John H. Fritz

Captain John H. Fritz served in the US Army during World War II and Korea, going on to a teaching position at the Culver Military Academy (Indiana).  Eventually, he returned to his native New Jersey to be director of instruction and later commandant of the Junior Essex Troop in West Orange.

Captain Fritz has played a significant role in today’s equestrian sports world.  He has chaired the founding meeting of the US Dressage Federation in 1973, as well as serving as chairman or member of numerous committees since then.  He participated in the meeting organizing the US Combined Training Association in 1959.  He became involved with the US Pony Club two years after the organization was founded, helping to shape the educational and competitive programs.  Additionally, he organized competitions for the US Equestrian Team in the 1960’s, eventually serving as Vice President for Administration from 1974 to 1989 and Secretary for more than two decades.

In 1981 Jack Fritz helped create the three-discipline North American Young Riders Championships.  He was a busy dressage judge for more than 30 years, an AHSA-licensed dressage and technical delegate for more than 25 years, and an FEI-licensed dressage and eventing judge for almost as long.  He is still likely to be at almost any competition as a steward, Appeal Committee member or volunteer.

His vision and willingness to express it will always be his trademark.