Equine Heroes

Behind every aspiring champion there is always an unsung hero. The one who gets it done in the home, in the yard…. or in the feed. For over 30 years, Alltech has been the unsung hero behind many of the world’s top horse feeds and supplements. As the unrecognized experts in equine digestive health, we salute you all.

For Alltech the “Equine Hero” is the caring, hardworking, under-recognised horse lover, the individual who goes the extra mile to help their peers or family enjoy the fruits of their horsey endeavours – these heroes are all around us - the farrier who endures chronic backache to continue his craft; the mother who plaits and prepares show ponies at 6am; the yard rider who’s on the gallops at 5am rain, hail or shine; the father who gives up his Saturday afternoon to transport children to riding lessons; the rescue volunteer who provides comfort to neglected horses – and many others like them. Our goal is to identify and celebrate the Unsung Heroes of the Equine Community around the world.

Please nominate your own Equine Hero and show others in our community how much you appreciate their efforts.

Your Nominated Equine Heroes

Mckenna Johnson

This month we would like to award the Equine Hero prize in memory of Mckenna Johnson from Tennessee, who recently passed away. Here is the very touching story that was submitted by her friend.

"Mckenna was my best friend and the best horse woman I have ever met. This past month she was put in the hospital because of a virus that the doctors couldn't figure out. After three weeks in the hospital she passed away. So many people loved Mckenna, and she was the strongest person I have ever known. My favorite memories are at shows with Mckenna. She evented and was an active member in stones river pony club. Every young person looked up to Mckenna because of her positivity, and because she was the most patient person no matter what challenges life threw at her. Her horse Quincy was her pride and joy and she was always riding or just hanging out in the barn. She was always in the top three after dressage, and it was amazing how each time her tests would be better because she had worked so hard. Mckenna had struggled with a rare disease all of her life, but not once did she complain. She smiled no matter what, even in the middle of her dressage test, she was truly happy at all times. We have been best friends for 10 years and I have only seen her cry or frown a couple of times, and if you knew me and Mckenna we were together all of the time. This award would mean so much to her mother and her twin sister. Mckenna truly deserves this, because I can't think of anyone I know that had the kind of relationship that Mckenna and Quincy had."

Felicity Wells

Congratulations to our latest Equine Hero winner, Felicity Wells from the UK! Para-Dressage rider Amanda Shirtcliffe submitted this amazing story:

"Last year I was diagnosed with an incurable neurological movement disorder, it left me disabled with limited use of my limbs. I was no longer able to ride and care for my own horses but in December 2012 I met Felicity, who helped me get back in the saddle on her trust steed Milly. Three months later I won the Para Talent Development British Dressage Championship! Felicity is an absolute legend for selflessly lending me her horse while also coaching, chauffeuring and grooming for me at all of my events. Without Felicity I doubt I would be riding let alone winning at national championships. This woman has done so much for me all without reward or payment. I can't thank her enough for getting me back into the saddle and giving me back my life."

Congratulations Felicity, we’re honoured to announce you as an “Alltech Equine Hero”.

 

Colleen Gorman

Since she was a young girl, Colleen Gorman loved horses. So much so, that she spent her school days “instructing” her friends on how to ride their imaginary horses in the school playground. Today Colleen still teaches, but the horses are real this time! Since studying Equestrian Science at the University of Findley in Ohio, Colleen now spends her days sharing her passion and love for horses when she teaches and manages barns in the Midwest and Florida.

Nobody would know it but Colleen suffers from severe scoliosis and although the curve in her spine doesn’t warrant surgery, it does require daily pain management and sometimes prevents her from riding. She never complains and always gives 150% no matter how much pain she is in. She has an amazing attitude and is an inspiration to us all.

It was this fantastic attitude and Colleen’s dedication to our sport that impressed us to the point that we have used her as the poster-girl for our Equine Hero campaign. It’s hard to tell with all the muck in her professional photos but Colleen is the girl wearing the goggles in our photographs on Facebook, our Equine Hero website and in print advertising.

Congratulations Colleen, we’re honoured to announce you as an “Alltech Equine Hero”.

Carrie Young - Ohana Horse Rescue

Carrie Young is the founder of Ohana Horse Rescue which is based in Florida. In 2007, Carrie came across a horse that had been abandoned and left to starve, which was just the beginning of what Ohana Horse Rescue has become today. Carrie and her team provide unwanted, neglected and abused horses with love, food, shelter, and appropriate medical attention.

Ohana Horse Rescue gives horses in need a safe home to go to recover, rehabilitate or for just a little training! They also find new approved homes for horses and offer educational support to new owners on the needs and special care required by these animals. Carrie’s work at Ohana Rescue has truly impacted the lives of so many horses and people which is why we are delighted to announce Carrie as an Alltech Equine Hero.

Visit the Ohana Rescue website and Facebook page to find out more on the great work that Carrie and her team are doing.