Latest USPC Brookfield Land Conservation Award Winner Announced at 2025 USPC Convention

The USPC Brookfield Land Conservation Award is awarded every year for efforts related to promotion of land conservation, preservation, and stewardship through member, club, center, or regional dedication and hard work. The 2024 USPC Brookfield Land Conservation Award was awarded to Tennessee Valley II Pony Club in the Midsouth Region during the 2025 USPC Convention during the Meeting of the Corporation on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

The award is named in honor of the historic Brookfield Farm near Lexington, Ky, and is made possible thanks to the generous support of van Nagell family.

Each year, applicants submit proposals, and this year’s winner was recognized for having a broad proposal that covered many areas of conservation and preservation and due to the education involved. Below is the submission from Tennessee Valley II Pony Club as submitted by District Commissioner Lindsay McCall.

From Tennessee Valley II Pony Club

Our Pony Club is dedicated to fostering a deep respect for the environment, particularly through the conservation of land and equestrian resources. Through various community and club-based initiatives, we aim to actively contribute to both the preservation of local natural habitats and the cultivation of an environmentally conscious equestrian community. Below, we detail our recent projects and commitments to land conservation and stewardship.

1. Supporting White Oak Restoration with Tennessee Forestry Association

In partnership with the Tennessee Forestry Association, our members collected acorns for the White Oak Restoration Project. White oaks are essential for Tennessee’s forests, providing both ecological stability and economic benefits. By engaging in this activity, our members helped secure the future of Tennessee’s forests while learning about the critical importance of forest regeneration and biodiversity.

2. Rehoming Equestrian Jumps

Our club facilitated the rehoming of equestrian jumps from Blackberry Ridge Farm to assist fellow riders who may not own their own equipment. By redistributing these resources, we minimize waste and make equestrian activities accessible to a broader community, reinforcing the principle of resource conservation.

3. Educational Experience with Tennessee Valley Hunt

We collaborated with the Tennessee Valley Hunt to visit their kennels and learn about the conditioning of hunt horses, the care of hounds, and the extensive land requirements for this activity. Through Tennessee Valley Hunt, we provided members with an immersive educational experience. Members had the opportunity to observe a live foxhunt, interact with the hounds, and speak directly with the Hunt Master before participating. Through these interactions, members gained insights into the skills required to condition foxhunting horses, the dedication involved in training hounds, and the extensive land requirements necessary to maintain this tradition. This experience underscored the importance of preserving open spaces to support equestrian and foxhunting practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for land stewardship among our members.

This season, our Pony Club has been honored with an invitation to join the 2024-2025 cubbing season at no cost, allowing members to experience these time-honored traditions firsthand. This partnership not only supports our members in learning essential skills for hunt riding but also encourages riders to bring their horses and ponies out onto the land, actively participating in the hunts. Through these activities, we promote an appreciation for open spaces and land preservation, essential for maintaining equestrian and foxhunting traditions.

4. Collaborative Learning with Live Oak Hounds in Florida

A few of our Pony Club members traveled to Florida to join the esteemed Live Oak Hounds, participating alongside other Pony Club members from various regions. This was also qualifier for the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship.  During this visit, they had the opportunity to meet and learn from Daphne and Marty Woods, Joint Masters of Foxhounds (Jt MFH). This experience provided our members with unique insights into the hunting tradition on conserved lands, expanding their understanding of land conservation in other regions. By connecting with leaders in the foxhunting community and engaging with peers from other clubs, our members gained valuable perspectives on the importance of land preservation to sustain equestrian and foxhunting practices across generations.

5. Trail Riding and Preservation at Bakers Creek

Through multiple trail rides on Bakers Creek, located on Tennessee Valley Authority land, we advocate for the conservation of this unique terrain in the Appalachian Mountains. By regularly using these trails, we demonstrate the value of Bakers Creek to our community and emphasize its importance to younger generations, supporting its preservation for future recreational and educational use.

6. Stewardship of Local Equestrian Farms

To contribute to the upkeep of Penrose Farm, members have cleaned and painted the farm’s horse stables and fences as a club. These efforts not only beautify the property but also promote a sense of community responsibility and sustainable maintenance of shared equestrian spaces.

7. Community Collaboration and Facility Usage

Our club regularly hosts meetings and clinics at a range of local equestrian facilities, strengthening relationships within the community. Facility owners appreciate the opportunity to see their land used productively, reinforcing a culture of mutual respect and conservation.

8. Expressing Gratitude to Landowners

As part of our land stewardship efforts, our club writes thank-you notes to landowners who allow us access for trail riding, clinics, unmounted meetings, and other activities. This practice acknowledges their generosity and encourages ongoing support for land conservation and community access.

9. Achievements and National-Level Representation

Our Pony Club is proud to have members who have reached national levels across multiple equestrian disciplines, reflecting the diverse opportunities available through Pony Club. Our members include competitors who have represented us at USEF Pony Finals, recipients of the prestigious Emerson Burr Award, foxhunters who have qualified for national events, and vaulters who have competed on the national stage. Additionally, many of our top jumpers and eventers frequently visit equestrian facilities nationwide, where they not only hone their skills but also promote Pony Club and the wide range of activities it offers. Through these achievements, our members showcase the value of Pony Club in cultivating skilled, well-rounded equestrians who are ambassadors for land conservation and the equestrian community.

10. Partnership with Blackberry Ridge Farm

Blackberry Ridge Farm, which maintains a 400-acre conservation easement, is a pivotal partner in our land conservation efforts. This easement, established in 2010 by Dr. Tracey Dobbs, MD, and Debbie Dobbs, restricts permanent structures on all four sides of the property, allowing only agricultural structures and ensuring the land remains unspoiled. This permanent easement stays with the land, even if sold, preserving open space indefinitely. Through their dedication, Dr. Tracey and Debbie Dobbs support equestrian sports by providing this land for trail riding, education, additional equestrian sport, and foxhunting. Blackberry Ridge’s commitment to land conservation aligns with our goals, fostering a sustainable environment for equestrian activities within the Tennessee Valley Hunt and beyond.

11. Trail Riding and Hunting with Basset Hounds at Riverplains Farm

Our Pony Club has had the privilege of riding and participating in hunting with Basset Hounds on foot at Riverplains Farm, a privately owned farm that welcomes equestrian activities like trail riding, foxhunting, and hunting with Basset Hounds. This environment encourages both children and adults to immerse themselves in the land, fostering a direct, hands-on connection with nature. By engaging in these activities, members gain a deeper respect for conservation, understanding firsthand the importance of preserving open spaces that allow for such enriching, land-based experiences.

12. Land Conservation Essay and Award Winner

Our Pony Club member Zsa Zsa (ZZ) Beauchene was selected as the winner of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America (MFHA) Mid-South District’s Margaret Lindsley Warden Award in the 13- to 18-year-old division. This prestigious award highlights ZZ’s dedication to promoting and preserving our sport for future generations. As part of the Pack Junior Awards Program, designed to increase awareness of conservation and education among young members, ZZ submitted an essay emphasizing the importance of nature and land conservation in her enjoyment of the sport. This accomplishment underscores the hard work and commitment of our juniors in both Pony Club and the Tennessee Valley Hunt, demonstrating their understanding of conservation’s role in sustaining equestrian traditions.

13. Engagement and Stewardship at River Glen Farms

Our Pony Club members actively volunteer and participate in events at River Glen Farms, a beautiful property that was once considered for sale. River Glen consists of 192 acres along the Holston River, with well-maintained arenas, stables, and multiple cross-country courses. Local equestrians, including our club, work to preserve this valuable land by utilizing it for cross-country schooling, educational activities, and competitive events. By contributing through volunteer efforts and consistent engagement, we help to ensure that River Glen Farms remains a cherished resource for the equestrian community, providing educational and recreational opportunities that reinforce the value of land conservation.

Conclusion

Through these projects, our Pony Club has deepened its commitment to land conservation, environmental education, and community-building. We believe our initiatives align closely with the values of the USPC Brookfield Land Conservation Award, and we are honored to submit our application for 2024 in recognition of our collective achievements.