Angela MacFawn with a University of South Carolina IHSA team member at the IHSA National Championship. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
EDITED USHJA PRESS RELEASE
Gladys, Va.—Dec. 18, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association announced Angela MacFawn as the recipient of the 2025 Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, which supports the furtherance of equestrian education.
"I am so excited to receive the Naomi Blumenthal Training Grant," remarked MacFawn. "I have recently started my journey to become a licensed official, and this grant will help me with the costs associated with traveling to shows to begin my apprentice judging."
MacFawn, of Blythewood, South Carolina, is the IHSA Zone 5 Region 3 president and head coach of the University of South Carolina’s IHSA team. A graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina, she competed on both the IHSA and American National Riding Commission teams before serving as a Riding Fellow at Sweet Briar College in Amherst County, Virginia. She is now the head trainer at Three Fox Farm, where she has coached the University of South Carolina’s IHSA team to multiple top placings.
"I was fortunate to meet and get to know Naomi through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association," MacFawn said. "Naomi had a passion for education and helping her fellow horsemen learn and grow in the industry. She was always working to give back to the industry, and I'm excited to honor her memory by continuing my education and being able to give back to the industry myself."
Angela MacFawn, 2025 Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant recipient.
Photo courtesy of Angela MacFawn.
Naomi Blumenthal's involvement with the IHSA began when she taught equine studies and business management at Cazenovia College and served as coach of the Cazenovia College Equestrian Team, a position she held for over 27 years. Blumenthal was integral to the success of the IHSA and served the equestrian community in multiple roles as a coach, show manager, secretary, regional president, zone chair and treasurer spanning over 40 years. Colleagues of Blumenthal recall her service to everyday IHSA operations and her quiet, behind-the-scenes aid to the careers of many members of the horse industry.
Blumenthal was also active in governance at the USHJA, serving on multiple committees. She was a US Equestrian licensed R-rated judge in hunters and hunter seat equitation and a steward and officiated at shows nationwide. In addition, Blumenthal devoted time to the Professional Horsemen's Association (PHA), serving as national president and the Syracuse chapter's chair.
Created in partnership with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, The Professional Horsemen's Association of America, and Interscholastic Equestrian Association in honor of the late Blumenthal, the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant awards $2,000 to at least one member per year. The grant can be used in any of the following areas:
- Hunter/Jumper Licensed Officials Education as a judge, course designer or steward
- USHJA Instructor Credential
- Individually identified educational opportunities designed to advance professional equestrian-related business and horsemanship knowledge
For more information about the Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, visit ushja.org/blumenthalgrant.