Page 130 - SPEEDHORSE April 2018

story courtesy American Quarter Horse Association • photo courtesy Dan Dry
Cathy Hanson received the 2017 Merle Wood Humanitarian Award at the 2018 AQHA Conventition in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Merle Wood Humanitar- ian Award from the American Quarter Horse Foundation was awarded on March 4 at the 2018 AQHA Convention.
Cathy Hanson of Fallbrook, California, received the 2017 Merle Wood Humanitarian Award from the American Quarter Horse Foundation March 4 at the 2018 AQHA Conven- tion in Jacksonville, Florida.
Established in 1997 in honor
of the late Merle Wood, this award recognizes an individual who exem- plifies an ethic of kindness and be-
the show ring. She has donated countless hours and energy
to Mustard Seed, a Southern California faith-based organiza- tion that addresses the needs of foster children by using horses to establish confidence and compassion. She is also an avid supporter of the “My Horse, My Journey” program, providing clinics to horse owners who are financially unable to afford full- time training. Proceeds from this program go to support “Ray of Sunshine,” another organization that utilizes horses to help cancer patients and their families build confidence, comfort and self-es- teem in the face of life-changing and threatening diseases.
“Cathy is an upstand-
ing Christian woman who has conducted her life in
a humanitarian way, never failing to be of help when help is needed,” said AQHA Past President Sandy Arledge.
“She is known for her generosity and giving spirit, and is always willing to donate her time and resources.”
The deadline for nominations for the 2018 Merle Wood Humanitarian Award is May 1, 2018. For more information, call 806-378-5029 or email foundation@aqha.org.
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entire life, learning from her father,
Don Blazer. She competed as a youth
and fell in love with the American Quarter Horse. She was drawn to
their athleticism and heart. Hanson showed in the open division as a
youth, and earned the title of AQHA reserve world champion in western
riding in 1988 aboard the mare Lo Lindo.
Hanson is an AQHA Professional Horse- woman and was named the Most Valuable Pro- fessional in 2007. She is an AQHA director for California and serves on the youth committee, as well as the AQHA Animal Welfare Commis- sion. She has also held various positions with
ve with the American Quarter Horse. Hanson grew up with horses her
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the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association – voting past president, youth adviser and youth committee chairwoman, and currently serves as president of the Southern California Quarter Horse Exhibitors Association.
Hanson continues to impact the lives of the equine industry; however, her reach is far beyond
128 SPEEDHORSE, April 2018