a good sport.

Nicole Thomas Nominated by Tracy Tabor
Nicole has been so supportive to addy and other kids in the horse community and has fostered the love of riding for so many. She keeps her riders feeling supported through the good and bad times and is an incredible example for all of our young people for how to be kind, supportive and professional.

Olivia Broughton Nominated by Bianca Maresca
I met Olivia at the Hunters Run TEAM event back in May. She is incredibly supportive and cheers everyone on! Olivia takes amazing care of her horse, Oliver, and always puts his health and wellbeing first. She always wishes everyone good luck on their rides and helps make eventing a fun, loveable sport!

Past Winners of the Bordeau Sport Horses Horsemanship Trophy
2025 - Annabelle Iverson 
2024 - Renata Vucomanovic
2023 - Hannah Fountain

Sporting Chance Trophy Nominees
This is awarded to the owner of a special horse who has helped multiple riders learn, grow, and advance in their riding. This award recognizes both the horse’s contribution to developing riders and the owner who has generously given others the opportunity to learn from them.

Creative Dreamer Owned by Caitlin Henderson Nominated by Mary Clare Owdziej
I would like to nominate Creative Dreamer, AKA Molson for the sporting chance award.

Molson has already accomplished more than most horses ever will. He has gone Advanced, gained an incredible depth of experience, and now, in what may be his most meaningful chapter yet, he has become a teacher.

Molson has a remarkable ability to make every rider who sits on him feel like they can do more than they ever thought they could. Whether he is teaching his leasers, carrying a rider through a lesson, or giving someone their first opportunity to experience what a truly educated event horse can teach, he gives something to every person who climbs into his saddle. He teaches through his patience, his experience, his confidence, and his incredible understanding of the sport.

What makes Molson so special is that his greatest contribution may no longer be measured by the scores on a scoreboard, but by the riders who walk away from him better than they were before. As his own competitive journey has begun to take a different shape, he has found a new way to give back to the sport that has given him so much. He has helped riders learn, grow, gain confidence, overcome challenges, and, most importantly, fall even more in love with eventing.

And behind that opportunity is an owner who has generously given so many people the chance to learn from such a special horse. Instead of his knowledge and experience simply becoming a part of his past, Molson is continuing to pass it on. His next chapter may look different, but his impact on the sport continues.
His legacy is not only what he has accomplished himself, but all the riders he has helped believe in themselves along the way. That is what makes him so deserving of this award.

Lucky Seven's Trademark Owned by Brittany Weber Nominated by Sarah Bush & Jennifer Merrick Brooks
I started leasing Kinley when I was just learning to canter, and now I am writing this on the way home from my first out of state show. He also took his adult amateur leaser to her first eventing show at Honey Run Team Challenge where they completed in the starter devision and placed second!

With a flick of a finger, Kinley joined our family as a four month old. He grew up in his early years at Cobblestone. Brittney rode and evented him training+. Kinley was ridden by Lyda and moved with her to North Carolina. Some years later, Kinley moved back into Brit's care. He has been an amazing asset to the EquiJenn training program and has brought along and developed several riders, including Sarah Bush, Katie Z, and Dana. He continues to educate many new event riders, dressage riders, and equestion team riders. At the ripe age of 18, he's still going strong.

Piper's Dream Owned by Jennifer-Merrick Brooks Nominated by Halley Widlak
The post about Molly Can Arsdalen coming back to eventing after such a long break riding Jen's horse Piper's Dream may have had me in tears. As a recent new mom I know how hard it is to get back to eventing and what an accomplishment it is so BIG thanks to Piper's Dream and Jen for making that happen for Molly!

Past Winners of the Sporting Chance Trophy
2025 - No Notting's Nest "Sozo" owned by Chloe Miller
2024 - Who's Your Daddy "Wellie" owned by Brittany Weber
2023 - SBT Rynca "Smartie" owned by Erika Erlandson

Trot the Runway XC Award Nominees
This is awarded to the TEAM member who brings a little extra style to the cross-country course! Whether it’s perfectly coordinated colors, a standout look, or an outfit with some serious personality, this award recognizes the rider who proves you can tackle XC and look good doing it.

Past Winners of the Trot the Runway Award - Cross Country
2025 - Aurelia Lamoreaux on Bugs Bunny
2024 - Nicole Wozniak on Tranquilitas
2023 - Jessica Phillips on Who's Your Daddy

Trot the Runway Formal Award Nominees
Awarded to the TEAM member who knows how to bring a little extra polish to the show ring! Whether it’s a beautifully coordinated dressage look, sharp stadium attire, or those perfect finishing touches, this award recognizes the rider who proves formal can still have flair.

Past Winners of the Bordeau Sport Horses Horsemanship Trophy
2025 - Ella Spiers on Mission Complete
2024 - Ella Spiers on Mission Complete
2023 - Hannah Fountain on Junior

Randy Pielemeier Award for Best XC Course
The Randy Pielemeier Award for Best XC Course honors the longtime organizer and course builder behind Chardon Valley’s USEA Horse Trials and Derbies in Decatur, Michigan. Randy’s passion for cross-country left a lasting impact on the eventing community. Presented in his memory following his passing in 2023, the award recognizes the year’s favorite cross-country course, as voted on by TEAM members.