Awards TOP AWARDS
2017 Van Ness Award
Each year, the American Horse Council (AHC) presents the Van Ness Award to an individual who has shown leadership and ser- vice to the horse community in his or her state. It is awarded in memo- ry of Mrs. Marjorie Van Ness, one of the founders of the New Jersey Horse Council. Mrs. Van Ness was one of the organizers of the AHC’s Coalition of State Horse Councils. On June 12, the American Horse Council presented the 2017 Van Ness Award to Jill Montgomery of Pueblo West, CO.
“Jill Montgomery has devoted more than 31 years of her professional life to the horse industry and has an incredible influence on keeping equine activities acces- sible and enjoyable for everyone,” said AHC President Julie Broadway. “She continually seeks to educate and inform both horse owners and the public of the joys and benefits of horses, and is always working to ensure a fa- vorable environment for the equine industry in the state of Colorado.”
She has been involved in the development of a num- ber of cutting edge programs on behalf of the Colorado Horse Council and the Animal Welfare Council Board. Her leadership and authorship of “Colorado’s Unwanted Horse Environmental Assessment” has been widely uti- lized by many state horse councils and universities. This assessment also benefitted all Coloradoans by lightening the law enforcement and tax payer’s burden for caring for impounded horses.
She helped form a Political Committee, Colorado- Horses, to help elect candidate who support the goals and objects of keeping Colorado a great state to own and keep horses. Additionally, her work on the issue of the unwanted horse in Colorado led to the formation of the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance, a 501c3 dedicated to assisting with the issue.
“This is a wonderful surprise, and I feel honored
and grateful for this prestigious award,” said Ms. Mont- gomery. “I am humbled to be listed in the company of past recipients and with whom this recognition is named. I want to thank the AHC and all of those that thought of me enough to put my name forward for this honor. I have been blessed to work with many outstanding individuals in the horse industry, and my accomplishments are a re- flection of the inspiration I gain from them.” w
12 SouthWest Horse Trader July 2017
Equine Industry Vision Award
Sydney Knott, founder, president and
CEO of Horses4Heroes, was named the re- cipient of the 2017 Equine Industry Vision Award. Zoetis, in partnership with Amer- ican Horse Publications (AHP), present- ed the award to Knott at the AHP Equine Media Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. The Equine Industry Vision Award is the first to showcase innovation across the equine industry. Established and sponsored by Zoetis, the award recognizes ingenuity and service, and works to inspire those quali- ties in others. “Zoetis is proud to recognize Sydney for her heartfelt work in connecting peo- ple with horses,” said Jaci Boggs, senior equine marketing manager, Zoetis. Through Horses4Heroes, Knott has
introduced more than 20,000 men, wom- en and children to horses and horseback riding. The program started in Knott’s Las Vegas backyard in 2006 as a community service project. The family gave weekly free horseback rides to military, police, firefighters and other local heroes as well as their families. These weekly rides grew into requests for riding lessons, and today has grown to become a national nonprof- it with affiliate locations in 45 states and Canada.
“The focus of Horses4Heroes has al-
ways been to make riding affordable and accessible for all. You have to give them a
2017 Rolapp Award
Each year the American Horse Council presents the Rolapp Award to a Member of Congress who has been a great supporter of the horse industry. The Award is presented in hon- or of the late Rich Rolapp who was president of the AHC from 1974 to 1993. Previous award
winners include Senators Mitch McConnell, Jim Bunning, and Blanche Lincoln, and Congressmen Hal Rogers, Bob Goodlatte, Larry Combest, Jim McCrery, and Bart Gordon, among others. This year, Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming was presented
with the American Horse Council’s 2017 Rolapp Award for his outstanding service to the horse
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chance to fall in love,” said Knott. Horses4Heroes is continually grow- ing to meet the interests and needs of its community. Knott has added Operation Free Ride, open riding time for returning combat veterans and their families to try horseback riding and receive instruction; HorsePlay,
a mommy-and-me weekly
class for mothers and young children; La- dies Unbridled, a ladies-only weekly riding group; community events; camps; birthday parties; field trips and more to continue the mission of exposing newcomers to horses. “I am humbled and inspired by the opportunity to join the outstanding list of recipients of the Equine Industry Vision Award,” Knott said. “My focus has always been to open the door of the equine indus- try to all. There have been so many great moments over the last 10 years, but I know there are many more opportunities out there to get people involved.” w
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