Source:  News Release/Rebecca Walton for PMG Inc.

Jennifer Burger and Louise Serio Recognized at USHJA Convention

Miami, FL -  Last week, the Annual United States Hunter Jumper Association Convention was held in Miami, FL, where Jennifer Burger and Louise Serio of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series were recognized for their contributions to the sport. Burger, who is a hunter owner and helped found the new horse show, was presented with the USHJA President's Distinguished Service Award for going above and beyond the call of duty to bring the sport to a new level and benefit the membership. Serio was recognized for commitment to the USHJA with the Committee Excellence in Service Award.

Jennifer Burger of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series received the USHJA President's Distinguished Service Award at the USHJA Convention.

The Brandywine Valley Summer Series was founded by Burger and Serio in 2011 and has received rave reviews from the top professionals in the country. Burger was thrilled to accept the USHJA President's Distinguished Service Award. "It feels wonderful to be given the opportunity to give back to the industry that has given me so much joy," she expressed. "Louise has given me so many opportunities to expand my role in the industry. I've been riding since I was eight years old, but my partnership with Louise has allowed me to help create a new horse show and serve on the USHJA Foundation Board of Directors. Those are wonderful new things, and I am learning so much."

"The reward of being involved with Brandywine is having everyone come and enjoy the competition," continued Burger. "Hunters are my love and it's wonderful to showcase the sport in the Dixon Oval at the historic Devon Show Grounds during the summer months."

Over the years, Burger has owned some of the country's top hunter horses including Rock Star, Phillipa, Rock On, and Aate, which have recently been ridden by Serio. "You never get tired of the thrill of winning and being champion at events like Devon and the National Horse Show," said Burger. "That is an honor of a lifetime. Louise brings out the best in all of my horses. The quality of life that she has dedicated to providing her horses in incredible; it is a dream come true."

Louise Serio and Jennifer Burger's Rock Start competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Jennifer both as an owner and a co-founder of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series," noted Serio. "She always finds a way to make everything that she does involved with fun. The well being of her horses is always Jennifer's top priority, and she strives to find the best niche for each of them. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the sport as an owner and a horse show manager, constantly giving back in any way that she can."

Serio owns and operates Derbydown, nationally recognized as one of the foremost show hunter barns in the country. She has dedicated herself to the growth of the equestrian sport, having helped to found the America Hunter-Jumper Foundation, which is now part of the USHJA. She currently serves on multiple committees, including the Hunter Working Group, and was recognized for her commitment with the USHJA's Committee Excellence in Service Award.

"I really enjoy governance and I like being involved at that level," commented Serio. "I think if you're going to be involved with the sport it's nice to have some input in its future. You also learn so much doing it and get to know other people. It's a really fun experience."

The USHJA Convention wrapped up on December 5, 2012, and now Burger, Serio and Derbydown will set their sights on the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

About Derbydown:

Owned and operated by top hunter trainer Louise Serio, Derbydown is nationally recognized as one of the foremost show hunter barns in the country. It is a training, boarding, showing and sales business with a multi-level horse facility providing all levels of instruction to A-quality showing in Kennett Square, PA. Serio began training at Derbydown in 1975 and she consistently trains and rides champions in every division at the most prestigious shows on the East Coast. Some of her championship mounts include Red Panda, Gray Slipper, Phillipa, Rock Star, Aate, Castle Rock, Marshall, Willow, Casino, Constellation, and Do Tell. Most recently, Serio was victorious in the 2011 WCHR Pro Hunter Spectacular aboard Castle Rock at the Winter Equestrian Festival. For more information please visit http://www.derbydown.com/.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Burger of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series received the USHJA President's Distinguished Service Award at the USHJA Convention. Photo By: Carrie Wirth/PMG.

Photo Credit: Louise Serio and Jennifer Burger's Rock Start competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo By: Phelps Media Group.

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