Brunello, an 18-year old Hanoverian fan favorite, was voted the national horse of the year during the USEF Year End Award Gala on Jan. 16. Brunello and Ariat Athlete Liza Boyd have been turning heads in the hunter ring with their signature style and consistent top placing for years. Having won two consecutive USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in Lexington, KY. August was by far their biggest victory - the pair won both the Classic Hunter Round and the Section A Handy Hunter Round on their way to securing their third consecutive unprecedented win.

Owners Liza Boyd and Janet Peterson received the award from Bill Moroney, interim CEO of the USEF. In statement prepared by Boyd, Moroney read an amusing acronym for Brunello that reflects the personality and character of the winning horse.  

            B - for brave, to gallop under the lights

            R - for rideable, to turn oh so tight

            U - for unique, not your typical hunter type

            N - for naughty, in his stall he will bite

            E - for ego, he thinks he is always right

            L - for longevity, at 18 he is still jumping with height

            L - for Lexington, three times there he’s had a magical derby night

            O - for owl, for his wisdom and insight 

Congratulations to Brunello and Liza Boyd!!!