Tredstep Ireland is proud to participate in the Caretaker’s Award to be presented at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show on the evening of Oct. 19. Established in 1998, the award is given to honor the late Moira Caffarey, a highly respected caretaker for legendary Grand Prix horses including “I Love You” and “Johnny’s Pocket,” both ridden by United States Equestrian Team member and Olympic bronze medalist Norman Dello Joio. Caffarey dedicated her life to caring for world-class equine athletes, and the award embodies her spirit by recognizing the groom of the winning horse in the $85,000 Grand Prix de Penn National.
The Caretaker’s Award consists of two trophies this year, including the original trophy, The Moira Jane Caffarey Memorial Perpetual Trophy, and the second and new one this year, The George Hennessy Memorial Perpetual Trophy. George Hennessy was a well-known horse transportation agent who passed away this year. The trophies are intended to acknowledge the important people who work behind the scenes.
As part of the award package, the winner will receive a pair of Tredstep’s stylish, high-performance Giotto paddock boots. Tredstep understands the long hours and demanding lifestyle of a professional groom, and the Giotto’s soft leather upper, molded sport high impact cushioning foot bed and moisture wicking top layer are specifically designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable all day.
In 1993, Irish entrepreneur and Three-Day Event rider Aidan Keogh saw the need for a better half chap, and set out to create his own. A former design student who studied fine arts, Keogh believed that he could improve the comfort and performance of riding wear, while respecting the traditions of a Centuries-old sport. His product eventually redefined the market and brought half-chaps to the mainstream where they are now standard equipment for every rider. Along the way he created Tredstep Ireland, a company driving innovation, but ever respectful of the traditional roots of equestrian sport.
The company now offers a complete collection of clothing, boots, chaps and accessories, including the newly released Symphony Collection of high performance breeches and the popular Renaissance Collection of boots, all designed to make the riding experience more enjoyable. For more information on Tredstep products or to find a retailer near you, please visit tredstep.com.