August 6, 2003 - The USEA is proud to announce the newest inductees to the Eventing Hall of Fame, which will take place December 13 during the USEA Convention in Boston, Massachusetts (December 11-14, 2003).

The ceremony will honor eventing greats, both horse and human. On the human side are: Richard Collins, J. Michael Plumb, Torrance Watkins, and Jim Wofford; representing the equine contingent: Bally Cor and Plain Sailing.

Eventing found roots on the West Coast due mainly to the influence of Richard "Dick" Collins. Dick's love of the sport developed after watching the three-day competition at the 1932 Olympic Games. He returned to Pebble Beach, California with visions of starting his own event, which he did with great success. He also instilled his love of the sport into countless young talents that went on to become key competitors, trainers, course designers, and organizers for the western states and beyond.

J. Michael Plumb holds the all-time Olympic record (of any sport) for the most Olympic appearances and medal wins, with eight and six respectively, spanning a period of 32 years. He earned the USEA's Leading Rider of the Year Award ten times, has trained his students to achieve the same award, and continues to gain admiration and respect from his peers. With two team gold, three team silver, and one individual silver Olympic medal to his credit, the United States need look no further for its premiere cross-country rider.

Torrance Watkins came up through the ranks in the 70s, and earned the individual bronze medal at the Alternate Games in Fointainebleau in 1980. Four years later she struck team gold at the Los Angeles Games. Torrance was also an integral part of several World Championship squads from 1978 to 1986. She currently organizes and designs the course for the Over the Walls Horse Trials, a destination event for top competitors on the East Coast, held at her and partner Erik Fleming's Great Meadowbrook Farm

Jim Wofford was a key member of the U.S. Equestrian Team's three-day event squad for two decades, during which time he was named to three Olympic teams, winning two team silver and an individual silver medal, and four national championships. He and wife Gail live in Upperville, Virginia, where Jim trains three-day event competitors at their Fox Covert Farm. He also keeps busy coaching the Canadian three-day team, and as one of the most in-demand clinicians, continues to travel the country teaching. Jim has also passed his wisdom along to event riders the world over with two books, the most recent published just last year.

Bally Cor partnered with Tad Coffin to win team and individual gold at the 1975 Pan American Games, team and individual gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and team bronze at the 1978 World Championships at Lexington.

Plain Sailing's international career spanned almost a decade and several top riders. With Mike Plumb he won team gold at the 1967 Pan American Games and team silver in the 1968 Olympic Games. With Bruce Davidson he took home team silver from the 1972 Games, and then he and Don Sachey won team gold at the 1974 World Championships at Burghley.

The USEA promises an evening of laughter and tears as these new inductees take their place in the annals of eventing history alongside the group inducted in 1999: Neil Ayer, Major General Jonathan Burton, Captain John "Jack" Fritz, Edward Harris, Jack LeGoff, Alexander Mackay-Smith; Jenny Camp and Grasshopper. And in true eventing style, the induction ceremony will be followed by dancing into the wee hours, so make sure to purchase tickets early, as this event is sure to sell out.

The entire USEA Convention takes place December 11-14. Festivities in addition to the Hall of Fame ceremony include the Thursday night Board of Governors' Reception, Friday evening's Area I reception at the New England Aquarium, and Saturday afternoon's USEA Awards Luncheon. Saturday afternoon will also include a presentation on "The Road to Athens" with Captain Mark Phillips, and a "Back to the Future" video retrospective of eventing's American roots in Area I.

And of course you can't forget the true purpose of the convention-the many meetings and seminars. Industry professionals are lined up to speak on a variety of topics including: buying an event horse, pre-purchase exams, sports marketing and sponsorship, cross-country course design and footing, rider fitness, equipment safety, sports psychology, land conservancy, careers in the horse industry, and even a virtual riding clinic.

Check the USEA website, www.useventing.com, and Eventing USA for future updates on the convention.