Louisville, Ky. - US Equestrian recognized multiple outstanding equestrians during the 2025 Pegasus Awards Dinner at the USEF Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 15.

Among the honorees were 2025 International Equestrian of the Year Boyd Martin and 2025 National Equestrian of the Year Daniel Geitner. Martin and Geitner were nominated as Equestrians of Honor and selected by US Equestrian members voting in the month of December.   

2025 International Equestrian of the Year – Boyd Martin 

A stalwart for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, Boyd Martin concluded another strong and consistent campaign in 2025, earning top five finishes in 24 FEI events with a string of 13 different horses. Martin finished all three of his entries inside the top ten at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, including a second-place finish aboard Commando 3, to earn the USEF CCI5*-L National Championship. The pair returned with the same form later in the year to notch a third-place finish in the MARS Maryland Five Star CCI5*-L. Martin then took his talents overseas to finish third in the Pau CCI5*-L, this time aboard Cooley Nutcracker, demonstrating incredible consistency and poise at the top international events in the world. Martin also topped the inaugural US Equestrian Eventing Open Final aboard Miks Master C, at Morven Park, marking his seventh international win of the season.  

In team competition representing the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, Martin and Commando 3 finished fifth overall and helped the team notch their third consecutive podium finish in the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S. Martin currently sits in second in the FEI Eventing World Rankings, having accumulated 537 points in 2025. He sat atop the world rankings in the month of May, marking the first time in nearly two decades a U.S. eventing athlete was ranked number one in the world. 

“There were many, many lows and some unbelievable highs,” said Martin of his equestrian career thus far, “In 2010, I was faced with one of the hardest decisions of my life and it was to change my nationality to represent America. I soon realized when I got to America that this is my home. I also wanted to support the country that was supporting my career. I also felt it was wrong for the owners that had poured so much sup into me, being a rider with a different flag. It was the greatest decision I ever made.” 
 
2025 National Equestrian of the Year – Daniel Geitner 

Daniel Geitner is celebrated for his lifelong dedication to horses, exceptional versatility, and distinguished presence in the hunter ring. His horsemanship reflects a lifetime in the saddle, beginning with foxhunting and evolving into a successful collegiate career at St. Andrews College. Over the years, Geitner honed his craft under the guidance of some of the sport’s most respected professionals, including Aaron Vale and Andrea King. 

In 2025, Geitner captured both first and second place in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Challenge Round aboard Aeronautic and Walk The Moon. His season featured numerous victories from green hunters to international derbies. 

Geitner operates DFG Stables in Aiken, S.C., alongside his wife, Cathy, and their two children, Wyatt and Lilly. The farm, home to nearly 70 horses, serves athletes and horses of all levels, from ponies and green hunters to elite derby contenders. 

Beyond ribbons and accolades, Geitner’s influence on equestrian sport is defined by his unwavering commitment to horsemanship. He sets the standard of integrity and skill that inspires everyone who shares the ring with him or watches from the sidelines. 

"Thank you very much. This is a real honor to [receive this award]” said Geitner, “This has been such a special evening for me.” 

 

2025 USEF Heart Horse Award – Kiss Me Blue “Chrissy”  

To read all about Chrissy and her impact on her community at Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR), click here.  

As the winner of the USEF Heart Horse Award, Chrissy and her connections at Maryland Therapeutic Riding will receive a $500 check from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, one gallon of DAPPLE UP® equine shampoo, a commemorative rosette and sash, as well as a USEF Heart Horse Award plaque. 

“At Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, we are pleased to contribute to and honor those horses whose significance reaches far beyond the competition arena,” said Dr. Woodrow Friend, Shareholder and Director of Marketing at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. “In honor of the Heart Horse Award, we donate $500 to honor the outstanding accomplishments of Kiss Me Blue and the powerful bonds that horses form with the community at large. We are pleased to honor the legacy of Chrissy and the important work of Maryland Therapeutic Riding.” 

The USEF Heart Horse Award was developed to bring recognition to the work horses do in the organizations that are a part of the USEF Community Outreach Program. These organizations share US Equestrian’s goal of increasing access to horses, horse sports, and equine-based learning opportunities. Last year’s inaugural Heart Horse Award was given to Kilcarna French Fancy (“Arnie”), an Irish Sport Horse gelding who is part of Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs.   
 
 
2025 USEF Equestrians of Honor  

A total of nine equestrians were recognized as Equestrians of Honor for their achievements in 2025 with the following trophies:   

• Norman K. Dunn Trophy – Ted Carson 

• C.J. “June” Cronan Trophy – Allyson Nord Wandtke 

• Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy – James Hitt 

• Bill Robinson Trophy – Shannon Price-Heald 

• Vaughan Smith Trophy – Amanda DuPont 

• Emerson Burr Trophy – Daniel Geitner 

• William C. Steinkraus Trophy – Kent Farrington (Jumping) and Boyd Martin (Eventing) 

• Becky Grand Hart Trophy – Tracy Bowman 

  

2025 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award – Jan Decker 

For Jan Decker, horses have truly been a lifelong passion, and through her involvement as a trainer, judge, show manager, and member of governance, she has helped to build the pathway for others to enjoy their own equestrian journey. She became involved with the Arabian breed 70 years ago when she acquired her first Half-Arabian horse. In 1969, she and her husband launched their stable, where they continue to board horses to this day. In the facility’s show-ring heyday, Decker coached Arabian horses and their riders at the national championship level in disciplines ranging from pleasure driving to side saddle to western pleasure. 

Her involvement in the industry expanded as she took on roles as a show organizer and licensed official, and in 2024, she was recognized by the Arabian Horse Association for serving more than 50 years as a licensed judge. Decker’s list of volunteer roles in equestrian governance is too long to list in full, but includes numerous local club and regional offices, committee leadership through the AHA and US Equestrian, and more than 20 years as the Secretary of the Arabian Horse Association. 

As a mentor to new judges and officials, a leader in establishing and improving equestrian sport governance, and most of all, an enthusiastic promoter of the horse, Jan Decker’s impact has been immeasurable over her many years of involvement and will continue on for decades to come. 

"Who would have thought that that a horse crazy kid who loved horses more than breathing and was gifted a pony for her fourth birthday would be on this stage,” said Decker, “This award is as much [my husband, Jim Decker’s] and my family’s as it is mine. Thank you all for putting up with the decades of just one more horse, just one more show, and packing just one more tack trunk. That’s true love. Thank you from the bottom of my horse loving heart.” 
 
Junior Equestrian of the Year – Mikayla Clement 

Mikayla Clement is a dedicated youth leader, multi-national champion, and passionate advocate for the Arabian horse community. Her lifelong love for horses inspired the creation of MAC Equestrian, an initiative focused on giving back to the industry, especially 4-H youth and young riders within the Arabian breed. Through mentorship, Mikayla provides opportunities for youth to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and find their place in the equine world.  

Mikayla has served Region 12 with distinction for more than five years, holding leadership roles with the Arabian Horse Youth Association including Youth Vice Director, Youth Director, and President of Youth Ambassadors. Her work includes organizing educational programs, youth socials, outreach efforts, and regional activities that foster connection, inclusivity, and personal growth both in and out of the saddle.  

Mikayla is admired for her mentorship skills and for being an advocate of Lake County’s 4-H Horse Program. Her leadership style is described as inspiring and empowering, and she is a compassionate and caring teammate.  

Her commitment has been recognized nationally: in 2024, she was named first runner-up for AHYA Youth of the Year and awarded the Arabian Horse Association’s $1,000 scholarship for her leadership, advocacy, and service.  

With aspirations of becoming a large-animal veterinarian and operating a working barn, Mikayla is dedicated to supporting the next generation of equestrians and strengthening the future of the Arabian horse community. 

"Sportsmanship is something I have learned from in and out of the area,” said Clement, “It is reflected in how we handle wins, how we grow from loses, and how we support one another along the way. I am proud to be part of a community that values integrity, hard work, and kindness. I would not be here without trainers, mentors, family, and friends who believed in me. Thank you for investing in me.” 
 
2025 Pegasus Award Recipients   

In addition to the above awards, the following annual award recipients were recognized at this year’s Pegasus Awards Dinner:  

• USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award – Keith Dane 

• Interscholastic & Intercollegiate Awards – Dartmouth (NCEA Single Discipline), University of Georgia (NCEA Dual Discipline), and the University of Kentucky (USEA Intercollegiate) 

• USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award – Mikayla Clement 

• Kip Rosenthal Memorial High Score Equitation Award –  Parker Peacock 

• The Richard E. McDevitt Award of Merit – Fran Crumpler, John Green, Becky Grand Hart, Mary Anne McPhail, Mary Alice Malone, Gareth Selwood, Diana Dodge, Brian Flynn, and Linda Andrisani 

• Pegasus Medal of Honor – Carrie Mortensen, Kathy Meyer, Suzanne Detol, Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, Cindy Butler, and Ling Fu Wylie, Ralph & Heather Caristo 

• Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Award –  Kohler Stables and Hyperion Stud, LLC 

• Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award –  Sally Ike 

• Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy – Britt McCormick 

  

Find more information on the 2026 US Equestrian Annual Meeting, visit  www.usef.org/annual-meeting and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.