The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is pleased to announce those members who will receive the top awards at its Annual Convention in February. For the first time, awardees are announced prior to the convention, with hopes that friends and family will be able to join them for this special recognition before the Morgan community. The 2009 AMHA Annual Convention will take place in Sacramento, CA, February 18-21.

Man of the Year and Woman of the Year Awards honor those individuals for their continued support of the breed throughout the year. This year's honorees are Harry Sebring and Sara Foy.

Kass Booth will be awarded the Cecil Brown Memorial Sportsmanship Award, which is given to a Morgan exhibitor who has displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the past year.

Inducted into AMHA's Hall of Fame are Thomas Caisse, the late F.O. "Ted" Davis, and Lisa Nyberg. These three individuals have promoted the breed on a national level for many years.

The Breeders' Hall of Fame honors a breeder(s) who has produced Morgans that have had a significant impact on the breed. This year's honorees are Dragonsmeade, Muriel and Victor Burnheimer of Medomak Morgan Farm, and Nancy Eidam of Crown Morgans.

The Golden Reins Award is given to a Morgan professional who has a 30-year career in training or instruction. Richard Boulé, Les Parker, and Tim and Shirley O'Gorman will receive this special recognition.

Dallas McLarney Bolen will be honored for her outstanding contributions to the Morgan Youth Program as the Youth Person of the Year.

The Morgan International Award is given to Donna Crookston, for her competition in the World Singles Championship in Poland last summer.

AMHA's newest award is the Professionals Award, which is an honor nominated by a professional's peers. The first winner of this award is Ann Anderson.

Two Morgans will be cited for their outstanding work with people with disabilities as the AMHA Therapy Horse of the Year. Honored will be Six Penny Constant Motion and April Love Can Do.

A more comprehensive look at these honorees' dedication and support of the breed will be presented at the Convention and in a future issue of The Morgan Horse magazine.

The 2009 AMHA Convention is chock full of many fun Morgan events. Farm tours, "Train the Trainer," the AMHA Stallion Service Auction, and keynote speaker Rick Lamb are just a few of the highlights that will celebrate the breed in Sacramento.

You have until January 16 to reserve your hotel room at the special discounted group rate. For more information, visit www.morganhorse.com/association/annual_convention.