UHJA Alumni Update: Erin Broussard

Erin Broussard, a long time student of UHJA member and trainer Jodi Ray and a former UHJA member who was very successful in Short Stirrip, Pony, Children's and Junior divisions, is currently a sophomore at the University of Nevada at Reno studying Equine Sciences and is a member of the school's equestrian team. Recently, Erin competed in the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Zone Championships for the Western Region Zone 8. She competes in the Intermediate Over Fences and Open Equitation on the Flat classes. Erin received a second place in her Over Fence class and a 1st in her Flat class which qualified her to compete at the IHSA National Championship Show in both classes. The IHSA Nationals will be held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA May 8th - 11. Each class will be composed of the top 18 riders from over 300 colleges around the country. Erin is always telling us what a great trainer Jodi Ray is and recently had a judge ask her where she received her training! Congratulations Erin!

UHJA Membership Sends Heart-felt Condolences to Blount Family

Hundreds of students, as well as her family, attended the Monday evening memorial for Connie Blount. A freshman at University of Kentucky, Connie was crossing the street near downtown Lexington early Sunday morning April 13 when a truck struck and killed her. The driver fled, and police are still looking for that person. Blount attended Park City High and decided to attend the University of Kentucky because of her love for horses. She was also a member of the UHJA attending many horse shows and suporting her equestrian friends during her junior years.

Her father, Jack Blount, said, "She may have only been 5 feet 3 inches and only 100 pounds, but she was packed with a case of dynamite, which many boys and many horses found out pretty quickly."

A memorial fund in Connie's memory is being established at the University of Kentucky. Donations may be made to the "University of Kentucky Connie Michelle Blount Memorial Fund" for the Advancement of Equestrian Sciences. For more information go to Connie Blount.

President's Message: Utah's Show Season Kicks Off

With the Early Show behind us and the Alta Hills Jr/Am show underway, the start of the show season is officially here.

The UHJA board continues to thank those who have sent clinic and charity information — we are trying very hard to post your show, barn and membership/alumni information in a timely manner. While news is starting to dribble in, we still aren't receiving much in the way of news from the local barns and trainers. I know several of you have been and/or are going to warmer climates soon, please do keep us posted on your wins and experiences so that we can share them with the membership. If you do have news or classified information, please forward to the UHJA Newsletter Chair Person Janna Hambor or the UHJA Website Manager Lee Rech at lee@lbrcommunications.com.

The UHJA board thanks each and everyone of you for your continued support and club recommendations, and we look forward to seeing all of you in May and June at the shows as well as at the monthly UHJA membership meetings, which are open to the membership.

Mariah O ' Malley, president