Lexington, KY – Mindy Darst was named Volunteer of the Year by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians on December 10, 2008. Evening of Equestrians is the USHJA’s awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting which took place at the Hilton Downtown in Nashville, TN, December 8-11.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who donates their time to develop and implement programs in the organization. Darst was selected from an outstanding group of volunteers by USHJA President Bill Moroney and USHJA staff to receive the award based on her contributions to the association.

Darst has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USHJA by taking leadership roles and remaining actively involved in several USHJA committees. As chairman of Zone 5, she was instrumental in developing and implementing the Zone 5 College Scholarship Award and Horsemanship Class – the first of its kind. She also chaired the USHJA Hunter/Jumper Pony Task Force with Sissie Anderton and has worked to increase the popularity of the USEF Pony Finals. Darst is also an active member of the USHJA Special Projects Committee and holds a “R” judges license in Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation.

“USHJA is fortunate to have many dedicated, active and passionate committee members who take time out of their personal and professional lives to better the organization,” President Bill Moroney said in his speech at the awards ceremony. “Mindy’s responsibilities are seemingly endless, but she handles it all with a professional and positive attitude that brings out the best in those surrounding her. On behalf of all of us at the USHJA, I can’t thank her enough for her contributions to our sport and the association.”

Darst began her riding and showing career in 1968 and operates her own training and show barn, Lochmoor Stables, in Lebanon, OH. Her students and horses are consistently in the top national and local rankings.

“I think it’s the biggest blessing to be able to do what I do,” Darst said upon receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award. “I felt blessed to be a part of the founding of this organization and when asked to chair Zone 5, I thought I was the luckiest girl. It’s such an honor to receive this award.”

Darst was presented with The Wild Rill Farm Perpetual Trophy for her accomplishment.

For more information on the USHJA Volunteer of the Year Award, please contact Kristyn Kay at [email protected] or (859) 225-2054.

ENDS