Anna Ford, Program Director of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in Marysville, Ohio, was honored as the 2015 recipient of the EQUUS Foundation/USEF Humanitarian Award at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pegasus Awards Dinner on Friday, January 15, 2016, during the Federation's Annual Meeting in Lexington Kentucky.

Anna Ford and Lynn Coakley Presented to Anna Ford by Chrystine Tauber, USEF President (left) and Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation, President (right), the Humanitarian Award is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by an individual or a group of individuals in the equestrian world.

From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public's appreciation and respect of the diverse roles of horses, the recipient of this award has devoted considerable time to making the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

Anna Ford received the award in recognition of her dedication to ensuring that racehorses retiring from the track have the opportunity to go on to second careers. Founded at her family's barn in 1992, the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program now encompasses five locations in the states of Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Ford also wrote an award-winning book, Beyond the Track, which has become a trusted resource for those entering in a partnership with an off-the-track Thoroughbred or Standardbred.

"New Vocations is recognized as one of the top racehorse adoption programs in the nation. Anna has been absolutely instrumental in the acquisition of this distinction, dedicating her heart and soul to providing careers to horses once their racing days are over," said Coakley.

Tauber said, "It's not a job for Anna. It's a calling. In addition to all she does to educate racehorse owners and trainers about the program, she works just as hard educating the public that these horses can have a valuable second vocation, whether it's on the trails, in the show ring, as a service animal, or as a treasured member of the family. There is a place for all of them."

In accepting the award, Ford said, "One person alone can't take in over 400 retired racehorses, year after year and find them new homes. It takes a fully dedicated team which we are so blessed to have at New Vocations. The program's founder, Dot Morgan, who I'm also proud to call Mom, is the epitome of selfless dedication when it comes to New Vocations and its efforts so I share this award with her and our whole team.

I also want to thank the equestrian industry for truly embracing the Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds in a huge variety of different disciplines. These amazing athletes have so much to offer and without individuals who are willing to open their barn doors there would be no place for all of them to go, so we could not do what we do at New Vocations without your help."

Learn more about the Humanitarian Award here.

About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail:[email protected], Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

About USEF: The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is dedicated to raising the level of access to and participation in equestrian sport at all levels by ensuring its continuing creativity, growth, and excellence. The USEF's vision is to continue to lead equestrian sport in the United States while ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment for an ever growing number of people. Learn more about the USEF at www.usef.org.

About New Vocations: New Vocations first opened their barn doors in 1992 to retired racehorses looking for new careers. Starting with a single farm in Dayton, Ohio, the program has grown to six facilities in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Serving over 40 racetracks, New Vocations works directly with owners and trainers in need of an aftercare program for horses leaving the track. Currently, the program leads the nation in racehorse adoptions, taking in over 400 horses each year. The program has a sound adoption system in place that is proven to move a large number of horses in a rather short period of time. Their focus is on adoption verses retirement, believing that each horse deserves to have an individual home and a purpose. For more information, visit www.newvocations.org.