Wellington, Florida – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation presented the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award to Patti Scialfa Springsteen and Zacharie Vinios at its Gold Medal Club reception held on January 17, 2025, at the National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida.

The honor pays homage to the late Mr. Duchossois by annually recognizing a member or members of the USET Foundation Board of Trustees who embody his leadership, generosity, and outstanding character. His life was celebrated by becoming the first recipient of the prestigious award at its inception in 2015.

Scialfa Springsteen of Colts Neck, New Jersey, and Vinios of Wellington, Florida, have made outstanding contributions to the USET Foundation’s philanthropic efforts since joining the Board of Trustees. Their distinguished service has significantly and positively impacted the USET Foundation’s mission of supporting athletes, promoting international excellence, and building for the future.

Patti Scialfa Springsteen

A renowned singer and songwriter, Scialfa Springsteen’s involvement in high performance equestrian sport began by supporting the career of her daughter, Olympic jumping team silver medalist Jessica Springsteen. Springsteen’s achievements in US Equestrian (USEF) High Performance Pathway Programs, such as the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), helped position her for international success and led to selection to numerous Nations Cup teams, and eventual selection to the U.S. Olympic Jumping Team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with Don Juan van de Donkhoeve.

“I am deeply grateful to the USET Foundation for this recognition,” said Scialfa Springsteen. “To receive this award in memory of R. Bruce Duchossois, a remarkable horseperson and steward of the sport, is truly humbling, and I sincerely appreciate it.”

Since joining the USET Foundation Board of Trustees in 2010, Scialfa Springsteen has remained committed to supporting the growth and success of U.S. equestrian athletes on the global stage. Her involvement has been instrumental in raising significant funds for USEF high performance programs as a supporter of campaigns including “Pathway to the Podium,” and through USET Foundation benefit galas such as “Rockin’ Rio” (2016), “Take Me to Tokyo” (2020), and “Victory in Versailles” (2024). She generously co-chaired all three fundraising events with her husband, Bruce Springsteen. These endeavors have raised nearly $4 million for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, helping the U.S. to maintain international prominence.

“Supporting high performance equestrian sport is a family affair, and it has been a privilege to give back to a community that has brought us so much joy over the years,” Scialfa Springsteen added. “Through our daughter, we’ve seen firsthand the dedication and effort required to progress along the high performance pathway and compete at the highest level. 

“The USET Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring our U.S. equestrian teams and athletes have the training and resources they need to sustain excellence. As a member of the USET Foundation Board of Trustees, I’m committed to helping ensure the organization thrives and continues to serve as a valuable resource,” she continued.

Beyond her equestrian efforts, Scialfa Springsteen’s passion for social issues is reflected in her work as an executive producer for the Emmy-winning documentary Shelter Me: Soul Awakened, which addresses the topic of reducing recidivism in the prison system. Through her various endeavors, Scialfa Springsteen remains a steadfast supporter of both high performance U.S. equestrian sport and meaningful social causes.

Source: Press Release by Jennifer Wood / Jump Media for the USET – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation

Photos: © USET

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