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FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2011 39

we were able to create in Wellington, the greatest horse show circuit in the world,” he said.

Mische went on to say, “I think there are so many contributions that we’ve made to the sport over the years. I’d be happy to be remembered for any one of them. I feel that I’ve been blessed to be a part of this great sport and was able to do what I did.” Over the course of his stellar career, Mische managed the most prestigious shows in America including the Budweiser American Invitational, American Grand Prix Association National Jumper Championship, New Albany Classic, Lake Placid and I Love New York Shows, Charlotte Jumper Classic, the American Gold Cup, USEF National Jumper Championships, and the National Horse Show. Other Stadium Jumping Inc. productions included

the Olympic Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in 2000 and 2004, and the World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in 2002 and 2006.

Mische was instrumental in bringing international caliber sport to this nation. In 1980, Mische was part of the fve-member Organizing Committee that brought the frst World Cup to the U.S. In 1989, Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc. produced the second Volvo World Cup ever held in the U.S., this time hosting it in Tampa. In 2002, Mische produced the frst-ever outdoor Nations’ Cup, hosting it at the International Arena in Wellington. Mische was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2000 and was also awarded the Jimmy Williams Lifetime Achievement from the United States Equestrian Federation.

Gene gave television personality Roxanne Stern a tour of the showgrounds as it should be seen: from horseback!

In February 2009, Gene was honored in a special ceremony during the Winter Equestrian Festival. Joining him were Craig Lindner, Jerry Jacobs, George Morris, Mark Bellissiom, Kathy Foster and Kim Tudor

Gene Mische was the most fercely loyal person I have ever known. His loyalty and belief in Sidelines made it all happen for us. Gene was also a personal friend for 20 some years, with whom I spent many an evening dining with and even some Christmases in church. He and Bill Ylvisaker “created” the incredible horse world in Wellington, and both men will continue to live in my heart as good friends. Without the two of them most of us would not have a Wellington and the amazing world of horses that we have all lived, enjoyed and prospered in. May God bless both men; they are probably up there deciding the next big polo game and horse show together!!

- Samantha Charles, Sidelines Publisher