ASHA Youth Nominated for 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tori Gray of Louisville, Kentucky has been selected by the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) as its nominee to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) for the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award.
This award focuses on developing leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines. This is an opportunity for USEF to give back to outstanding youth members and recognize them for their achievements. Applicants must be active members in both USEF and their Recognized National Affiliate. They must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the promotion of the horse, serve as a positive role model for their peers, and exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles.
Tori Gray began riding Saddlebreds at the age of nine, and immediately fell in love. Now, at 16, horses are her life, much of which is devoted to the American Saddlebred. She is currently involved with both ASHA and USEF.
Some of Tori’s honors include High Point Winner at the 2007 Bluegrass Winter Tournament Association Walk-Trot 11-13; 2nd place in Junior Judging at the BAHA Fun Show; 1st place in Junior Judging at the Rock Creek Horse Show, Lexington Junior Lague, and KASPHA May Classic, and 5thplace at the 2009 All American Classic, with her own horse, which she had trained since 2007, to name a few.
Academically, Tori is currently ranked 11th in her class, and finished with a 4.0 GPA last year. She has also served as Class Secretary since her freshman year, and received all Distinguished or Proficient scores in KCCT testing.
Community service is also important to Tori. She has spent time volunteering at Wayside Christian Mission, Metro Parks clean-up, Ronald McDonald House, Girl Scouts of America, Operation Gratitude, and Invisible Children.
Tori plans to attend William Woods University in the fall of 2013, and major in Equine Science. Upon graduation, she hopes to become a professional horse trainer, and says her biggest goal is to make a difference in the Saddlebred industry as well as the horse industry in general. Says Tori, “I hope to teach others all of the wonderful things about a horse. Horses have become my life, and I will do everything possible to follow my goals and dreams.”
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