Connaway & Associates Rewards Excellent Sportsmanship in New Junior Award

Laura Connaway, of Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc., is delighted to announce the sponsorship of a new award, the Connaway & Associates Junior Sportsmanship Award, at the three Experience Equestrian League (ExEL) events in 2024 at the Germantown Charity Horse Show grounds in Germantown, TN.

A silver platter will be presented to one winner from the pony, children’s, and junior classes at each of the 2024 shows: ExEL Summer Spectacular on June 21-23, ExEL Fall Classic on September 20-22, and the ExEL Winter Wonderland on December 6-8. The winner at each show will be selected by the judges and officials as the young rider deemed to have shown outstanding sportsmanship throughout the competition.

“What I would like to see in a competitor that exhibits good sportsmanship would be someone that demonstrates that they have been working hard on their skills and striving to improve their riding,” said Laura Connaway, who competes in the grand prix show jumping divisions as an amateur. “In addition, sportsmanship includes communicating with other competitors, being supportive, being humble, being excited when things go well, and taking it in stride when things do not go as well.

“Sportsmanship means the fair and generous treatment of others, especially in a sporting event, which for equestrians is twofold. I think sportsmanship is essential in the equestrian world because not only are we dealing with our teammates and our other competitors in the sport but also the horses. Being generous and patient with the horses and being fair in their treatment is at the heart of why we’re riding,” she added.

Connaway’s affiliation with ExEL shows and the introduction of the new award is a perfect fit because the Experience Equestrian League shows, which began in 2018, were specifically designed to bridge the gap between riding at home and riding at a rated show. Focused on a fun and educational experience, ExEL is centered on allowing horses and riders to grow, learn, and succeed. ExEL features a variety of classes and caters to all levels of hunter-jumper equestrians, along with hosting a college combine where high school-aged riders can showcase their skills and meet college representatives.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Connaway & Associates to present an award that aligns so closely with our mission,” said Dr. Brittany Kasprack Coleman, Founder and President of ExEL. “From the start, ExEL has emphasized sportsmanship and horsemanship. Our mission is to bring together a horse community that rewards sportsmanship and horsemanship. That, above all else, fuels the purpose of these horse shows. We are humbled to have Connaway & Associates honor three deserving junior riders during our 2024 season.”
 

About Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc.
At Connaway & Associates, teamwork allows horse people to protect horse people. Since 1992, Connaway & Associates has built a strong reputation as a reliable partner in competition and in business. Connaway & Associates is licensed in 48 states and offers competitive insurance coverage options through several A-rated admitted insurance carriers. Connaway & Associates does the work so its clients can enjoy their passion for horses. For more information on Connaway & Associates and its offerings, visit www.connaway.net.