We are very excited to announce that our very own Happy has been named a co-recipient of the 2019 WIHS Honor and Service Award presented by EQUUS Foundation at the Washington International Horse Show! Happy is the co-recipient of this award along with Reeses, a 27-year old Thoroughbred from the Project Horse Empowerment Center in Purcellville, Virginia.
"Happy and Reeses represent horses across America who are a perpetual source of encouragement and inspiration as athletes, companions, teachers and healers, empowering people to be all that they can be," said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President. "We are committed to increasing opportunities for all people to partner with horses in new, innovative ways."
The WIHS Honor and Service Award was created in 2013 following the induction of Klinger into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2013. Klinger, a member of the Caisson platoon of the 3d United States Infantry (The Old Guard), was the inspiration for the award and its first recipient. The Honor & Service Award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger.
Happy and Reeses will be recognized in center ring during the annual Military Night at the Washington International Horse Show on Friday, October 25, 2019.
Happy supports more than 110 unique riders a year as a therapy horse. Prior to coming to NVTRP, she was a high-point earner on the Ponies of America (POA) circuit. The Pony of the Americas is a pony/small horse breed developed in the state of Iowa. The foundation stallion was an Arabian/Appaloosa/Shetland pony cross.
When Happy arrived at NVTRP in 2011, she easily adjusted to the needs of her riders - altering her own behavior and body position to accommodate them, slowing her pace when a rider becomes unbalanced, and providing a smooth, steady tempo for riders who need to improve their balance. She has treated many riders to the joy of their first canter as well.
In 2013, Happy was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, resulting in numerous chemotherapy treatments. Through it all, she has continued to provide strength and confidence for her riders, inspiring those who spend more time in doctors' offices and hospitals than their peers.
Happily, Happy is in remission. Her calm, loving and happy up-tempo personality continues to rub off on the riders and volunteers around her, creating a positive experience for everyone.
Happy's impact on the program is felt by countless riders, volunteers and staff who are continually amazed by her dedication to her job and the lives she helps improve on a daily basis.
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America's horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. 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: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
ABOUT WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW: Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America's most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events, attracting more than 26,000 spectators annually to Washington, D.C., for Olympic-level competition plus community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders arrive from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $136,300 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington presented by Events DC for the President's Cup, the $25,000 Land Rover Puissance (high jump) and Kids' Day, a free, fun and educational community event. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Washington, D.C. Visit www.wihs.org.