WESTPORT, CT - December 8, 2009 -- Many extremely gifted equine artists submitted artwork for consideration as the trophy for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award. The inaugural presentation will take place at the USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner during the Federation’s Annual Meeting on January 16, 2010.
The goal of the Humanitarian Award is to spotlight and exalt the selfless dedication one individual or a group of individuals has made, whether on a regional or national scale. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse role of horses not just in equestrian sports but also as aides to the general public, the recipient of this award will be someone who has devoted considerable personal time to make the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount. The recipient of the Humanitarian Award will receive a $5,000 grant from The EQUUS Foundation to be awarded to the equestrian or horse-related charity of his or her choice.
“Triple Threat” was selected, the submission by artist Janene Di-Rico Cable, a bronze sculpture that, in the artist’s own words, “portrays the strength and majesty of horses in action...overcoming whatever "obstacles" happen to be in the path and moving on... it shows tenacity and grace”. In learning that “Triple Threat” was selected, Janene commented, “I believe that horses are spiritual, mystical creatures. They speak to the certain wildness in our own souls. I hope to capture some of that spirit in each of my pieces.”
“It was a difficult decision”, said Jenny Belknap, Foundation Chairman, “but only one could be selected. We hope this award appropriately recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals who are devoted to the health and welfare of horses. We are indebted to the United States Equestrian Federation for establishing this Humanitarian Award and look forward to its first presentation in January.”
The United States Equestrian Federation Pegasus Awards honor individuals who have made a unique impact on the horse world. The Pegasus Awards include a wide range of distinctive honors, including the Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award, Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year Award, The Marty Simensen Memorial Trophy, The Richard E. McDevitt Award of Merit, Equestrians of Honor/ Equestrian of the Year, Horse of the Year Award, The USEF Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Pegasus Medal of Honor.
About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
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, David T. Goodwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Lynn Coakley, President, David Distler, Gray Fadden, Richard Mitchell DVM, Clea Newman Soderlund, and Visse Wedell.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $1.3 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: equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.
