Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation and The EQUUS Foundation are pleased to announce the winner of the EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award. Bob Cacchione, Executive Director of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), was selected from more than 20 nominees to receive this distinctive honor. The award will be presented January 22, 2011, at the USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner during the Federation's Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY.

At the core of Cacchione's own passion for riding and appreciation for the opportunities made available to him as a young horseman is his understanding of the horse's role as a great equalizer. With the concept of a level playing field as his cornerstone, he rallied the support of like-minded individuals from educational institutions, first in his region, and ultimately, from throughout North America. Those efforts led to the formation of IHSA. Since launching a democratic concept of collegiate team and individual competition that frees students from the economic responsibilities of horse ownership while providing a foundation of good riding through expert training and coaching, the IHSA has graduated an estimated tens of thousands of equestrians. From five colleges and a handful of riders in 1966 to more than 370 participating colleges and universities with 8,700-plus riders today, Cacchione would be the first to give praise to the support of volunteers. However, thanks to his selfless dedication, it is greatly due to him that IHSA has established a network of encouragement, talent, knowledge and support that impacts today's horse industry.

"I am totally overwhelmed with this honor; especially being recognized by my peers," said Cacchione. "To be acknowledged for what I have tried to do for the youth of the equestrian world with the creation and development of the IHSA is just incredibly meaningful."

The EQUUS Foundation established this national Humanitarian Award in association with the United States Equestrian Federation in 2009. Presented annually at the Pegasus Awards Dinner during the USEF Annual Meeting this award spotlights the selfless dedication one individual or a group of individuals has made to better the quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

ENDS

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, seeks to raise public awareness of the value of the horse in society through education and the awarding of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote the health and welfare of horses, and elevate the equestrian sport as a whole.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for the selection of the grant recipients. The Board includes: Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman, Catherine Herman, Vice Chairman, Jane FitzGerald, Secretary/Treasurer, Lynn Coakley, President, David Distler, David Goodwin, Patricia Keenan, Frank Madden, Richard Mitchell DVM, Clea Newman Soderlund, Susan Weber and Visse Wedell.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $1.5 million in grants have been awarded since the first awards in 2003. 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.

For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., phone: (203) 259-1550; e-mail: [email protected].