Donated to the Society in the early 1990s, the Bari von Buedingen Memorial Trophy is a beautiful bronze depicting an exquisite Hanoverian mare and foal. This, the first of AHS’s perpetual trophies, is awarded in memory of noted breeder Bari von Buedingen, who, together with her husband, Dr. Richard von Buedingen, developed their Graf Bae Farm broodmare band into one of the best in the United States prior to her untimely death in 1993. At the request of the donor, the trophy is inscribed with the following tribute to Mrs. Von Buedingen: “Internationally recognized as an exceptional horsewoman and breeder of Hanoverian horses. May her enthusiasm, love, and dedication to the Hanoverian horse be remembered and perpetuated through this award.”

It is entirely fitting that this trophy is awarded to the highest-scoring Hanoverian mare(s) seen during the American Hanoverian Society’s annual inspection tour. First awarded in 1994, the complete list of winners, including ties, totals 22 mares, the majority of whom are now Elite Mares. Previous winners, including those with available photos, are as follows: