January 26, 2016 
In case you were wondering, Bruce Springsteen was “born in the U.S.A.” Anything you’d like to add to that, Bruce? “I’m a cool rockin’ daddy in the U.S.A.”
Indeed you are, sir; a rockin’ daddy, and a proud one too. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that The Boss was down in Wellington over the weekend where he and wife Patti Scialfa were honorary chairs for the U.S. Equestrian Team’s Rockin’ Rio fundraiser event at Louisburg Farm. Springsteen hit the stage and rocked out while all the old tuxedo-clad movers and shakers looked on in horror…
That’s a joke, because even conservative senior citizens can get down to Springsteen. The Boss’s jam sesh helped raise $1.5 million for the USET Foundation, which will support the U.S. Equestrian and Para-equestrian teams at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Springsteen’s daughter Jessica is of course one of the country’s top riders, and is making a push for a spot on the Olympic team.
“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for 20 plus years since Jess started riding when she was 5 years old,” Springsteen said. “Needless to say retirement is nowhere in sight for me. I literally play for horse feed night after night.”
Jessica Springsteen
Springsteen continued, “Patti and my life has been deeply enriched by our involvement in the riding world. I’ve gotten to watch my daughter grow up into a young woman of character and excellence. I’ve gotten to watch a lot of you grow up with her. I’ve gotten to watch the best in the world compete year after year, and I know what that takes. We’re here tonight to honor your focus, your hard work and your dedication. I know it’s not always an easy life, and we want to show you that we are 100 percent behind you.”
Playin’ for Horse Feed…I believe The Boss just titled his next big hit:
Down off the Turnpike there’s an old horse man
Makin’ minimum wage, just a-workin’ for his steed
Down off the Turnpike there’s an old horse man
If you listen closely you can hear him playin’ for horse feed
Later in the evening, the awards ceremony began with 16-year-old Lucy Deslauriers of New York City, being named the recipient of this year’s Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy, which is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 2015, Deslauriers had abreakout year by definition: she won the Individual Gold and Team Silver at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Individual and Team Gold at the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships and Individual Gold at the USEF U25 National Championships.
Phillip Dutton
The next award was presented to eventer Phillip Dutton of West Grove, PA—the recipient of the Whitney Stone Cup. The award is presented annually to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport. Five-time Olympian Phillip Dutton was the pathfinder for the U.S. Eventing team and led them to victory at the 2015 Pan American Games, where an Olympic qualification was at stake.
The final award, the Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award, was presented to Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. Created in recognition of Duchossois’ leadership, generosity and outstanding character. The award is presented annually to a USET Foundation Trustee who exemplifies exceptional leadership, philanthropy and character. For over 30 years Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. has lent his wisdom, passion and philanthropy to the United States Equestrian Team and the USET Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation and, over his 30 years as a Trustee, he has served as Vice President, Chairman of the Development and Nominating Committees, and been an important member and advisor on the Investment and Finance Committees.
