Calling adult (lower-level) riders “Smurfs” originated with Captain Mark Phillips some years ago. He was not being complimentary, and there was quite an uproar among the adult riders, who make up the great majority of the USEA membership. DC McBroom made sure Mark was reminded of his comments at every opportunity by leaving a Smurf doll where he would be sure to encounter it. Since then many adult riders have adopted the Smurf title as their own.
I had been wanting to sponsor an award for adult riders that was not based on performance in competitions. The various Smurf dolls available gave me some ideas for award categories, and in 2006 the first Smurfie Awards were presented.
The recipients are nominated by and voted on by members of the Area II Adult Riders. I provide ribbons, some fun little prizes, and a Smurf doll for the winners to display for one year. This year VTO Saddlery has also kindly donated some wonderful prizes. Thanks VTO (http://www.vtosaddlery.com/) for continuing to be such a wonderful supporter of eventing and the adult riders!
The Smurfie Award categories and descriptions:HUG YOUR SMURF: Any person, A2AR member or not, who has done the most to support the A2AR and their activities. The best spokesperson, activist, fund raiser, biggest $$ contributor, publicist, and so forth.
COWBOY SMURF: The A2AR member who best displayed bravery, brilliance, survivorship, riding-the-buck, and grace under pressure with a tough horse.
INDIAN SMURF: The A2AR member who displayed great personal strength against adversity, showing toughness, heart, and perseverance.
SMURFETTE: The A2AR member who consistently displayed and helped others achieve great "style" and "turnout”. A Groombabe!PAPA SMURF: The A2AR member who best displayed leadership and dispensed support, information and wisdom to other A2AR's.
And the 2008 WINNERS are...
HUG YOUR SMURF: Cheryl Microutsicos
COWBOY SMURF: Eileen Morgan
INDIAN SMURF: Barbara Cohen-King
SMURFETTE: Kristine Slovis
PAPA SMURF: Dorothy Smith
Holly Covey was been awarded a perpetual Hug doll for all her efforts over the past years on behalf of the T3D. Pictured above are Holly Covey(left) and Barbara Cohen-King receiving their Smurfie awards at the 2008 Annual Meeting & Awards in Kennett Square, PA.
I also awarded DC McBroom and Cindy DePorter their own PAPA dolls to keep, for everything they've done for us. DC for standing up for the Smurfs from day one, and Cindy for basically resurrecting the Ar2AR program from a morbid state, not too many years ago.
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