Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the National Affiliate Working Group (NAWG) committee is pleased to announce that Kirsten Kimbler is the winner of the 2007 Youth Sportsman’s Award. Selected from an outstanding group of young adults, Kimbler, of Aberdeen, SD, has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and her affiliate organizations and has served as a role model for her peers.

Kimbler, 18, was nominated by two associations, the American Endurance Rider Conference (AERC) and the Arabian Horse Association (AHA). Kimbler was selected based on her impressive resume and contributions to the equine industry. Her sportsmanship, leadership, passion, dedication and horsemanship have made her an asset to the equine industry.

Kimbler also serves as a representative on the USEF Youth Council and is chairperson for the inaugural 2008 Youth Convention.

“Winning the USEF Sportsman’s Award is by far one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me,” said Kimbler. “Receiving the Sportsman’s Nomination from both the AERC and the AHA was so exciting. I am thrilled to represent the Arabian breed, endurance riding and the USEF. I am looking forward to representing these organizations and spreading my love of horses across America. I hope I will be able to touch some young rider’s hearts the same way that so many others touched mine.”

Kimbler has always loved horses throughout her life and has a passion for endurance riding. Kimbler has used endurance riding as a model for life and has developed a personal mantra “Triumph comes to those who try.”

Kimbler said that she is dedicated to promoting and supporting the sport of endurance because it has taught her so much about horses and the values that young people everywhere should learn.

“Horses have taught me so much,” said Kimbler. “Most of all, horses taught me patience and perseverance. It took me four attempts to complete my first 100 mile endurance ride but when I finally did, the success was that much sweeter.”

Kimbler will receive a trophy, a $1,000 scholarship to the educational program of her choice and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. The trophy will be presented to Kimbler at the USEF Annual Meeting in January, 2008.

“While all the candidates for this award had amazing contributions to the equine industry and truly set the bar high for the future, Kirsten was extra special because she is actively involved with equestrian sports on both a national level with the Arabian Horse Association and internationally with her FEI endurance riding competitions,” said Karen Homer-Brown, USEF’s Managing Director of National Affiliates. “In addition, with her passion for the horse industry, Kirsten truly lives up to the USEF motto, One with the Horse,” said Homer-Brown.

The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to develop youths to become leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines. This program provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements.

The award is named after the Sportsman’s Charter, which is the motto of the USEF. The first winner was Caitlyn Novotny from the American Morgan Horse Association. Novotny received her award in January 2007 at the Pegasus Awards Banquet at the USEF Annual Meeting.

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Karen Homer-Brown, Managing Director of National Affiliates, via e-mail at [email protected] or call (859) 225-6958.