2022 WINNERS

The Annual Provincial Awards honour outstanding deserving members’ achievements, who stand out and have made a positive impact within Alberta’s equine community. Nominations for these awards are accepted every fall, and winners are chosen by the AEF Awards Committee.

Please help us congratulate these hard-working individuals, facilites, athletes, and horses who went above and beyond in 2022 to make the equestrian community a truly special place.

All nominations were submitted by peers.

Outstanding Stable/Facility Equine Haven Recovery Care and Equestrian Centre Ltd.

The team at Equine Haven Recovery Care and Equestrian Centre Ltd. are extremely well organized, diligent, and knowledgeable. Many equine recovery cases have come in with seemingly no hope, and they have turned around to be healthy and happy horses. Sadie and Heidi take top care of every horse on their property and thrive to continue to better the facility. They truly want their horse and rider teams to develop long-lasting relationships. Equine Haven Recovery Care and Equestrian Centre Ltd. is a safe place to learn, grow, and laugh.

Outstanding Horse NightWind’s Indigo Bey – Owner Colleen DeVry

Nightwind’s Indigo Bey, also known as Indi, has proven himself through the years as an exceptional and outstanding horse. In 2018 Indi and his owner, Colleen were chosen to represent Canada at the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina for the sport of endurance—an extremely high honour for any horse and rider team! Throughout his 15 years as an endurance athlete, Indi earned numerous top finishes, high vet scores, and coveted Best Condition Awards.

Now 20 years old, Indi remains in the best shape of his life. He proves his patience with the littlest of beginners in weekly lessons and summer riding camps. His kind eyes and laid-back nature in the barn make him a favourite for all who come through the barn.

Outstanding Instructor/Coach Lisa Denyer

Lisa is a kind instructor who excels at teaching. She understands all levels of riders from students who want to compete at shows such as beginner equestrian schooling tournaments, to those wanting to compete at Spruce Meadows.

In addition to being an NCCP coach, Lisa is an equine first aid instructor and horse show judge. She is one of the most dedicated equestrians, always looking for new ways to expand her knowledge and education in the industry to better help her clients and horses. Lisa’s dedication to the equine sport is evident. Watching her interact and teach is so magical; she really loves what she does!

Outstanding Equine Personnel Judy Robertson

Anyone who has ever boarded, taken lessons, or visited the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre has most likely met Judy. Judy is a staff member at Whitemud and has been for more than 35 years! That alone speaks to her dedication to the horses and people she has looked after all these years. The health and welfare of all the horses, be it a lesson or boarder’s horse, is her top priority. Her knowledge of the horses in her care creates an environment that puts everyone at ease. While Judy is deaf, she has a heightened sense of how the horses feel; her meticulous care and attention is second to none.

Sportsmanship Excellence Savannah Hanson

Whether in the barn, arena, or out on the endurance trail, Savannah is a leader and a model competitor. At Savannah’s young age, she is an example for all competitors, making sure the welfare of the horse, the thrill of the ride, and the ‘to finish is to win’ motto of the Endurance Riders of Alberta is instilled into the hearts of all riders. Savannah leads by example and ensures that at the end of the day, no matter how she finished the race, everyone had fun and finished with smiles on their faces.

Savannah’s soft-spoken nature helps new and young riders feel at ease on their horse, praising them for the smallest victory and making sure they are happy at the end of their lesson. This dedicated athlete is the true picture of teamwork, kindness, and perseverance in sport.

Outstanding Volunteer Kathy Marston

For over 20 years Kathy has put in a tremendous amount of volunteer hours in support of several community organizations, both outside and within the equine community. Kathy has been instrumental in organizing educational events for generations of Pony Club members in this province and beyond. She is a trusted source of knowledge for the National Pony Club organization when it comes to testing. Kathy has a great passion for the education of youth in the art of horsemanship and riding. She has often opened up her home to teach kids stable management, has volunteered as course designer, steward, tack check, show jumping judge, scribe, show organizer, and chaperone. Kathy is a joy to work with and will always go above and beyond to make sure any event is a success.

Above & Beyond Excellence

Jamee

DeWit

Jamee was nominated for this award by the entire Calgary Stampede Showriders Team and their families. Jamee is the ultimate representation of someone who models above and beyond excellence! She has made a historical impact on the equine community in Alberta as well as internationally through her mentoring of the youth members of the Calgary Stampede Showriders over the years. She has also worked with many 4-H clubs over the past 20 plus years developing young equestrians and contributing to the continuation and growth of equestrian sport.

Jamee is an exceptional member of the Alberta equine community and has made many extremely significant contributions to the industry, the Calgary community, and surrounding area as a whole. She is an outstanding equestrian, coach, mentor, and team member who always goes “above and beyond” and helps the whole community achieve “excellence”!