AWS ANNOUNCES:
2009 Director/Representative of the Year Award

Another year when it was difficult to select "THE" Director/Representative of the Year. So many Directors and Representatives are doing such a great job in promoting the American Warmblood Society and its horses. After much deliberation, Gigha Steinman, Florida Dressage Representative was selected.

Gigha has been quietly representing the AWS since she became a member May 1996 and when she volunteered her time to become a representative in July 1996. In the early years she presented AWS award medals at the local Florida Dressage competitions, never taking any awards she and her horses had earned.

Pictured above is Gigha on her "Approved for Breeding" stallion Lexington /*/ / / / /. He is one of many horses that Gigha has bred, trained and represents.

Gigha has become a breeder of quality sport horses that are part Friesian and is president of the new Friesian Sporthorse Association. This new registry is working cooperatively with the AWS, both organizations sharing information. The Friesian Sporthorse registered horses are satisfying their performance requirements through the AWS inspections. It is a win-win for all concerned.

Congratulations to Gigha Steinman, Director/Representative of the Year.

DIRECTORS OF THE YEAR PAST RECIPIENTS

2008 Kathy Wilson, MO State Director
2007 Sharon Enderlein, GA State Director
2006 Cece Daly, NC State Director
2005 Laura Freeman, DVM, LA Dressage Representative
2004 Cynthia Collins, CA Region 7 Awards Representative
2003 Sarah Reuter, VA State Director
2002 Tanya Holliday, AZ State Director
2001 Marion Dresel-O'Connor, ID National Board Member, retired
2000 Sue Bradley, MA retired Sport Horse Representative
1999 Jo McCracken, FL retired Awards Representative
1998 Rachel Ehrlich, MA, NE Region Breed Director
1997 Ed & Elaine Cornell, retired KS State Directors
1996 Ronda Dillard, TX, Area V Eventing Representative
1995 Dinah Hoyt-Taylor, retired MD State Director
1994 William Andrews III, retired NC State Director
1993 Dennis Schneider, retired OR State Director
1992 Mindy Colton, retired FL State Director
1991 Susan Arndt, retired WA State Director
1990 Sharon Booth, WA, AWS National Research Director