AQHA - MERLE WOOD HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNER

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MERLE WOOD HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENTS

2007 MERLE WOOD HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR - JOYCE McDONALD

Joyce McDonald
2007 Merle Wood Humanitarian

Joyce McDonald of Great Falls, Montana, is the 2007 Merle Wood Humanitarian Award recipient.

Joyce’s commitment to the American Quarter Horse and her ability to share this devotion with others has made a profound impact on the members of Montana. For more than 30 years she has given her time and wisdom to foster positive relationships with countless industry youth, instilling in them a passion for the horse and the ability or knowledge to succeed.

Her immeasurable hours of voluntary work spent to improve the experiences of others led to her involvement with a relatively new program through the Montana Quarter Horse Association. Healing Hearts through Horses is a horseback riding program created to enrich the lives of abused children who are victims of abandonment, neglect, family violence or parental drug and alcohol abuse.

It was the promise of hope for so many deserving children that enticed Joyce’s family to launch this wonderful program. Their example has encouraged many volunteers to participate, thus creating added interest in the worthwhile and growing project, as well as MQHA.

Joyce’s many years of work with MQHA and now Healing Hearts through Horses have positively impacted the organization’s growth. Overall, Joyce’s positive and enduring spirit has distinguished her among her peers. The strength she exhibits allows her remarkable voluntary service to persevere and stand as an example for younger generations.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2006 Willard Rhodes	2005 Dr. John Yost
2004 Jerry Hedrick	2003 Cliff Keesee
2002 David Whitaker	2001 Charles Watkins
2000 Richard Fortner	1999 Anne Marion
1998 La Rue Sauers	1997 Mary Hopkins

COMMEMORATIVE BRONZE

Recipients of the prestigious Merle Wood Humanitarian Award are presented with a commemorative bronze bust of an American Quarter Horse, designed and generously donated by renowned sculptor Marrita McMillian of Gainesville, Texas.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION

You can nominate a special horseman or horsewoman for this award. Named after the late Kansas horseman Merle Wood, the Merle Wood Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals whose devotion to youth and horses has made a significant difference to the American Quarter Horse industry. Nomination deadline is April 1, 2009. For more information, please call (806) 378-5029 or e-mail foundation@aqha.org.

Must be a member in good standing with AQHA
Distinguished himself or herself through humanitarian endeavors in the American Quarter Horse industry
Made significant contributions of time to support programs, projects or activities that benefit the industry
Actively involved in equine endeavors

For more information on the Merle Wood Humanitarian Award, click here.