In nominating Kathleen Blauth, Buck Davidson expressed how important she is to the success of his team. “Kathleen has been with me for my biggest wins and most painful defeats. Always handling everything with class and care. She knows when to urge me on and when I need a pat on the back. She has given me, and all my supporters, everything and more than we could ask for. I hope to honor her in front of all her peers because she never takes any credit.”

Brendan Furlong VMD, who has been involved in Eventing for almost forty years and was the U.S. Eventing Team Vet until his recent retirement from that position last year, felt so strongly about Blauth’s nomination that he sent a letter of support on her behalf. “I have been involved in Eventing as a Team Vet, private vet, owner, breeder competitor, husband and father of competitors. During that time I have gotten to know a lot of great people including grooms. Kathleen is one of those grooms about whom it’s impossible to say enough good things about. I have seen her work in every possible situation good and bad, at home and abroad, winning and losing and she never loses her composure or her focus or dedication to her horses. Kathleen is a dedicated and tireless worker and always has a smile on her face.”

Mark Hart, MD Chair of the PRO Awards Committee is impressed by the caliber of grooms that are nominated each year: “It makes the selection of a winner quite difficult because each of the nominees is so deserving of the recognition and honor of winning this award. They all make such an outstanding contribution to the performance of the horses in their care and success of their rider’s career.”

Carl and Cassandra Segal, longtime owners for Buck Davidson, summed up the importance of professional grooms. “As Owners, we love Eventing for many reasons. However, our relationships with people ranks high on our list. Getting to know and watch how Kathleen has worked so hard with all our horses has positively enhanced our long-term enjoyment of the Sport. “

The PRO Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s award is offered annually to an outstanding groom of a professional member of PRO who has had a large influence on their rider’s career and the health and wellbeing of the horses under their care. Nominees should epitomize the example set forth by Liz Cochran, who groomed professionally for Abigail Lufkin and sadly lost her life to cancer. Past winner include Emma Ford, 2012 and Lindsey Taylor, 2011.