2011 AHP Champion Award Presentation

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Transcript of 2011 AHP Champion Award Presentation

AHP presents the AHP Champion Award to individuals for their

distinguished service to the association and its growth. Collectively, the

winners become the AHP Circle of Champions. The recipients of this

award are individuals who were instrumental in the development and

growth of American Horse Publications. Each recipient receives a

commemorative pin, individual plaque, and their names honored online

at the AHP web site.

The Executive Committee presented its recommendations for nominees

at its mid-year Board Meeting, where the Board

approved awarding the 2011 AHP Champion Award

to four AHP Past Presidents.

Kathy MezickHorsemen’s Corral

1994-1995 AHP President

In the early years of American Horse Publications, Kathy and her former husband, Thom Mezick, were familiar faces at AHP seminars as publishers of Horsemen’s Corral. After starting the monthly regional newspaper in 1969, Kathy remains its Publisher and Editor.

Kathy joined the AHP board in 1990 and served as the 1994-1995 President. These

were transitional years for the association and the presidency was not always an easy

task. Back then, the President was in charge of processing the annual awards contest

and acquiring the judges. The President’s

publication would be ineligible to enter during that year.

One of Kathy’s judges took off for parts unknown with the

entries and she had to find another judge and collect the

entries again.

Kathy MezickIn her own words…

“I hate to date myself, but over 40 years ago a small circle of enthusiasts gathered in Kentucky in an attempt to merge divergent equine media factors under a single umbrella. It’s a humbling experience to have been a member for many, many years, as well as a past president of AHP.

“Watching AHP grow from a small group of supporters scribbling notes on cocktail napkins, to the strong and respected national organization it has become today, is very humbling.”

Jim JenningsThe Quarter Horse Journal1995-1996 AHP President

After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Communication and Journalism, Jim Jennings landed a job at AQHA in 1971 as associate editor of The Quarter Horse Journal. Thirty-seven years later, Jim retired as AQHA Executive Director of Publications, having played an instrumental role when The Quarter Racing Journal became its own publication and been responsible for the development of America’s Horse in 1998.

Jim attended his first AHP seminar back in the 70s when it wasalways held in Washington, D.C. He became a Board Directorin 1990 and served as AHP president for 1995-1996. Jim also served as president of the Livestock Publications Council and was inducted into the Livestock Publications Council Hall of Fame.

Jim JenningsThe Quarter Horse Journal1995-1996 AHP President

Jim is an accomplished photographer and book author. He has penned two books, “Best of the Remudas” and “Why We Win.” As a mentor, he has given many up-and-coming journalists a start in the equine publishing world. He is generous with his time and talents and has improved the writing and photography skills of many of his protégées.

Jim lives in Amarillo, Texas, with his wife, Mavis. Their daughter,Jill Dunkel, and her husband, Doug, have three children, Ashton, Sydney and Blake. Jim’s friends know that he usedto team rope - a lot. He recently roped for the first time in21 years. He headed some steers for his 9-year-old grandson, something he’s been looking forward to for nine years.

Jim JenningsIn his own words…

“It is truly an honor to be included in the AHP Circle of Champions. I am sorry I am unable to be there for the presentation. I remember the last time AHP was in San Diego and how much fun it was.

“The reason I can’t be in San Diego is because of a commitment that I made months ago to photograph an American Quarter Horse Foundation trail ride in Wyoming. I really can’t say that I had rather be in San Diego because this ride is going to be on a fabulous ranch and it’s going to be a great experience. I’m just sorry the two events conflicted so thatI can’t attend both.

“I mean it, though, when I say how much of an honor it is to be selected, and I want to congratulate the other recipients. Kathy, Susan and Darrell have all been great friends for years and years.

“And American Horse Publications has meant so much to me, going way back to when we met in Washington every year and all of us would go to dinner in the evening in Tony Chamblin’s nine-passenger station wagon. Of course, there were a few more of us than nine, but we just crowded in.

“I have learned so much from the AHP meetings and made some friendships that have already lasted almost 40 years and I’m sure will last for many more years. Thanks again for this honor, and I look forward to seeing all of youat a future AHP meeting.”

Susan HardingFleet Street Publishing

1996-1997 AHP President

Susan’s entry into the equine publishing world began when she joined Fleet Street, Publisher of EQUUS and Polo magazines, in 1987. Although the ownership of EQUUS changed throughout the years, Susan has been the magazine’s constant companion, adding a number of different sister publications along the way. She served as Executive Vice President until Fleet Street was acquired by Primedia, Inc. in 1998. During the Fleet Street years, Susan became involved with American Horse Publications and joined the Board as a Director in 1990.

Susan HardingFleet Street Publishing

1996-1997 AHP President

Formerly Vice President, Group Publishing Director of Source Interlink Media's Equine Network, Susan is currently a consultant working with Active Interest Media, a special interest media company that purchased the Equine Network from Source Interlink in 2010. At the Equine Network, Susan was responsiblefor five monthly magazines - EQUUS, Horse & Rider, Practical Horseman, Dressage Today and Arabian Horse World, three special issues, a book division and three websites.

Susan HardingFleet Street Publishing

1996-1997 AHP President

Susan has served as President of American Horse Publications (1996-1997) and on the Board of Trustees of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). She currently is on the boards of Horse and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) and the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR). She also serves as chairman of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Marketing Committee and on their board of directors.

Susan HardingIn her own words…

“As a newcomer to the horse industry in 1988, I quickly realized the value of American Horse Publications and its members. We are very fortunate to have an organization so dedicated to educating and promoting equine publications within an environment that encourages camaraderie, not competition. I have more than 20 years of fond memories of AHP meetings, offsite excursions (my favorite may still be Jackson Hole and an infamous pink jeep trip with Lua and Dean) and regular contacts with many members.

“Thank you for this recognition, but I know I have benefited far more from AHP than I have contributed. Wish I could have joined you in San Diego, but I am looking forward to Williamsburg next year.”

Darrell DoddsPaint Horse Journal

1997-1998 AHP President

Darrell’s career has covered a lot of territory in equine publishing at some of the most respected publications in the industry.

His current position is Publisher of Western Horseman magazine, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to Western Horseman, Darrell was Associate Publisher and Editor of Horse & Rider magazine, (2002-2006); Editor of the Paint Horse Journal, (1992-2002); Executive Secretary, Appaloosa Horse Club, (1988-1992), and Editor, Appaloosa Journal (1982-1988).

Darrell DoddsPaint Horse Journal

1997-1998 AHP President

Mentored by renowned Western photographer and friend, David Stoecklein, Darrell has become one of the best equine photographers around, shooting covers and features as well as doing portrait photography of people with their horses.

Darrell went on the AHP Board of Directors in 1992 while at the Paint Horse Journal. His memories of AHP include river rafting in Jackson Hole, bar hopping in New Orleans, and a minor fender bender with Audie Rackley in Charleston.

Darrell and his wife Marty live in Krum, Texas.

Darrell DoddsIn his own words…

“It is an honor and a pleasure to join the AHP Circle of Champions this year in San Diego. While I am not able to be with you today in person, I am certainly with you all in spirit.

“When I look at the list of distinguished men and women who are members of this prestigious group, I think back on the good times we have had together, but more importantly, I am reminded how much we have matured as an association of publishing professionals.

“As a newly hired editor of the Appaloosa Journal, I attended my first AHP Seminar at the Fort Worth Stockyards Hotel in 1985. Attendance was small by today’s standards, but everyone, even direct competitors, was friendly and willing to share what knowledge they had about the equine publishing industry. While AHP’s seminars have always served its members well by featuring experts on a wide variety of subjects, I believe the greatest benefit of membership is having the opportunity to network with peers, not only at annual meetings but also throughout the year.

“Thanks again for this honor and best wishes for a very successful seminar.”

Arnold Kirkpatrick (Thoroughbred Record)

Lucille Shuler (Arabian Horse World)

Melvin Peavey (Horse World)

Don Valliere (Turf & Sport Digest)

Alexander Mackay-Smith (The Chronicle of the Horse)

Snowden Carter (Maryland Horse)

Tony Chamblin (The Horsemen’s Journal)

Ruth Brown (Eastern/Western Quarter Horse Journal)

Stanley F. Bergstein (Hoof Beats)

Bob Gray (Horseman)

Audie Rackley (The Quarter Horse Journal)

Walt Wiggins (Quarter Racing World)

Erbert Eades (The Blood-Horse)

Don Price (Michigan Harness Horseman)

Les Ford (The Harness Horse)

Thom Mezick (Horsemen’s Corral)

Peter Winants (The Chronicle of the Horse)

Tracy Gantz (The Thoroughbred of California)

Bill Shepard (Paint Horse Journal)

Chris Brune (Eastern/Western Quarter Horse Journal)

Nancy Lee Comer (The Chronicle of the Horse)

Karl Little (Cutting Horse Chatter)

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer (California Horse Review)

Kathy Mezick (Horsemen’s Corral)

Jim Jennings (The Quarter Horse Journal)

Susan Harding (Fleet Street Publishing)

Darrell Dodds (Paint Horse Journal)