The Case Memorial Competition Awards: History
The Case Memorial Competition Awards, previously known as the Incentive Awards, is named in honor of Phil and Margot Case and their Akhal-Teke legacy at Shenandoah Farm. The Case family imported the first Akhal-Tekes to the United States in 1979 and founded the Akhal-Teke Association of America in 1982, read more about their story here.
The first stallion the Case family imported was named Senetir (pictured left), Sektor x Altin, who sired 30 purebred foals and 31 partbreds. Almost half went on to become proven competition horses in eventing, dressage, jumping, and endurance. Two of his sons were even long listed for the US Olympic eventing team, Sengar for 1996 and Kandar for 2000. Other horses from the Case family’s breeding program went on to achieve recognition in the SANA Rare Breed Shows for Overall Breed Champion (Anikit), Junior Champion (Kumitra), up to 1st level dressage (Kurizma), 2nd level and above jumping (Adamek), Most Versatile Akhal-Teke (Kurizma), 1st in Get of Sire (Agades), and 1st in Produce of Dam (Agniya).
The first stallion the Case family imported was named Senetir (Sektor x Altin), who sired 30 purebred foals and 31 partbreds. Almost half went on to become proven competition horses in eventing, dressage, jumping, and endurance. Two of his sons were even long listed for the US Olympic eventing team, Sengar for 1996 and Kandar (pictured right) for 2000. Other horses from the Case family’s breeding program went on to achieve recognition in the SANA Rare Breed Shows for Overall Breed Champion (Anikit), Junior Champion (Kumitra), up to 1st level dressage (Kurizma), 2nd level and above jumping (Adamek), Most Versatile Akhal-Teke (Kurizma), 1st in Get of Sire (Agades), and 1st in Produce of Dam (Agniya).
As you can see, Phil and Margot Case were dedicated to the performance success of their horses. Sadly, Phil Case passed away December 2019, but their legacy continues under the Akhal-Teke Foundation. And in honor of Phil and Margot Case’ contributions to the success and preservation of the Akhal-Teke breed, the Akhal-Teke Association of America offers this special incentive award in their name.
So what is it and how does it work?
The Case Memorial Competition Awards are cash incentive awards given to participants in recognized sport events (USDF, USEA, AERC, to name a few). Checks are handed out at the national organization’s yearly Conferences, or sent in the mail. This award is meant to encourage and support Akhal-Teke owners and breeders to demonstrate the athleticism and versatility of the breed through competition. The more horses that compete and take part in this, the bigger the pot, and it is growing every year!
To participate for the Case Memorial Competition Awards:
1) Competitor must be a (individual, ranch, 10-year or life) member in good standing with the ATAA and pay the entry fee by March 31 of the competition year. Friends membership are not eligible for Incentive Awards.
2) Competing horse must be registered (not pending) with the ATAA either as a pure or part bred.
3) Participants must send in two or more pictures from the event (must be 375kb or bigger) (if you placed please send a picture with your ribbon and/or prize), make sure you mention the horse’s ATAA registration number.
4) Participants must sign a release that the ATAA may post photos and results to our website and use photos in promotions for the ATAA
5) Email the link to the results page for the recognized event you participated in for proof.
6) Just sending photos in for the newsletter and/or website is NOT enough (but we appreciate it)
At the end of the year , the ATAA will tally up all the participants and send you a check in February. The more you compete the larger your share of the “jackpot” will be. The amount you receive will be divided out of the set amount in the awards fund and therefore will depend on how many people participate in the incentive program. The incentive program does not depend on you placing or earning points, it is completely about competing in recognized events in all disciplines and sending in the above listed information to the association.
Contact Katrina Ardiel for more information and send your results to her at: [email protected]
Important Note: Deadline for the Case Memorial Competition Award enrollment and fee payment is March 31 for the competition year. For example, to participate for 2023, your enrollment interest and entry fee must be submitted by March 31, 2023.