December 10, 2014 — The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Judy Werner as the winner of the 2014 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award. Werner, of Waterloo, Ill., has played an influential role in the American Saddlebred industry for decades. Participating as a competitor, breeder, and leader, Werner has made numerous contributions to the equine industry. For her years of service, Werner has been awarded the 2014 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.
Beginning her riding career at a young age, Werner competed in the Equitation classes, becoming one of the best junior riders on the Missouri show circuit. She continued to compete, having a show career that lasted over 60 years. With husband Roy, Werner started a successful American Saddlebred breeding operation out of the family’s Redwing Farm. She was also involved on several boards for horse shows and made history by becoming the first female president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association. Werner received the World’s Championship Horse Show’s Audrey Pugh Gutridge Award in 1993 and the USEF’s Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Cup in 2002. Additionally, the legendary horsewoman was named to the Kentucky State Fair Society Horse Show Hall of Fame and St. Louis National Hall of Fame.
Werner has participated in the governance of equestrian sport with the USEF for several years. The current Vice President of Administration and Finance, she also currently serves on the Ad Hoc Hearing Committee Task Force, American Saddlebred Committee, Breeders’ Committee, Budget & Finance Committee, Compensation & Human Resources Committee, Equine Drugs & Medication, Hearing Committee (Co-Chair), Horse Recording & ID Task Force (Chair), and Legislative Committee (Chair).
Werner will receive her award at the Pegasus Awards Dinner held Friday, January 16, at The Hyatt Regency Lexington in Lexington, Ky., during the 2015 USEF Annual Meeting.
