Have you ever wondered what you can do with your old trophies that are gathering dust in the barn or taking up space in your house? Select Amateur Jean Swiss of Rancho Santa Fe, California, who was the All-Around Champion at the 2006 AQHA Select World, decided that it was time to find her old trophies a new home. A former volunteer coach for the Stanford University Equestrian Team located in Palo Alto, California, Swiss has donated tack and other items to the team, and knew the trophies would be appreciated.
“I learned that Stanford had a Western Equestrian Team and needed volunteers for coaching so I did so for about four years until we moved to Southern California,” Swiss explains. “Stanford has a small but very dedicated group of western riders who show as an IHSA team. They come from different backgrounds, but truly ride for the love of it. I enjoyed my volunteer time there. I met some amazing young people. I also saw a need for clothing and equipment, so I began donating a few things for the team to use–chaps, belt buckles, hats, you name it.”
Swiss, who lived close to the Stanford campus in nearby Los Altos Hills until moving south to Rancho Santa Fe, found space was at a premium at her new home. “Recently, we moved to a much smaller home and I was unable to display them as in the past. I contacted Vanessa Bartsch at Stanford and asked if she would be interested in
using them. She was thrilled,” Swiss says. “I have seen how the trophies can be repainted and the plates replaced. Something very meaningful for these students. Anyways, I loaded up a dozen of them and shipped them up via UPS.”
Upon receiving the trophies, the Stanford Equestrian Team showed their appreciation for Swiss on its Facebook page including a picture of the valued trophies being transported safely via a golf cart (pictured right).
“So much thanks to Western Coach emeritus (and perpetual Team supporter), Jean Swiss, for donating a whole “herd” of AQHA trophies for the Team to re-purpose for year-end awards!” read the Facebook post. “We were so awe-struck by how much Jean has accomplished in the show pen and touched that she’d share some of her history so that student athletes could own a trophy of their own in recognition of their accomplishments! A great reminder to all “show pros” (amateurs and professionals alike) about the joy that “recycling” an older award can give to those just starting their show careers!”
Over the years, Swiss had accumulated many AQHA trophies and all around awards. Swiss and her mount, After Eight, were All-Around champions at the Select World in 2006 and earned a Reserve World Champion title in 2009. Swiss will be back in Amarillo again this year. After Eight is now 18 and will be retiring soon, but Swiss has a new horse, A Blazing Reflection, who she will be showing at the Select World in multiple events.
Swiss adds, “Giving back to the equestrian team is a win-win. I would encourage anyone to contact a local club, team, who would appreciate owning one of these beautiful trophies.”
