HORSE WHISPERER AWARDS
Michele E. Arnhold Memorial Perpetual Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2008 by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in memory of her life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence, and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport.
2025 Recipient: Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center, Windham, ME
Augusta Mills Equestrian - Matt Metell Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 by the EQUUS Foundation in recognition of the dedication of Augusta Mills Equestrian and Matt Metell to the welfare of horses.
2025 Recipient: Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, Lexington, KT
Daniel D. Barkan Memorial Perpetual Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2013 by the family of Daniel D. Barkan, a quiet philanthropist and gentleman, in memory of his life-long love of horses.
2025 Recipient: Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, Co
Marguerite Brennan Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 by the EQUUS Foundation in memory of Marguerite Brennan and in honor of her loving family, Jane Henderson, her daughter, and Michaela & Sean Pritchett, her grandchildren.
2025 Recipient: Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Dover Plains, NY
John Courage/Mary Ann Minor Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2025 by the EQUUS Foundation in appreciation of the commitment of Mary and Michael Carpenter to keep America's horses safe and named in honor of John Courage, one of their most favorite and most challenging horses, and his Horse Whisperer, Mary Ann Minor.
2025 Recipient: Gleneayre Equestrian Program, Lumberton, NJ
Barbara Dailey Memorial Perpetual Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2024 by the EQUUS Foundation in memory of Barbara Dailey and in recognition of her life-long appreciation of the love, joy and companionship she shared with horses.
2025 Recipient: Rising Starr Horse Rescue, Wilton, CT
The Gumbo Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2025 by the EQUUS Foundation in appreciation of the dedication of The Gumbo Foundation to protect America's horses from peril and strengthen the horse-human bond.
2025 Recipient: BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, Harvard, IL
Jackson Family Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of the Jackson Family's commitment to horse welfare.
2025 Recipient: Brook Hill Farm, Forest, VA, Loudoun Therapeutic RidingFoundation, Inc., Lovettsville, VA, and Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, Aldie, VA
Kay Family Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of Lauren Kay and the Kay Family Foundation.
2025 Recipient: Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Crownsville, MD and Prancing Horse, Southern Pines, NC
Lafitte De Muze Perpetual Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Cheryl Olsten in the name of her horse, Lafitte De Muze, to protect and make a difference in the lives of horses who are in need of next chapters, with specific emphasis on the re-homing and retirement of Standardbreds.
2025 Recipient: Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Lisbon, MD
Jacqueline Nicole Michel Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2025 by the EQUUS Foundation in memory of Jacqueline Nicole Michel.
Mighty Nice Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Caroline Moran in recognition of 2017 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductee Mighty Nice owned by HnD Group, which was formed in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois, who owned Mighty Nice before his passing in 2014.
2025 Recipient: Thorncroft Equestrian Center, Malvern, PA
Newstead Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 by the EQUUS Foundation in recognition of the long-standing dedication of the Newstead Foundation and the Firestone Family to safeguarding of comfort and dignity of horses throughout their lives.
2025 Recipient: Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Palm City, FL
Richard L. Parish Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2014 by the family of Richard L. Parish in recognition of his leadership and dedication for over 45 years to the causes supported by the Richard Laurence Parish Foundation and in honor of Margie and Dick Bondy.
2025 Recipient: Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Johns Island, SC, and Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Mount Kisko, NY
Ellen R. Pearl Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2021 by Ellen R. Pearl to be awarded annually through 2025 to an equine rescue that ensures the respect, dignity and comfort of their rescued equines throughout their lives.
2025 Recipient: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, South Windham, ME
Split Rock Show Jumping Tour/Bobbie & Derek Braun Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of the dedication of the Braun Family and Split Rock Farm to powerful impact of horses in our lives.
2025 Recipient: Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Lexington, KY
Cynthia Suskind Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2025 by the EQUUS Foundation in memory of Cynthia Suskind.
McLain Ward Honorary Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2023 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of McLain Ward's selection as the inaugural recipient of the EQUUS Foundation Spirit Award presented to an equestrian who has significantly elevated the image and desirability of horses.
2025 Recipient: Green Chimneys, Brewster, NY
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