SHELBURNE, VT — The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Awards Committee is pleased to announce the following individuals will be recognized at the AMHA annual convention, which will take place February 23-26, 2011 in Boston, MA.
Man and Woman of the Year Awards honor those individuals for their continued support of the breed. This year's honorees are Yum Kee Fu and Susan Fu.
Jonalyn Gwinup will be awarded the Cecil Brown Memorial Sportsmanship Award, which is given to a Morgan exhibitor who has displayed outstanding sportsmanship.
John McDonald was selected by his peers to be the recipient of the AMHA Professional Award .
Inducted into AMHA's Hall of Fame are Eitan Beth-Halachmy and Beverley Olson.
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 Vincent and Kathy DeFazio, Orcland Farm, and Mary Jean Vasiloff.
The Golden Reins Award is given to a Morgan professional who has a 30-year career in training or instruction. Chris Cassenti, Bob Kellert, and Harry and Carolyn Sebring will receive this special honor.
Kay Thompson will be honored for her outstanding contributions to the Morgan Youth program as the Youth Person of the Year.
Two Morgans will receive special recognition for their work with people with disabilities. This year's honorees are Bens Charley Brown, from Handi-Riders; and Nike Five Time, owned by Chris and Kathy Saunders.
Carmen Miranda, Ladys Enticement, and Merriehill Hooligan will be inducted into AMHA's Show Horse Hall of Fame.
These honorees will be recognized before the Morgan community for their longtime support and dedication to the breed on Saturday, February 26. The 2011 AMHA Convention is full of many fun Morgan events. Farm tours, trainer roundtables, historical seminars, and a special youth only gathering are just some of the highlights that will celebrate the Morgan breed in Boston.
Reservations can be booked now. For more information on room rates and convention details, please go to http://www.morganhorse.com/association/annual_convention/ or call AMHA at (802) 985-4944.
Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 90 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations.
For more information on America’s original horse breed, contact the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., 4066 Shelburne Road, Suite 5, Shelburne, Vermont 05482; (802) 985-4944; www.morganhorse.com.