EAF Presents Spirit of Service Awards to Equestrian Community Leaders at Monmouth at the Team

Long Valley, N.J. — Sept. 14, 2021 — When Tropical Storm Henri forced an early end to Monmouth at the Team, it also postponed the presentation of the Equestrian Aid Foundation's Spirit of Service Awards. However, the storm did not dampen EAF's desire to recognize the horse show and its award recipients.

EAF's Spirit of Service Awards honor equestrians whose leadership, volunteerism and goodwill strengthen their communities, both within the horse world and beyond. Photo by Kelly Lemenze Photography

A charitable beneficiary of Monmouth at the Team since 2017, EAF created the Spirit of Service Awards in honor of show co-owners Michael Dowling and J. Tucker Ericson. "Monmouth at the Team is very special, both in terms of upholding tradition and in the sense of community it fosters," said EAF board member Nancy Hooker. "Tucker and Michael invest so much of their time and talent into this horse show, and these awards celebrate their generous spirits and the example they set within the equestrian community."

EAF board member Nancy Hooker and Alexander Collins.

Nominated by his sister, Alexander Collins received EAF's junior/amateur Spirit of Service Award. The Centenary University student and IHSA team member was lauded as an ambitious and willing participant in all aspects of the sport, from horse show staffing to horse care. Beyond the horse world, he supports his community by tutoring students in science and math. 

EAF board member Nancy Hooker and Ann Mitchell. Photo by Kelly Lemenze Photography

Ann Mitchell was the winner of EAF's professional Spirit of Service Award. A trainer at the Smoke Rise Riding Club and a fixture in the local equestrian community, Ann is beloved by students of all ages. "She’s been doing this for years, giving of herself, promoting hard work, good horsemanship and care of horses, "said client Dana Gollance. "She builds confidence in those who need it most [and] lives and breathes equestrian sports at a grassroots level." 

Hooker presented the award to Mitchell at the Smoke Rise Riding Club's August horse show in Kinnelon, N.J., and to Collins at the College Preparatory Horse Show at The Ridge at Riverview in Asbury, N.J.