PrintIn her own quiet way, this determined woman has given to all levels of eventing all over the country.
Imagine someone who organizes one of the biggest events in the country, a true destination event in the West. Then, picture someone who owns multiple event horses for multiple riders at all levels. Next, think of someone who cheerfully volunteers to fence judge at beginner novice level on a hot day. And then envision someone who has served on several U.S. Eventing Association committees and supported many educational programs.
Now, imagine that all those are the same person.
Meet Rebecca Broussard.
“Many visionary people have made a difference in the sport, and Becky’s one of them. She has a big vision for the sport, and then she has the gumption to roll up her sleeves and make it happen,” said USEA President Kevin Baumgardner.
“She doesn’t want to always be known for what she’s doing, and I think a lot of times people just see the tip of the iceberg. They don’t realize what a far-reaching, positive impact she’s had on the sport. She is, hands down, the most important person in eventing in the Western United States. I would say that she’s arguably the most important person in eventing in the entire United States. And it’s because of the number of things that she does, both visibly and behind the scenes,” Baumgardner continued.
The most visible manifestation of Broussard’s dedication to the sport is The Event At Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Mont., which began in 2002 and now runs divisions from novice to a World Cup-qualifying CIC*** and CCIs at the two- and one-star levels. They also host 4- and 5-year-old Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse divisions, as well as a classic-format preliminary three-day.
“I’ve traveled all over the country to events, and I have to say that Rebecca Farm is the best event in the United States,” said Olympic veteran Amy Tryon. “They go out of their way to cater to the horses, with the footing and everything else.”
Broussard, 68, also owns or has owned horses for riders such as Tryon, Karen O’Connor, Phillip Dutton, Cathy Wieschhoff, Ralph Hill and Cindy Burge, competing at levels from training to advanced.
Her hands-on approach led her to serve on the USEA Board of Governors for nine years. Broussard has also helped with the USEA’s Endowment Fund and served as an adult rider coordinator and young rider coordinator. She’s also very active in the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s High Performance Event Owners Task Force.
“There isn’t anything in this sport that someone has asked her to do that she hasn’t done. It’s remarkable,” Tryon said. “The Broussards have had a lot of influence in Area VII as far as donating money to events that need to upgrade their courses and supporting our young rider and adult programs. It’s not just their event that they support.”
Area VII riders can also thank Broussard for sponsoring training grants, clinics and training sessions.
“She stays quiet about all that she does. She’s not out there talking about it—she almost gets embarrassed when she gets acknowledged for doing something, but she’s an incredible person,” Tryon said.
Thinking Big
The Event At Rebecca Farm has humble beginnings in a former Area VII event, Herron Park Horse Trials. Broussard took over as organizer for Herron Park in the mid-80s.
