Do you know a farrier or equine veterinarian who performs much-needed hoof-care work for a therapeutic riding center without charge? Maybe someone who provides free footcare clinics for 4-H Club youngsters or works closely with local Pony Club members? If so, here is your opportunity to celebrate this person’s volunteerism.

To recognize the dedication and volunteer efforts among hoof-care professionals, the Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center and American Farriers Journal are again sponsoring the “Summit Achievement Award.” Started in 2009, this award honors members of the hoof-care community who have freely given their time and expertise to help horse owners and groups in need of assistance.

 “The Summit Achievement Award is the pinnacle of recognition for farriers contributing their time and talents back to the equine industry,” says Glenn Hause, Director of North American Marketing. “The award represents the hallmarks we embrace as part of our mission statement and core values as a company.”

The 2012 award winner will receive $2,000 to use toward future volunteer efforts, as well as free registration and travel expenses to next winter’s International Hoof-Care Summit being held from January 31 to February 3, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio. During a ceremony at the Summit, a plaque will be presented to the winner and also to the group for which the volunteered services were provided.

Previous winners of the Summit Achievement Award include:

Bob Smith, Plymouth, California, 2009.

Margie Lee of Palo Alto, California, 2010

Doug Stanley, Ore City, Texas, 2011.

Nominate A Volunteer

Anyone may submit a nomination for the 2012 Summit Achievement Award before September 30, 2011. Visit www.americanfarriers.com/ff/givingback on the American Farriers Journal Website to obtain further details and the entry form for this recognition program. In addition to completing this form, please write a 1- to 2-page summary explaining why your nominee should be honored for his or her exceptional volunteer hoof-care work.

A panel comprised of hoof-care professionals will select a winner based on the amount of time, money, other contributed resources and the innovation of the contribution in terms of creativity and uniqueness. The judges will also evaluate the impact of the volunteered efforts to the equine community, the level of contribution on the local, regional, national or global level, the results of the volunteered work and the amount of required skill and knowledge.

This is your chance to nominate a well-deserving colleague and show them how much you appreciate his or her volunteered dedication and commitment to the equine industry.