John Nicholson Receives Ninth Annual Equine Industry Vision Award

By Christine Brune, June 18, 2010
John Nicholson has earned this honor for his vision and determination to make unimaginable dreams a reality. Best known for his work as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park and the President of the World Equestrian Games 2010 Foundation, John’s leadership has been pivotal in bringing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to the United States.
Charlotte Brailey Kneeland Receives Eighth Annual Equine Industry Vision Award

By Christine Brune, June 26, 2009
Charlotte Brailey Kneeland earned this honor for her vision to promote and certify riding instructors across the United States. Best known as the founder and director of the American Riding Instructors Association, Charlotte is a true leader who has set an exemplary standard in safety, good teaching practices and professionalism across the horse industry.
Sally Swift Honored with Seventh Annual Equine Industry Vision Award

By Christine Brune, June 20, 2008
Best known as the founder of the Centered Riding(R) method used by riders across all disciplines, Sally Swift is a true visionary whose legendary work will continue to impact the equine world long beyond her years.
Renowned Equestrian David O’Connor Receives Sixth Annual Equine Industry Vision Award

By Christine Brune, June 22, 2007
As a consecutive top finalist for the award, David O’Connor earned this honor for his outstanding achievements as an equestrian and his contributions as a role model and administrator in the industry. Best known for his Olympic accomplishments and his work as president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), O’Connor is a true leader who is recognized and well respected throughout the equine world.
Stanley F. Bergstein Honored with 2006 Equine Industry Vision Award for his Influence in the Harness Horse Industry

By Christine Brune, June 23, 2006
As a yearly finalist since the award’s creation, Stanley F. Bergstein earned this honor for his positive contributions to the Standardbred racing industry and lifetime of accomplishments. Known primarily as the Executive Vice President of Harness Tracks of America (HTA), a position he has held for over four decades, Bergstein is a true leader and visionary who is recognized and respected throughout the equine world.
The Fourth Annual Equine Industry Vision Award Honors John Ryan Gaines

By Christine Brune, June 10, 2005
With contributions that spanned over an illustrious forty years, John Gaines will long be remembered for changing the face of Thoroughbred racing forever. From establishing the celebrated Breeders’ Cup, to playing a pivotal role in the formation of the National Thoroughbred Association, the predecessor of today’s National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), he worked tirelessly to broaden the scope of the game.
2004 Equine Industry Vision Award Given to American Quarter Horse Association

By Christine Brune, June 11, 2004
AQHA was selected to receive this prestigious honor because of the organization’s vast, positive impact on the equine experience world wide. More than just the largest breed registry in the world, the Association focuses on educating those new to the horse industry and making horses of all kinds more accessible to people everywhere.
2003 Equine Industry Vision Award Presented to Don Burt

By Christine Brune, June 23, 2003
Don Burt has spent over 50 years living and working as a member of the horse industry and his efforts have been felt across disciplines. For nearly a half century he has been involved in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) as an exhibitor, judge and a member of numerous committees.
Alexander Mackay-Smith Named First Equine Industry Vision Award Winner

By Christine Brune, June 21, 2002
Indomitable, eclectic, kind and patient are just some of the words used to describe the unique character of Alexander Mackay-Smith (1903-1998). One of the most prolific writers on equine sports in the last century, Mackay-Smith is remembered as a visionary–able not only to conceive of ideas but also to bring them to fruition.