Michigan Horse Council

"Council News"

Michigan Horse Council 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award

            Each year the Michigan Horse Council recognizes a Volunteer of the Year. This award was designed to honor outstanding volunteers within the Michigan Horse Council Membership.

Marie Fox,

2007 MHC Volunteer of the Year

             Marie Fox makes her home on a horse farm in Vermontville, Michigan. She has had horses since the age of 8, and has participated in many horse activities, including the Well Dunn 4-H Club in Ingham County. Marie and her friend would ride eight miles every Tuesday to Marion and Jerry Robinson’s for the 4-H meetings. Marie has also been active in breeding, showing, racing, training and trail riding horses.

            Marie’s horse when she was growing up was Queenie. This horse would do anything for Marie. If she didn’t have a trailer to go to a horse show, no problem, Queen would jump right in the back of a pick-up (without sides), ride to the show, jump out, and jump back in to ride home again.

            Marie has worked with the Michigan Horse Council doing varied volunteer activites, including working with the Trails Committee, organizing the Western Fashion Show at the MHC Horse Expo for several years, filling in as Recording Secretary, working in the Stallion Avenue area, and most recently, volunteering as the Announcer’s assistant for both the MHC Horse Expo and the North American Horse Spectacular.

            Marie enjoys the challenge of seeing all the pieces of the puzzle come together successfully and being able to give to others some of the good times she has had with horses.

            The Michigan Horse Council is pleased to recognize and honor Marie Fox as 2007 Volunteer of the Year.



Photo by Jerri Munn Photography

Catalyst Award Presentation 2007

The catalyst award was started in 1995 by our president then 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. 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 and Duane Dykstra. The Michigan Horse Council is proud to have recognized these outstanding influences on Michigan’s equine industry!

This year’s Catalyst Award recipients arriving in for the ceremony, which takes place center-stage in the Main Arena, in an elegantly appointed carriage being presented by Witt-Moody Belgians of DeWitt, Michigan.

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.

In 2007, the Michigan Horse Council is proud to present Catalyst Awards to these worthy recipients:

Carol Branam	Dr. David Hawkins	Jerry and Marion Robinson	Dr. Christine Skelly
(click on each name for photo and bio)

Photo by Jerri Munn Photography

The Catalyst Award recipients entered the ring in the show wagon pulled by four matched Belgian horses owned by Witt-Moody Belgians, of DeWitt Michigan, and driven by Diane Moody.

Ladies and Gentlemen, these men in front of you have been involved with the Michigan Horse industry for over 150 years. Three have all been involved extensively in the area of developing, keeping and expanding trails for our many people. Their message to you is: get involved with your trails, the city, county and DNR officials in your area to keep areas open for future generations.

Congratulations to all of our 2007 Catalyst Award winners.