Nancy Koch of CANTER Receives USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipient

Nancy Koch of CANTER Receives USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipient

WESTPORT, CT - January 30, 2010 - Nancy Koch, Executive Director of CANTER National, was honored as the first recipient of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Pegasus Awards Dinner on January 16, 2010.

The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award (presented by the United States Equestrian Federation) is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world.

Chosen from a number of qualified nominees, Nancy Koch founded The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) as a solution to help racehorses find new careers by connecting buyers and sellers through posting racehorses for sale on the Internet. The program quickly became a national web-based phenomenon, with CANTER affiliates across the country.

In addition to receiving national recognition, the recipient may select an equestrian/horse-related charity to receive a $5,000 grant from The EQUUS Foundation. Nancy selected the CANTER affiliate in Ohio. Pam Cleverly, Executive Director, CANTER Ohio, said "We are extremely pleased to be chosen as the recipient of the $5,000 EQUUS Foundation grant. Nancy started the CANTER Ohio chapter in 2001. With three racetracks in our state, our mission is very important all year long. There is always a great need to help horses at risk, and this grant will help us take in more horses. Nancy has made and continues to make incredible strides in improving the fate of the Thoroughbred. She is a little bundle of boundless energy and dedication when it comes to horses and their welfare."

2010 Humanitarian Award Recipient

Nancy Koch, Executive Director of CANTER National, was honored as the first recipient of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Pegasus Awards Dinner on January 16, 2010. Photo: David O'Connor, President of the United States Equestrian Federation, presents The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award to Nancy Koch, Executive Director, CANTER National.

About The EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, advancing the use of horses to enrich the lives of people in need and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. What started as a local effort is now a nationwide campaign on behalf of horses. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by providing financial support to horse-related charities across the United States; connecting a network of equine organizations to equine enthusiasts; providing scholarships to reward volunteer service on behalf of horses, and conducting information outreach to educate the public about 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: equusfoundation.org.

About The United States Equestrian Federation

Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), www.usef.org, is dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. The USEF promotes the safety and welfare of horses and riders while encouraging interest, participation and excellence at every competitive level and for all breed and discipline affiliates within the Federation family equally. The USEF is the only national organization dedicated to the promotion of the equestrian sport, fair competition and equine welfare regardless of breed or discipline.