George Lukemire (left) is presenting to Duncan Peters (middle), the IHSA’s first Cacchione Cup winner and Anne Brzezicki (right), both from the University of Connecticut. Photo courtesy of the IHSA
Gladys, Va .- April 24, 2024- The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) is pleased to announce that George Lukemire will be inducted into the IHSA Hall of Fame during the National Championship at Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday, May 4. The IHSA Hall of Fame inducted its first members in 2020, and the second class will include coaches, founders, riders and horses. Watch your inbox and social media for announcements of additional honorees to follow.
Lukemire, an IHSA Steward Emeritus, was born in Tennessee, but spent the majority of his life in New York, where he was an assistant professor at Stony Brook University (SBU) from 1967-2007. He also ran his family farm, Smoke Run Farm, during these years.
”In 1967, I got a call from Robert Cacchione inviting Stony Brook University to show in New Jersey in what was to become the IHSA,” said Lukemire. “In 1969, his idea was to spread to New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut."
A lifetime member of the National Professional Horseman’s Association–and chairman of the Long Island chapter–Lukemire was a 40-year member of the Stony Brook volunteer Fire Department, and was chief in 1990-1991. He was also the original treasurer of the IHSA.
Under Lukemire’s tutelage, SBU was the first IHSA national champion in 1971, and in 1980 SBU shared the national championship with Southern Seminary College. He coached three Cacchione Cup winners–Jean Oberg in 1975, Anne Sipperly in 1980, and Kelly Mullen in 1988 and 1991.
Oberg, now the program director of Veterinary Technology and on the advisory board for veterinary medical school at Long Island University Post Campus, rode for the IHSA team, as well as showed with Lukemire’s Smoky Run Farm.
“George is so well respected by you that you always want to excel in what you do and make him proud,” Oberg, a former SBU IHSA team captain and president said. “I totally respected him and really enjoyed every moment I rode at Smoke Run Farm."
Connie Lacy-Rock, another former member of the Stony Brook team, said, “George gave me confidence as he did all of his riders. He challenged me and used me as a good and not so good example as time went on. He developed all of the riders and gave them the skills that they needed to be competitive and improve. George was there to talk to, complain to, hug, cry on, laugh with and to be a little afraid of if we messed up.
“George deserves this honor more than I can express in words,” she added.
Although riding IHSA was different from what many riders (and coaches) had experienced, Lukemire’s students enjoyed their time representing SBU.
“Riding in IHSA was so fun. More fun than hard work when competing in open jumper classes,” said Oberg.
“As a coach, it was very satisfying to see a new rider advance and graduate, and still be involved with the industry. Many are lifelong horse lovers,” said Lukemire.
In 2013, Nancy Peterson donated a trophy in Lukemire’s name to be awarded to the coach of the Hunter Seat team champion at IHSA Nationals.
“I have to say riding in the IHSA under George is one of my fondest memories. I really love the camaraderie of riding for a team and your school,” said Oberg. “You never quite experience this when riding for yourself."
Lukemire said, “The team made lasting friends. The team feeling was real. That is the IHSA."
"To this day, I’m still friends with George,” said Oberg. “George is a great father, a great coach, a great husband, and grandfather, and he deserves this award."
George Lukemire. Photo courtesy of the Lukemire family