John H. 'Jack' Fritz

(1925-2012)

Jack Fritz. Photo courtesy of USDF

Jack Fritz was originally from Rockford, Illinois, and later from Gladstone, New Jersey. Fritz was the equestrian coach of Fairleigh Dickinson Madison, one of two inaugural teams that competed at the first IHSA horse show in 1967. He served as an adviser and mentor to Cacchione in the early days of the IHSA. Fritz founded several key equestrian organizations, including the United States Combined Training Association (USCTA now the USEA) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). Fritz was a member of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) board of directors since the early 1960s, serving as USET vice president for administration and the chief executive officer from 1974-1989. He served on various committees of the American Horse Shows Association (now USEF) and was a sustaining member of the United States Pony Club (USPC) since 1955 was named USPC governor in 1960 and in 1961 became a national examiner, a role he held for 30 years. He was elected president in 1981. Fritz dedicated his life to equestrian sports, promoting the IHSA and the greater horse industry.