In response to her being named Official of the Year for 2022, EC chatted with Colleen to learn a little more about her. 

What inspired you to begin officiating?

I had been involved in the sport as a stable manager, a teacher, groom, and rider. At that time, I had a full-time job. A good friends’ mother, who was a well-respected breeder, said to us both “You are getting a little long in the tooth to keep competing you two should get your judges’ cards.” Well, I did that but didn’t listen to the quite riding part and took to the show ring again last year for fun!

I am EC: Longtime, Harworking Official Colleen Hoffman Honoured by National Award

What is your favourite highlight so far in your tenure as an official?

Well hard to pin down just one. First was that after grooming the winner of the Presidents Cup at the Washington International, 30 years later I was appointed as Foreign Judge. Second was being appointed as President of the North American Young Riders Champions twice and on the jury twice. Third is being President and team leader of Spruce Meadows 5* tournaments.

Do you have a full or part time job that you balance with your officiating work?

I have been retired for 5 years from being a Warranty Administrator for a VW, Audi and Porsche dealership for 32 years.

What’s next for you?

This June I have been appointed as President of the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games and appointed to the Jury at the Pan American Games in Santiago Chile. I still enjoy officiating at the grass roots up to gold level national shows looking forward to a busy summer.

What does it mean to win Official of the Year for 2022?

I was blown away with surprise and astonishment as I tend to keep my head down and work quietly. Never expected anything like this but proud of my accomplishment.