For many equestrians, the dream of landing a spot in a Hall of Fame is just that…a dream. But for American show jumper and Olympic champion Joe Fargis, that dream is very much a reality.
Joe Fargis, a long-time FarmVet sponsored rider, is the newest inductee to the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) Hall of Fame. He says he feels lucky to have been in “the right place at the right time.” But for those of you who have seen Fargis ride, you know that it’s much more than luck.
A Decorated Rider
Fargis, now a 5-time Hall of Fame inductee, already boasts a place in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame, Virginia Horse Center Hall of Fame, and the Pennsylvania Horse Show Hall of Fame. He also received the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from the US Equestrian Federation and USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award. As if that wasn’t enough of an accomplishment, Fargis has also been named AHSA Horseman of the Year. One of Fargis’ most treasured awards to date is when he won the President’s Cup Grand Prix at WIHS with his Olympic partner, Touch of Class.
Fargis is one well-decorated US equestrian, but this most recent Hall of Fame induction hits close to home, literally. Fargis hails from the Washington Metro Area and says he’s flattered to be honored by the WIHS.
5 Decades of Service
WIHS is honoring Fargis for his contributions as a rider and an active member of the show for 5 decades. He first became involved with the WIHS in 1959 as a junior rider and equitation student selling event programs. Since his days at the Jane Marshall Dillon’s Junior Equitation School, Fargis’ commitment to the WIHS has only grown.
“Joe’s skills, awards, accolades and accomplishments in the sport would be more than enough to join the Washington Hall of Fame, standing alone,” said WIHS Vice President Claudia Frost. “But Joe has done far more. He has been an exhibitor, trainer, and supporter of the Washington International Horse Show for decades, helping to preserve and sustain Washington as the country’s leading metropolitan indoor international horse show.”
FarmVet is a proud sponsor of Joe Fargis the man and the rider!
Video Credit: The Horse Network: Visit their website. Here!
Additional Media Credit: Jump Media “Raising The Bar In Equestrian PR”
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