THE 2009 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER WAS HELD ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH AT BEAVER BROOK COUNTRY CLUB, ANNANDALE, NJ.     

 Saddlebreds that are shown in the various divisions at qualifying horse shows are recognized for their outstanding performance.  Awards are presented each year at our Annual Banquet and include awards for the top Equitation riders as well as for the Academy division winners.

The Banquet is a festive and entertaining event which usually takes place in early December.  It's a great time to visit with the many members whom we see only on occasion but who support our organization all year long.   It's also a time to thank those that work so hard to achieve our goals and to focus attention on those persons deserving special recognition.    

Winner of the High Point "Doc" Covino Perpetual Memorial Trophy:  "I'm Goin Out Tonight", owned by Margory Brown and Nealia McCracken

Winner of the Versatility Award, presented in memory of Linda Gemeinhardt:  "Revelation's Daryl Eden", owned by Anne Butler.

Winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, Jeanne Lavelle.

The complete list of 2009 award winners will be published in the 2010  ASHA of NJ Directory.

Over eighty members and guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner in an elegant setting at the Beaver Brook Country Club on December 6th.  Members and guests enjoyed a full course delicious dinner preceded by cocktails and hors de oeuvres and followed by a delectable dessert buffet.  Joan Booth, President of ASHA of NJ, welcomed everyone and introduced the Officers and Directors who will be serving the Association in 2009,while thanking all those volunteers who work continuously on the myriad of duties assigned. 

 The highlight of the evening was the presentation of ribbons and trophies won in all the divisions at qualifying shows throughout the season, including awards for our academy riders.  Members donated quality items to the annual auction, which raises funds to  enable the club to promote activities during the year.  Thanks to Doreen Weston, Brian Campbell and the banquet committee for an enjoyable evening.  A complete list of all the award winners will be featured in the 2010 Annual Directory.

Those who received special recognition for outstanding contributions to achieving our goals included Candi Covino Aversenti, Mark McCracken and Jessie Richardson.       

Photos courtesy of Chris Rupnow, Saddle and Bridle magazine