The Grand Prix Horse of the Year is the highest honor given to a horse in the USDF awards programs. The 2005 winner of the Colonel Thackery Trophy was presented to Leslie Morse, owner and rider of Kingston, Grand Prix Horse of the Year.
Leslie and Kingston started the 2005 season on a strong note highlighted by wins at the Palm Beach Grand Prix Freestyle, Palm Beach Derby CDI*** and Gold Coast Opener CDI***. After taking Florida by storm, she followed up on the California coast with wins at the Pebble Beach CDI*** and Pebble Beach Freestyle.
Though her recognition is for achievement at USEF/USDF recognized competitions, Morse and Kingston also achieved international success this year, resulting in their current ranking of eighth in the world at Grand Prix by the FEI World Breeding Federation.
They competed as a member of the highly successful US Team at the 2005 World Cup Final placing sixth individually. They were also second at the US Freestyle League Final. USDF is honored to have Leslie's Kingston represent USDF as the Grand Prix Horse of the Year.
Related Link
Leslie Morse, Raising the Bar For 2005