2005 NAYRC Captain Andrew B. de Szinay Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy Awarded to Sofia Lombera of Mexico

A longstanding award at Young Rider is the Captain Andrew B. de Szinay Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy, presented annually to the Young Rider who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper and unselfishness.

Presented by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the award honors the memory of Captain Andrew B. de Szinay, teacher, Dressage Judge, Technical Delegate and long-time friend and supporter of the Young Riders’ program. Dede de Szinay and USEF President David O’Connor presented the Captain Andy Trophy to Sofia Lombera of Mexico.

An eventing rider, Lombera finally made it to the Championships in her last year as a Young Rider. Her horse failed to pass the veterinary inspection, although he was in good enough shape to be called back for a re-inspection. Lombera, however, felt that if her horse was not 100% that she would prefer not to risk an injury just so that she could finally ride in the Championships. Instead she withdrew him and spent the week supporting her teammates. She defined what the Captain Andy award is all about.

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