Schaumburg, IL – November 30, 2017 – Judy Boyle of Algonquin, Illinois, was honored at the annual Illinois Hunter Jumper Association  (IHJA) Awards Gala held at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg on November 18, 2017. Boyle, received the IHJA Lifetime Achievement Award for her selfless commitment to the equestrian industry and to the association.

The purpose of the award is to bring recognition to someone who has helped to enhance the sport of show jumping throughout the Midwest. This year the award was presented for the first time ever, with heartfelt appreciation from the entire board of the IHJA.
 
Boyle, 78, has been a member of the IHJA for more than 40 years. She was first involved in the Illinois horse industry in Lake in the Hills through her husband, Thomas, where they ran the popular Spring Hill Farm riding school and show barn for many years. Their two sons are both involved in the business today, Patrick, as a show manager and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) judge, and Mark, is in equine dentistry and horse transportation. In addition, Boyle has a granddaughter, Caitlin, who has many equestrian accolades including a USEF Talent Search Gold Medal, and now rides on the equestrian team at Auburn University in Alabama.
 
Over the years, Boyle has tirelessly worked on business for the IHJA for little or no remuneration and has long been the backbone of the organization. She is always behind the scenes spending countless hours on projects and paperwork for the organization, while few people outside the IHJA board know of the great effort she puts in year after year.
 
The IHJA is pleased to congratulate and honor the IHJA Executive Secretary and Treasurer, Judy Boyle, with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.