AHC Annual Award Nominations are now open!

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The equine industry’s brightest leaders will be honored by the American Horse Council (AHC) at its annual meeting and national issues forum. The meeting will be held June 4-6, 2023, in Denver, Colorado, with the presentation of esteemed awards, including the Van Ness Award, the Hickey Award and the Rolapp Award.

“These awards are the pinnacle of achievement for those major contributors and influencers in our equine community,” states AHC President Julie Broadway. “Because we are aware there may be someone that we might miss in the nomination process, we encourage and welcome suggestions from all stakeholders in the industry.”

The Van Ness Award is named in honor of the late Marjorie Van Ness of New Jersey, a long-time leader and friend to the horse industry. This award is presented to an individual that best emulates the dedication and commitment of Marjorie Van Ness to the improvement of the horse industry at the state level. The recipient of the Van Ness Award must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:

  • Successfully worked to pass legislation that had a beneficial and significant impact on the horse industry in his/her state;
  • Developed programs through state government or state agencies that promoted and represented the interests of all horse people in the state;
  • Increased awareness, generated interest, and raised the visibility of the horse industry through educational programs and related events.

The Hickey Award is named in honor of past AHC President James J. Hickey Jr., who served the AHC from 1993 to 2016. This award is presented to an individual who has been a great supporter of the horse industry and the AHC. The recipient of the Hickey Award must meet the following criteria:

  • Exhibited a history of service and leadership to the industry and AHC;
  • Made a lasting impact on AHC and the industry;
  • Given willingly of their time and expertise with the simple goal of improving the industry.

The Rolapp Award is presented in honor of the late Rich Rolapp, who served as AHC President from 1974 to 1993. This award is presented to a Member of the U.S. Congress who has been a great supporter of the horse industry. The recipient of this award is selected by AHC staff and leadership.

NEW THIS YEAR! The AHC is pleased to announce two news awards. The AHC Champion Award will honor an AHC member (individual or group/association) that has demonstrated extensive and exemplary advocacy for the industry and the AHC. The recipient of this award will be selected from nominations by AHC staff and leadership. The recipient must meet the following criteria:

  • Exhibited a history of service to the industry and AHC – routinely attending participating and presenting at AHC events, Fly-ins and webinars; serving on AHC committees and/or task forces;
  • Exhibited leadership by routinely submitting letters to congressional offices regarding legislative issues and furthering the goals of AHC
  • Involvement in and recognition of education, research and professional development of the industry

 

The UHC’s “Unity for Horses” Award which recognizes an individual (or organization) that meets the following criteria:

 

  • active member of the United Horse Coalition 2+ years in good standing.
  • taken initiative to be involved in, and work towards programs that promote responsible ownership and breeding, and/or programs that support horses at-risk or in transition and their owners.
  • used their industry relationships to work collaboratively to further strengthen and promote the mission of the United Horse Coalition.

 

Nominations for the Van Ness Award, Hickey, AHC Champion and UHC Unity Awards are due May 1, 2023 and may be sent to the attention of current AHC President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org.

About the American Horse Council

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

 

The AHC is member-supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen’s associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.