We had a phenomenal time hosting the SHJA banquet this year. Such fabulous prizes, food, camaraderie and fun! Congratulations to everyone on a great year.

A brief history on the SHJA:

“The first Maclay class, called the Horsemanship Cup was introduced in 1933. Audrey Hasler – Chesney won the very first Maclay Championship in ‘33. Back then, the Maclay class, sponsored by Rolex, had a dozen riders who circled twice a simple four-jump course at the old Madison Square Garden.

Alfred B. Maclay, for whom the prominent horsemanship event is named, served as president of the National Horse Show* and the A.H.S.A. now known as U.S.E.F. His Hackney stallion was champion at the National Horse Show in 1927, 1928, 1930, 1931, and 1932.

 The first A.S.P.C.A “Good Hands” class in 1929 had 11 young ladies under the age of 15 competing at the National Horse Show. Susanne Straussburger was the winner.

Our beloved Audrey H. Chesney, who has lived in south Florida for over 70 years, has served as President of SFHJA in the ’70’s and ‘80’s and remains an active and very influential member to this day. 

*The first New York National Horse Show was held in 1883. It became an international event when it’s then president, Alfred G. Vanderbilt, invited British army officers to jump against a U.S. Army team in 1909.”