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  • Dr. Ann Swinker Receives AHC’s 2016 Van Ness Award

DR. ANN SWINKER RECEIVES AHC’S 2016 VAN NESS AWARD

On June 13, the American Horse Council presented the Van Ness Award to Ann M. Swinker, PhD of University Park, PA during the organization’s annual meeting in Washington, DC.

The Van Ness Award is presented annually to an individual who has shown leadership and service to the horse community in his or her state.  It is awarded in memory 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.

“Dr. Swinker has dedicated more than 45 years of her professional life to the horse industry,” said AHC President Jay Hickey in his presentation of the award to her. “She has had a great influence on the development of state policies as they apply to horses, agriculture and people. Her success as a horseman, educator, and person are grounded in her commitment to people and her high standards for integrity.”

Dr. Swinker has been a board member on the Pennsylvania Equine Council for over 16 years, and a representative on the State Horse Council Advisory Committee and Coalition of State Horse Councils since 1991 for both Colorado and Pennsylvania.

From 1990 to 2001, she served as the Extension Horse Specialist at Colorado State University and a professor of Equine Science. She most recently has been the Extension Horse Specialist and Associate Professor of Equine Sciences at Penn State University. At Penn State she was involved in the development of a number of cutting edge programs on behalf of their Extension Programs.  Most notably the “Equine Environmental Stewardship Program,” which has been recognized as one of the top programs in the nation, of which she is co-founder and chair.

She was also successful in the development of the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, Pennsylvania World Horse Expo Educational Sessions, the Colorado Horse Development Authority, and the Penn State University Farm Bureau Club.

She has received several awards from the National Association of County Agricultural Agent and the American Society of Animal Science. She was also named “Horse Person of the Year” in 2001 by the Colorado Horse Council.

Her research activities have addressed several management and environmental issues such as: stable air quality, small acreage management, and composting and manure management, water quality, in addition to behavior and reproductive issues. She has served on numerous extension, university and professional society committees.

Finally, she has conducted several scientific equine population surveys that have had profound impacts on the passage of legislation in the state of Pennsylvania; such as “Pennsylvania Equine Industry Inventory, Economic and Demographic Characteristics,” “Pennsylvania Horse Power, Equine Economic Impact Study,”  “Pennsylvania’s Racehorse Industry Inventory, Basic Economic and Demographic Characteristics” and “Kids + Horse = Magic, Impact of Equine Activities on Youth Development.”

“I am truly honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Marjorie Van Ness award,” said Dr. Swinker. “It definitely takes more than one person, it takes an entire council, to get legislation and policy passed. I wish we could give an award to all the people that helped in Pennsylvania and in Colorado with past programs!”

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    The AHC believes that the more opportunities available to use horses in various activities, the better the overall health of the industry and those who participate.


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    Lynda is the membership and communications specialist for the American Horse Council. Lynda grew up in Pasadena, Maryland with a passion for horses. She relocated to San Diego, California, where her dream of owning and riding horses came true. Lynda has worked with several law enforcement mounted units and has participated in several national and international horse associations.

    Lynda believes horses play a major role in our society from therapy horses helping children learn to walk again, to helping military veterans and emergency service personnel learn to cope with stress, to keeping our parks and cities safe through law enforcement mounted units. Along with our equine partners assisting in burial services at Arlington National Cemetery. Horses impact our lives in ways others cannot.

    Lynda believes the horse industry as a whole needs to have a voice and working at the American Horse Council is a way for her to help and keep the industry alive and informed.

    Interested in a Free Microchip for your Horse?

    The United Horse Coalition is offering up to 5 free microchips (while supplies last). Click below for more info on how to get your free chip.

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    Cliff Williamson is the Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs for the American Horse Council based in Washington D.C.

    He grew up in Reva, VA on his family’s horse farm, participating in both horse and livestock 4-H activities. In 2008 he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science, where he was an active member of both the animal science club Block & Bridle as well as the agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. After graduation he spent 27 months in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps for their Food Security Program. Upon his return to the United States he spent four years in the animal export industry as the Director of Animal Logistics for T.K. Exports, Inc. In that time he was honored to be appointed to a seat on the Board of Directors for the Culpeper chapter of the Farm Bureau Federation.

    For information regarding any equine health issues, welfare issues, and state, federal and international requirements regarding the movement of horses, please contact Cliff. 

    cwilliamson@horsecouncil.org

    Bryan Brendle is the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs for the AHC.

    For information regarding public policy, government relations and advocacy, please contact Bryan.

    bbrendle@horsecouncil.org

    With over 30 years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership  and is Certified Association Executive®. She’s a life-long horse enthusiast ranging from recreational rider, breeder, and show competitor. A native of NC, she and her husband now reside in DC along with their Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Morgan horses.

    In her down time she enjoys volunteering (she’s president of the board of PATH International), horseback riding, gardening and cooking. “I’m passionate about the equine industry because horses have enhanced my life and well-being so profoundly,” said Julie. “Working at the AHC is a way to give back to the equine community and ensure the long term health of the industry.”

    jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

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