Each week on #HallOfFameThursday, Horse Network recognizes members of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame with an inductee’s plaque, historical photos and, on the first Thursday of every month, an article written by a Show Jumping Hall of Famer. This week, we pay tribute to John Ammerman, Show Jumping Hall of Fame class of 2010.
One of show jumping’s most respected judges for over three decades, John Ammerman has served the sport in a number of capacities.
In addition to the respect he earned as a judge, both nationally and internationally, Ammerman has gained the esteem of the sport for his record as a manager of some of the nation’s biggest and most prestigious horse shows. He also maintained a business providing show jumps and his work there was equally respected.
Ammerman has served as judge at nearly all the top shows in the eastern U.S. A U.S. federation “R” jumper judge, he was one of only two FEI “O” level judges in the U.S. His calm demeanor, integrity and deep understanding of the rules earned him recognition internationally. He served on the jury at two Olympic Games and was President of the Jury at two FEI World Cup Finals, the Pan American Games and the Washington and New York CSIOs. He also served as Foreign Judge at CSIOs at Toronto and Spruce Meadows.
Ammerman also achieved great respect as a horse show manager. He was manager of the Washington International Horse Show for nearly three decades and also managed shows such as The Potomac Horse Festival, Upperville Colt and Horse Show, Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show, HITS Indio Winter Circuit, HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and the Vermont Summer Festival’s six week series.
The jumps he produced were highly regarded, as well. His jumps could be found in the show rings at most of the major east coast shows and they were chosen to be used in the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, the 1980 FEI World Cup Final in Baltimore, and the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Ammerman also served his sport by volunteering his time to its organizations. As a member of the USEF Jumper Committee & Management Committee, he was involved in the creation of the Jumper Judges Clinic System. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of the American Grandprix Association and Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
The Show Jumping Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charity that relies solely on contributions to operate. If you liked this story, please consider supporting its efforts to preserve our sport’s history. Donations can be made online at www.ShowJumpingHallofFame.net.