Clea Cloutier Wins 2018 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award

From the US Equestrian Communications Department

US Equestrian (USEF) is pleased to announce that Clea Cloutier is the recipient of the 2018 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. This award recognizes outstanding youth members for their achievements and identifies potential future leaders in the equine industry. The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) nominated Cloutier, who is actively involved in the AMHA Youth (AMHAY).

Cloutier, 16, of Derry, New Hampshire, grew up with horses, attending her first horse show with her mother when she was just a few weeks old. She started riding a Morgan mare called Outrageous Fortune when she was two-years-old. At four-years-old, Cloutier was allowed to compete in the youth contest. "Due to my early start, I received many pink, green, purple, and brown ribbons," said Cloutier, the youngest competitor in the competition for a number of years. "I learned sportsmanship from not winning. I learned patience and knew it would take me a while to compete with the older kids."

Today, Cloutier competes Morgan horses in an array of divisions, including saddle seat, hunter, Western, carriage pleasure driving, and dressage. Her list of accolades in the sport is extensive, including seven championship titles in the AMHA Youth of the Year contest at the New England Regional Morgan Horse Show and being selected to represent the New England region at the 2017 and 2018 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She earned reserve honors in this national contest at the 2018 show.

Cloutier is actively involved with the AMHAY Horsemastership Program and aims to earn her final badge by the end of 2019. She serves as Vice President of Disciplines on the AMHAY Council and is a passionate advocate for the Morgan horse and promotion of the breed. An up-and-coming influencer on social media, Cloutier’s educational videos about the natural ability of trotting breeds have garnered over 98,000 views on Facebook and 1,600 shares in one month. She is also an accomplished student, philosophy buff, and Senior Girl Scout.

As the winner of the 2018 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, Clea will receive a $1,000 grant and commemorative USEF Youth Sportsman’s trophy and her name has also been submitted for consideration for the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year.

Congratulations, Clea!