Erica Ward of Lansing, Michigan.  Erica is completing her degree as a doctor or veterinary medicine at Michigan State University.  Erica has studied abroad in Egypt and New Zeeland while continuing her studies at MSU.  She has also received international awards, such as the, “Veterinary Medicine Medal” in Cairo.  Erica was her class valedictorian for Fowlerville High School class of 2006.  Her volunteer activities include:  Relay for Life, and various community food drives.  Erica also works as assistant camp director for Broadacres farm for kids.  She is member of the MSU Polo Club and an individual member of the Michigan Horse Council. Congratulations Erica!  We wish you success in your chosen field and look forward to your continued involvement in the Michigan horse industry.

Jeremy Shaba of West Bloomfield, MI.  Jeremy is pursuing a degree in animal science with plans to continue on to vet school at Michigan State University.  Jeremy has also been awarded the 2009 APVMA Outstanding Pre-Veterinary Student Award.  Jeremy plans to have a career as an equine veterinarian, here in Michigan.  Jeremy is Vice President of the Michigan State University Driving Club and member of the MSU Polo Team and Block and Bridle Club.  He is also the ranch director for Camp Nissokone YMCA Camp.  This program consists of 15 horses and a summer program for children.  Jeremy has been involved in fundraising efforts for this program and was able to obtain much needed equipment last year due to his efforts.  In addition, Jeremy has volunteered as a counselor for Camp Casey, where he worked with children with cancer and their families.  He cites these experiences as the “fuel” that drives his passion in the horse industry. Jeremy is no stranger to this expo, he volunteers, along with other members of the MSU Driving Club each year.  Jeremy also attends Michigan Horse Council monthly meetings, rarely missing a meeting.  Congratulations Jeremy!  We wish you success in your chosen field and look forward to your continued involvement in the Michigan horse industry.

Gwin Simpson of Whittemore, Michigan.   Gwin is a high school senior at Tawas Area High School.  She plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall of 2010.  Gwin plans to major in Pre-vet studies, as her future plans include becoming a veterinarian specializing in equine.  Gwin is a member of the Tawas Equestrian Team, Michigan Interscholastic Horseman Association, 4-H Durango’s Horse Club and an individual member of the Michigan Horse Council.  Her volunteer activities include:  Tendercare nursing home, Hospice, Hunter education junior instructor, Band Boosters.  Gwin was also involved in the Standard bred project in Iosco County.  Gwin was awarded, “most outstanding sophomore award” in 2008.  Gwin rarely misses an opportunity to attend equine education offerings, attending 14 in the past 3 years and 22 in the past 6 years.

2010 MHC Catalyst Awards

     The MHC Catalyst Awards were started in 1995 by our then president, Barb Heyboer, who thought there should be recognition for individuals involved in the Michigan Horse Industry. A catalyst is a person who dares to step forward and make a difference. This award has identified people from industry, education, business, government, and volunteers who have spearheaded many significant changes in the industry. The people receiving this award today have all made a difference in their areas of interest.
Previous award winners include: Michigan Trail Riders Association, Convention Management Services, Tom’s Western Store, Dr. Ken Gallagher, Jack Matthews, Dr. Dick Dunn, Bev Grunheid, Ann Louise Budd, Ed Brennan, Jack Laurie, Gerry Haarer, Dr. Joseph Hunt, Dr. James Rooker, Dan Creytes, Dr. John Shelle, Barb Heyboer, Fred and Lena Meijer, Barbara O’Kelly, Bonnie Hughston, JoAnne Normile, Marilyn Graff, Cecil Darnell, Julie Fershtman, Wayne Mears, Mary Rossano, Keith and Jean Seaman, Dottie Vincent, Cady Ness-Smith and Scott Smith; Larry Mallar, Norman Forsyth; Dade and Coreen Schultz, Karyl Dunaway, Jean Ligon, R.J. Smith, Dr. Henry Vaupel, John Long, Kay O’Daniel, Merle Richmond, Benny Scholl, Lorenzo Veal II, Duane Hoffman, Gert Kronenberg, Ray Sugzda, Duane Dykstra, Carol Branam, Dr. David Hawkins, Jerry and Marion Robinson, Dr. Christine Skelly, Cheff Center, Carolyn Bay, Don Price, Kenn Christopher, Ernie Marsh, Sharon Greene, Dr. Judy Martenuik and Russ Erickson. The Michigan Horse Council is proud to have recognized these outstanding influences on Michigan’s equine industry!
The inscription on the plaques presented to the recipients reads: "Your efforts and communication have made a significant contribution to the renaissance of the Michigan Horse Industry. This year’s Catalyst Award recipients have made an impact in the horse industry through education, leadership and innovation. .
2010 recipients of the MHC Catalyst Awards are:

Dr. Gordon Guyer
     Gordon E. Guyer came to Michigan State University in 1947 to begin studies as a fisheries and wildlife major. He eventually switched to entomology, and led one of the first American scientific groups allowed to visit China in the mid-1970s.
Dr. Guyer received his bachelor's degree (1950), master's degree (1952) and Ph.D. (1954) from MSU. He became a MSU faculty member in 1953. He is the author of over 60 scientific papers, some used as basic reference material in entomology.
Prior to being appointed as President of Michigan State University, Guyer was a Professor and chairman for the Department of Entomology, and the director of the Pesticide Research Center at MSU. He also served as the Director of MSU Extension from 1973 to 1985. Guyer became MSU's 18th President on September 1, 1992.
Dr. Guyer has served as consultant to the following groups: Michigan Vegetable Growers' Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Agricultural Council, Michigan Departments of Health, Conservation, and Agriculture; Agriculture and Ways and Means Committees, Michigan Legislature; and the Michigan Governor's office. He also held high-level positions at the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Kellogg Biological Station. He also was chairman of the Biological Science committee and a member of the Athletic Council at MSU.
Gordon Guyer has served MSU in many capacities, including president of the university, vice president of Governmental Affairs, director of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, associate dean of CANR, director of MSU Extension, director of the Pesticide Research Center, and professor and chair of entomology. Gordon continues his service to MSU with many professional and volunteer projects and programs. He is an honorary co-chair of the President's Campaign Cabinet for “The Campaign for MSU” and has served on the All University Advisory Cabinet since 2002.

Lee Ann Hull
      Lee Ann is the Executive Director of Healing Hearts with Horse Foundation 
located at 5953 W. Cutler Road in Dewitt, Michigan.
      The foundation is devoted to helping those in need including horses.  Some of their horses are rescued horses.  Healing Hearts with Horses offers programs for mentally and physically abused women and children and children with special needs like Autism, Aspergers and ADHD.  Through working with the horses individuals realize a sense of identity and peace that is missing in their lives.  Children with physical limitations as well as the cognitively impaired are helped while working the horses and are strengthened both mentally and physically because of it.
With Lee Ann's method of teaching she noticed the results were far greater than just learning about horses.  She sees confidence in the timid, verbalization from the silent, and empowerment from the shy.  Stress and anxiety were brushed away as the children groomed the horses.  Leadership skills were built when the kids worked around the horses and self esteem and confidence was developed when they forged this new person-to-horse relationship.
      Those of us that are fortunate enough to understand the spiritual well being that you get from being around a  horse can truly appreciate the good work she is doing.  Lee Ann's commitment to her horses and students is amazing. 

Marsha Putnam
     Marsha has been a tireless proponent of trail riding in Michigan. For over ten years she has been instrumental in the success of the trails at Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg, Michigan.
Marsha makes sure the trail riding organization there stays active and fosters a good relationship with park management. She is now working on an expansion of the trail system in that park.
Marsha is currently working hard to keep alive the inclusion of horseback riding on the new CIS (Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee) Rails Trail north of Lansing. The trail runs from Owosso west through Muir.
Marsha has devoted countless hours on behalf of all Michigan trail riders.

Dr. Tracy Weber
     Tracy Weber PhD owns and runs The Kaleidoscope Learning Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan. She is a pioneer in the burgeoning field of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). Tracy facilitates programs for many groups including Women’s Groups, Corporate Team Building, Leadership Training and Communication using horses in an experiential setting. She also works with several universities, providing studies in this area for graduate students.
Dr. Tracy Weber created Kaleidoscope Learning Circle® as a venue for continuous learning of her two career-oriented passions - horses and helping people discover and re-discover their authentic self. The primary catalyst for creating this company came from her graduate school experiences; one could almost hear the paradigms shift as she participated in the competency-based, learner-centered programs of Rochester Institute of Technology’s Executive Leader Master’s and Andrews’s University’s Leadership program. From her team members in “Microny” to the organizational and human behavior research of her dissertation, each experience shaped the way she views the world and her responsibility to “make the most of herself.”
Tracy’s partnership with horses began in her youth when she groomed, shoveled, and showed Morgan horses on the national circuit with JL’s Ranch.  Throughout her adult life she sought a way of combining her passion for horses, intellectual pursuits, and desire to help people find and follow their dreams. Leading to the creation of Kaleidoscope Learning Circle® (for more on Kaleidoscope Learning Circle®, visit the website: www.myklc.com)  Like the namesake, Kaleidoscope keeps transforming with every turn, evolving and increasing our mastery and leadership in the fields of personal growth and professional development through the process of partnering with horses.
Dr. Weber is a pioneer and catalyst in the field of Equine Assisted Learning.

Mike Roath Memorial Barn Manager’s Award

            The Mike Roth Memorial Barn Manager’s Award is presented to the exhibitor in the stallion area displaying the most attractive appearance, including friendly and helpful personnel at the display. Everything about the display is to be considered, including the stall, horse, display area and exhibitors.
For the first time this year, the award was selected by popular ballot from those attending the 2010 MHC Horse Expo. Ballots identified each exhibit by stall number and farm or organization name.
           
Selected as 2010 Champion was Wild Thing Acres, owned by Scott Smith and Cady Ness-Smith, and featuring their BLM burro, Seymour.

           
Reserve Champion for 2010 was a first-time exhibitor in the stallion area, Maple Ridge Iberians, owned by Ron and Julie Van Zee. Their display featured their Lusitano stallion, Urucum HM.

Congratulations to the winners.

Winners of Breyer Paint-A-Pony Contest:
13-16, Realistic: Codie Braun Jocy Fogle Joseph Adams 9-12, Realistic: Andrea Wietzke Amanda Kernicky Adriana Newsome 9-12, Decorator: Zach Boley Abagail Wietzke Emily Boley 8 & under, Realistic: Anie Modreske Joslyn Miller Judy Rector 8 & Under, Decorator: Sienna Mathen Mayoa Aquirre Amber LaPorte