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Margie Lee-Gustafson Wins Summit Achievement Award
Many hoof-care professionals selflessly donate their time to several causes. Some farriers travel abroad to impoverished regions to treat donkeys used to transport produce. Others give their time to teach hoof-care basics to local 4-H groups. With the Summit Achievement Award, the Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center and American Farriers Journal will honor the work of one of these dedicated volunteers.
"This program will reward farriers and equine veterinarians who have gone the extra mile to freely offer their time and hoof-care expertise to help horses, horse owners, horse groups or the equine industry with hoof-care concerns," says Frank Lessiter, Editor/Publisher of American Farriers Journal. "This annual program will be a new way of recognizing individuals who have given so much back to the equine industry."
Margie Lee-Gustafson |
Margie Lee-Gustafson of Palo Alto, Calif., is the winner of the 2010 award.
Gari Merendio, the executive director of The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy in Woodside, Calif., nominated Lee-Gustafson for her exceptional work in providing trimming and shoeing services to the organization over the past 14 years.
This group provides therapy to children, adults and military veterans by using horses to facilitate movement. Established 38 years ago, the organization provides over 4,100 separate riding therapy and therapeutic riding sessions each year. As a non-profit group, they rely heavily on the generosity of foundations, businesses and individuals such as Lee-Gustafson to carry out their work.
Lee-Gustafson works on up to a dozen horses every 6 weeks — at no cost to the group. In addition to keeping the therapy horses feet in good shape, she works with the barn staff and volunteers to avoid hoof concerns and advises them on general horse care issues.
As you might imagine, trimming and shoeing a dozen or more horses in one day and doing it while the organization is working with patients requires plenty of coordination and flexibility. Lee-Gustafson often brings extra help and makes sure each team member understands the group’s unique situation so that they can deliver their services safely and efficiently. Margie is also always willing to drop what she’s doing and stop by to handle unscheduled concerns.
With her volunteer efforts, it is estimated that Lee-Gustafson saves the organization well over $20,000 each year in footcare expenses. Over 14 years, this translates into a savings of over $280,000.
Going along with this plaque is a check for $2,000 in recognition of Margie’s outstanding volunteer efforts and service to the equine community.
