The American Hackney Horse Society has announced its 2017 Annual Awards Winners. The awards were given out on February 2-3, 2018, at the UPHA/AHHS/ASHA Convention held this year at the Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida.
1) Anna Lee Spires Judd Amateur Exhibitor Award -- 2017 Winner: Katy Pope Earehart
Awarded to an exhibitor of Hackneys whose performances in the show ring set standards of competition, sportsmanship, and appeal to the general viewing public.
2) John H. & Maybelle L. Costello National Breeder Award -- 2017 Winner: Steve Golden
Awarded to a breeder of Hackneys who has created an impact on the breed as a whole by adding valuable characteristics and improving the Hackney through its development. This honoree will have raised notable individuals whose progeny have gone on to great success both in the show ring and breeding world.
3) AHHS Junior Exhibitor of the Year Award -- 2017 Winner: Maggie Elizabeth Clark
Awarded to a junior exhibitor who through his/her efforts has encouraged other youths to participate in the Hackney breed. This individual must exhibit outstanding sportsmanship, suitability to the division in which they participate, presentation of the entries shown, and work to enhance the promotion of the breed through their representation.
4) Lydia Luhman Pederson National Distinguished Service Award -- 2017 Winner: Toni Nastali
Awarded to a member of the American Hackney Horse Society who without compensation contributed his/her energies into the improvement of the AHHS, its activities and membership.
5) “Spirit Of The Youth Medallion” National Award -- 2017 Winner: Griffin Day
Awarded to a youth who has demonstrated an exceptional desire to participate with a Hackney. Nominees should be participants in the Youth Medallion Program in the current year.
6) Bill G. Robinson National Trainer Award -- 2017 Winner: Eduardo Lopez
Awarded to a trainer or training team who personify the training and exhibiting of Hackneys for the year.
7) Elsa Mikkelsen Distinguished Service Award -- 2017 Winner: Susanne Harrod
Awarded to a member of the American Hackney Horse Society who has contributed his/her energies to the promotion of the Hackney Horse or Pony.
8) First Annual Gwen Stableford Lifetime Achievement Award -- 2017 Winner: Dr. Alan R. Raun
Honors a person for his or her lifelong contributions to the Hackney industry, dedication to the improvement of the breed, demonstration of their love for the Hackney in or out of the show ring, and support of American Hackney Horse Society.
-- via AHHS