Elizabeth Searle (USA), international Dressage and Vaulting Judge for the FEI, co-founder of the American Vaulting Association and Vice President of the United States Dressage Federation from 1989-1996,, passed away on 8 January.

Elizabeth Searle was the first recipient of a USDF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 and in 2003 received the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Medal of Honor, which is dedicated to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to horses and equestrianism.

She has been credited with introducing freestyle, quadrille and pas de deux into Dressage competition in the United States and was a prominent organiser of Dressage competitions, clinics and seminars.

She has also supported the development of thousands of Vaulting athletes in the United States since establishing the American Vaulting Association with co-founder Jeff Ashton Moore in 1968.

Emma Seeley, Chair of the FEI Vaulting Committee said: “Elizabeth Searle started me on a life journey in Vaulting that has taken me around the world and introduced me to so many people and horses.

“She was a teacher, motivator and mentor to me and many others. I am grateful for her foresight and motivation to make Vaulting happen in the United States and internationally.

“Her memory will live on in the hearts of all of us that stand in the circle or on the horse.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth Searle and the international Vaulting and Dressage communities.