Maxance McManamy, volunteer, straight-A student and individual gold medalist in the CCI** Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, was named the 2009 U.S. Equestrian Federation Junior Equestrian of the Year.
McManamy will receive her award at the USEF annual meeting from January 13-17 in Louisville, Ky.
The Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Trophy was established in 1985 to honor a junior equestrian who has made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition while exemplifying exceptional talent, sportsmanship and dedication.
In addition to her individual gold at the NAJYRC, McManamy helped boost the Area VI team to gold as well.
Not only has McManamy excelled in eventing, the 18-year-old from Templeton, Calif., is a community leader and star in the classroom.
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McManamy has volunteered for The Wellness Community, the 2008 Inaugural Bike-a-thon Tour of California, The Justin Wine Society Golf Tournament, and she acts as the team leader for the United Way Community Grant.
McManamy also started a non-profit organization in which she will be retraining young, off-the-track Thoroughbreds for other careers while raising awareness of the breed. She hopes to pay tribute to her late father by establishing The Marcel Fortney Iron Horse Award in each of the USEA Areas. This award will be given to the highest placing young rider in each Area and has already been implemented in Area VI.
