Page 78 - Speedhorse, February 2019

Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement Award
WENDY DAVIS
Courtesy AQHA
Arizonan Wendy Davis has spent her career instilling a love for the industry into the next generation, and for that is honored with the Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement Award. This award is given to a woman in the industry to recognize her achievement within the industry.
Davis is a well-rounded horsewoman with experience in many equine disciplines, but as the director of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program and as a key volunteer with the AQHYA National Youth Racing Experience and a
few other programs, she specializes in introducing young people into the racing industry.
“Every year, Wendy devotes countless hours of her personal time to help organize the endeavor, attends to the Challenge Championships and collaborates with AQHA to manage the event,” her nominator said. “She does a fantastic job
in facilitating the knowledge of racing and the love of our sport in the next generation. Lives have been changed because of this program, and Wendy has been a major part of it.”
PREVIOUS MILDRED N. VESSELS SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS:
2017–Janis Spencer Murray 2016–Loretta Brasher 2015–Val Clark 2014–Jamie Zamora 2013–Susan Hadley 2012–Debbie Schauf 2011–Dawn & Rhonda List 2010–Vel Evans 2009–Mary Kyler 2008–Ann McGovern 2007–Carol Cooper 2006–Ginny Harding
2005–Joan Dale Hubbard
2004–Jean Dillard
2003–Tomey Swan
2002–Sandy Erwin & Janet VanBebber 2001–Debbie Schauf
2000–Amy L. Owens
1999–Mrs. Gwendolyn Eaves 1998–Vessels/Knorpp et al “The Girls” 1997–Donna McArthur
1996–Tami Ann Purcell
1995–Shirley Schvaneveldt 1994–Connie Hall
John Andreini Special Recognition Award
MAURO ELI ZABOROWSKY
The award recently renamed in honor of the highly-respected John Andreini goes to an international horseman.
Mauro Eli Zaborowsky is a longtime owner and breeder in his own name, as well as his Haras Vista Verde. He is very involved with improving racing in Brazil, including in this past year helping facilitate the testing of all races at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba.
“It is very fitting that Mauro receive this award the first year it is offered in John Andreini’s memory,” said Vince Genco, AQHA director. “Mauro and John were good friends and John visited Mauro’s Haras Vista Verde many times as the two gentlemen worked together on endeavors to improve racing for the American Quarter Horse in Brazil.”
Wendy Davis
PREVIOUS AQHA RACING COUNCIL SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS:
2017–Laura Joiner & Mindy McArthur
2016–Denny Ekins & Russell Harris 2015–Heritage Place
2014–Keith Babb 2013–Joann Adams 2012–Ben Hudson 2011–Dr. Glenn Blodgett 2010–Spencer Childers 2009–Oklahoma QHRA 2008–Jerry Windham 2007–Butch Wise 2006–Dutch Masters III 2005–Frank “Scoop”
Vessels III 2004–John T.L. Jones
2003–Robert Gentry
2002–Jay Pumphrey 2001–Mrs. Anne B.
Windfohr Marion 2000–Walter Merrick
1999–Henry E. Brown 1998–Blane Schvaneveldt 1997–James Barton 1996–Taylor Powell 1995–James E. Helzer 1994–Lloyd Shelhamer 1993–Clarence
Scharbauer, Jr. 1992–Vessels Stallion
Farm LLC 1991–Edward C. Allred
1990–Ralph W. Shebester 1989–R.D. Hubbard
Craig Huffhines, Mauro Zaborowsky and Adrianna Andreini, John Andreini’s daughter
74 SPEEDHORSE, February 2019