GVRDC Award Descriptions
Joseph C. O’Dea, DVM (1921-2006)
Award for Extraordinary Support by a Non-Riding Member
“Doc O’Dea,” or “Joe,” as he was familiarly known, was an integral part of the horse scene not only in the Genesee Valley, but throughout the horse sport world, from 1944 when he graduated from Cornell University Veterinary College, until his death in 2006. He established an equine practice in Avon and later Geneseo; was official vet for the National Horse Show for 25 years; and was appointed Team Veterinarian to the US Equestrian Team, providing care for Olympic horses at the Stockholm, Rome, Tokyo, and Munich Games. In 1975, he became a member of the Veterinary Commission of the FEI, officiating at the 1978 World Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He was a successful breeder of both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, served as President of the Genesee Valley Breeders’ Association, and was appointed a steward and Acting General Manager of the newly opened Finger Lakes Race Track. At his Roscommon Farm, he annually hosted steeplechase races for 11 years. His many other interests included sporting art, architecture, the theater, and especially, his Roscommon beagle pack. As an author, he published volumes about the history of horse sport in the Valley, and Olympic Vet, about his professional experiences. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the GVRDC.
Award for Extraordinary Support by a Non-Riding Member
“Doc O’Dea,” or “Joe,” as he was familiarly known, was an integral part of the horse scene not only in the Genesee Valley, but throughout the horse sport world, from 1944 when he graduated from Cornell University Veterinary College, until his death in 2006. He established an equine practice in Avon and later Geneseo; was official vet for the National Horse Show for 25 years; and was appointed Team Veterinarian to the US Equestrian Team, providing care for Olympic horses at the Stockholm, Rome, Tokyo, and Munich Games. In 1975, he became a member of the Veterinary Commission of the FEI, officiating at the 1978 World Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He was a successful breeder of both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, served as President of the Genesee Valley Breeders’ Association, and was appointed a steward and Acting General Manager of the newly opened Finger Lakes Race Track. At his Roscommon Farm, he annually hosted steeplechase races for 11 years. His many other interests included sporting art, architecture, the theater, and especially, his Roscommon beagle pack. As an author, he published volumes about the history of horse sport in the Valley, and Olympic Vet, about his professional experiences. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the GVRDC.
Joan Alliger (1937-2013)
Scholarship
Joan was active in the eventing and dressage community for many years as a competitor and volunteer. She was an early member of the GVRC, serving on the board of the club for 24 years, and as an officer, including Vice President, for 20 years. She organized the first USCTA sanctioned horse trials held by GVRC in 1975 and performed numerous other duties for the organization. While combined training was her passion, Joan earned her Bronze Medal from the US Dressage Federation and was a founding member of the Western New York Dressage Association. She also served as an instructor in the early years of the Mendon Pony Club. Joan is best remembered for her tireless devotion to her horses and the sport of eventing.
Scholarship
Joan was active in the eventing and dressage community for many years as a competitor and volunteer. She was an early member of the GVRC, serving on the board of the club for 24 years, and as an officer, including Vice President, for 20 years. She organized the first USCTA sanctioned horse trials held by GVRC in 1975 and performed numerous other duties for the organization. While combined training was her passion, Joan earned her Bronze Medal from the US Dressage Federation and was a founding member of the Western New York Dressage Association. She also served as an instructor in the early years of the Mendon Pony Club. Joan is best remembered for her tireless devotion to her horses and the sport of eventing.
Edward Harris (1912-2005)
Award for Volunteer of the Year
Ed was a World War II Navy veteran and an attorney for Harris, Beach, and Wilcox, the family-founded law firm. He and his wife Jacqueline established a Connemara breeding program at their Hideaway Farm in the 1960s. This program produced the famous eventing stallion Erin Go Bragh, who competed with Carol Kozlowski in the 1980s. Ed was instrumental in establishing the United States Combined Training Association (now USEA) in 1959 to promote the sport of eventing in the US. During his tenure as Vice-President and President of the USCTA, Ed was a driving force behind the founding of the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute. Ed and Jackie introduced eventing to the Genesee Valley in 1959, later hosting the 1965 National Open Horse Trials Championships at their Hideaway Farm in Geneseo. Ed served as the chairman of this competition and designed and constructed the cross-country course. This competition evolved into the Eastern United States Dressage Championships, which continued through 1975. Ed was himself an eventing competitor, finishing second in the 1968 Preliminary Horse Trials National Championships by two points. He drove his Connemara stallions, Hideaway’s Erin Smithereen and Hideaway’s Erin Go Bragh to many awards. He also had a passion for foxhunting and was an honorary trustee of the Genesee Valley Hunt. Ed and Jackie were awarded the USEA Governors’ Cup in 1994 for their outstanding contributions to the sport. Ed wrote the original by-laws for GVRDC.
Award for Volunteer of the Year
Ed was a World War II Navy veteran and an attorney for Harris, Beach, and Wilcox, the family-founded law firm. He and his wife Jacqueline established a Connemara breeding program at their Hideaway Farm in the 1960s. This program produced the famous eventing stallion Erin Go Bragh, who competed with Carol Kozlowski in the 1980s. Ed was instrumental in establishing the United States Combined Training Association (now USEA) in 1959 to promote the sport of eventing in the US. During his tenure as Vice-President and President of the USCTA, Ed was a driving force behind the founding of the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute. Ed and Jackie introduced eventing to the Genesee Valley in 1959, later hosting the 1965 National Open Horse Trials Championships at their Hideaway Farm in Geneseo. Ed served as the chairman of this competition and designed and constructed the cross-country course. This competition evolved into the Eastern United States Dressage Championships, which continued through 1975. Ed was himself an eventing competitor, finishing second in the 1968 Preliminary Horse Trials National Championships by two points. He drove his Connemara stallions, Hideaway’s Erin Smithereen and Hideaway’s Erin Go Bragh to many awards. He also had a passion for foxhunting and was an honorary trustee of the Genesee Valley Hunt. Ed and Jackie were awarded the USEA Governors’ Cup in 1994 for their outstanding contributions to the sport. Ed wrote the original by-laws for GVRDC.
Sonny Memorial Versatility Award for Riding and Driving, Established by Elmar and Catherine Frangenberg
Sonny, as he was known to his owners, Catherine and Elmar Frangenberg, was a 14 hand chestnut Morgan gelding, registered as Skyloft Squire out of Lady Bonanza by Saddleback Sonalect. His breeder was Carole L. Thoms and he was foaled on April 19, 1982. He and a two-year-older brother, Skyloft Starborne, were trained as a driving pair by Dr. Koszelli and Don Grentzinger, and embarked on a successful pleasure driving career in local and regional shows until the premature death of Starborne in 1996. The pair’s successes are evidenced by the many championship ribbons from Walnut Hill, East Aurora, Northampton, Genesee Valley, and Lorenzo driving competitions that cover the walls of the Frangenburgs’ barn. Sonny continued as a single driving horse and riding mount, thereby exemplifying an all-around pleasure horse. Since his untimely passing in 2006, the Sonny Memorial Versatility Award is bestowed annually on a member of the GVRDC who has competed their equine in both riding and driving competitions.
Sonny, as he was known to his owners, Catherine and Elmar Frangenberg, was a 14 hand chestnut Morgan gelding, registered as Skyloft Squire out of Lady Bonanza by Saddleback Sonalect. His breeder was Carole L. Thoms and he was foaled on April 19, 1982. He and a two-year-older brother, Skyloft Starborne, were trained as a driving pair by Dr. Koszelli and Don Grentzinger, and embarked on a successful pleasure driving career in local and regional shows until the premature death of Starborne in 1996. The pair’s successes are evidenced by the many championship ribbons from Walnut Hill, East Aurora, Northampton, Genesee Valley, and Lorenzo driving competitions that cover the walls of the Frangenburgs’ barn. Sonny continued as a single driving horse and riding mount, thereby exemplifying an all-around pleasure horse. Since his untimely passing in 2006, the Sonny Memorial Versatility Award is bestowed annually on a member of the GVRDC who has competed their equine in both riding and driving competitions.
Harold S. Bixby (1923-2013)
Award for Extraordinary Long-term Service to the Club
“Bix” was a civil engineer, finishing his degree after serving in World War II. His construction firm built many highways and bridges In the New York City area and western New York, as well as projects for the Buffalo airport and the site work for Rich Stadium. In 1989. he received the Association of General Contractors’ highest recognition, the S.I.R. Award (Skill, Integrity, Responsibility) for leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry.
Harold was an avid equestrian and was actively engaged in eventing, breeding, and teaching well into his seventies. He established a successful breeding and training stable, Beechwood Acres, in Orchard Park, specializing in the Trakehner breed, where he stood the Trakehner stallion Tamino. He participated in the founding of the American Trakehner Association. Darren Chiachia became manager of Beechwood Acres, and worked for Harold for many years, riding and competing his horses. Harold introduced Terry and Sue Williams to the Trakehner breed, which prompted them to purchase Abdullah. Throughout Abdullah's competition years, Harold provided financial support and encouragement to the Williamses. Thus, Harold had a hand in three Olympic medals: Abdullah’s gold and silver, and Darren’s bronze.
A lifetime hunter and conservationist, Harold also became a competitor and breeder of field hunting dogs, first of Springer Spaniels and then English Cocker Spaniels. He was extremely influential in the English Cocker world, breeding many successful dogs, including a national field trial champion. Interestingly, the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America also gives a “Harold S. Bixby Award,” in recognition of those who have “continuously, unselfishly, and distinctly given of themselves to advance the cause of English Cockers fieldwork.”
Harold was involved in the re-organization of the GVRC, and served as its president in 1989-1990.
Award for Extraordinary Long-term Service to the Club
“Bix” was a civil engineer, finishing his degree after serving in World War II. His construction firm built many highways and bridges In the New York City area and western New York, as well as projects for the Buffalo airport and the site work for Rich Stadium. In 1989. he received the Association of General Contractors’ highest recognition, the S.I.R. Award (Skill, Integrity, Responsibility) for leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry.
Harold was an avid equestrian and was actively engaged in eventing, breeding, and teaching well into his seventies. He established a successful breeding and training stable, Beechwood Acres, in Orchard Park, specializing in the Trakehner breed, where he stood the Trakehner stallion Tamino. He participated in the founding of the American Trakehner Association. Darren Chiachia became manager of Beechwood Acres, and worked for Harold for many years, riding and competing his horses. Harold introduced Terry and Sue Williams to the Trakehner breed, which prompted them to purchase Abdullah. Throughout Abdullah's competition years, Harold provided financial support and encouragement to the Williamses. Thus, Harold had a hand in three Olympic medals: Abdullah’s gold and silver, and Darren’s bronze.
A lifetime hunter and conservationist, Harold also became a competitor and breeder of field hunting dogs, first of Springer Spaniels and then English Cocker Spaniels. He was extremely influential in the English Cocker world, breeding many successful dogs, including a national field trial champion. Interestingly, the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America also gives a “Harold S. Bixby Award,” in recognition of those who have “continuously, unselfishly, and distinctly given of themselves to advance the cause of English Cockers fieldwork.”
Harold was involved in the re-organization of the GVRC, and served as its president in 1989-1990.