ASHA Annual Award Recipients Announced
Friday, January 25, 2013
The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced its annual award recipients, based on voting by the ASHA Board of Directors.
Nominees for each award are submitted by the general membership and committee volunteers, screened by the ASHA Executive Committee, and voted on by the full Board from the candidates selected. The awards are presented at the Annual Saddlebred Gala, to be held at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, on the evening of Saturday, February 16, 2013.
Lifetime Achievement – Jim Ruwoldt
This award honors a person for his or her lifelong contributions to the Saddlebred industry, dedication to the improvement of the breed, and support of American Saddlebred Horse Association.
Breeders Hall of Fame Inductees – Fox Grape Farm and Larry Hartsock
This award honors a person(s) involved with a successful breeding operation which has made an impact on the American Saddlebred breed and industry. A breeder who over a lifetime has shown or proven serious interest in betterment for the breed; consistently shown improvement and eagerness to learn; exhibited good sportsmanship and good horsemanship; demonstrated long-term interest; had success with more than one horse; has reached a pinnacle of success; and has unselfishly given to others, and encouraged other breeders, in an effort to better the breed. All previous winners of the former Breeders Award (1986-2006) automatically received induction into the Hall.
Breeder of the Year – Blythewood Farm
Recipients of this award are chosen based on a statistical analysis of their successful show performance during the entire competition year, relying on records produced by the American Saddlebred Registry.
Horse of the Year – CHCourageous Lord, owned by Fox Grape Farm
This award goes to an exemplary American Saddlebred that perpetuates the greatest aspects of the breed.
C.J. “June” Cronan Sportsmanship – Merrill Murray
Recipients of this award are chosen for their sportsmanship and their contributions to the breed. Such attributes considered are participation in ASHA programs, support of ASHA, and contributions to the ideals of ASHA. This award goes to a male, and the Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award goes to a female.
Mrs. Lurline Roth Sportsmanship – Vickie Byrd
Recipients of this award are chosen for their sportsmanship and contributions to the breed. Such attributes considered are participation in ASHA programs, support of ASHA, and contributions to the ideals of ASHA. This award goes to a female, and the C. J. Cronan Sportsmanship Award goes to a male.
Meritorious Service – Nancy Boone
The Meritorious Service Award honors persons for their contributions to ASHA on almost all levels over a long period of time. Only ASHA members are eligible.
Wing Commander Medal – Harold Workman
Individuals receive this honor for demonstrating outstanding service to ASHA and the breed, and through their dedication, have attracted interest in the highest quality show horses of the breed, thereby contributing to advancing the popularity of American Saddlebreds to the public.
Gillenwater Family Trophy – The Rowland Family (Ever Glades Farm)
This award is to be awarded by the Board of Directors in recognition of the American Saddlebred as the ideal family breed, with a suitable horse and competition division for participation by each member of a family. The honoree shall be recognized for its sportsmanship and dedication as an entire family to the advancement of Saddlebreds, as amateurs and purely for the love of sport, whether for recreation, competition, breeding, or otherwise.
Gordon Jenkins International – Michele Macfarlane
This award is designed to honor a person who has gone the extra mile to introduce and promote the American Saddlebred horse to other countries.
Frank Ogletree Youth Award – Foster Roberts
This award honors one youth each year who has exhibited a sportsmanlike attitude throughout his or her show career. Nominees must be active ASHA Junior Members who have demonstrated participation and achievement within the show ring, exhibited positive personal characteristics, as well as having served as true role models for their peers.
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