2015 EQUUS Professional Horseman Award Winner Announced

March 19, 2015–Farrier, trainer and youth instructor Stephen Coffey is the winner of the 2015 EQUUS Professional Horseman Award. Created to recognize veterinarians, trainers, farriers and other professionals who go the extra mile for clients and their clients, the Professional Horseman Award contest is sponsored by Emerald Valley, Kentucky Performance Products, LLC, Freedom Health.

Entrants were asked to submit a 200-word essay nominating a professional horseperson they know who has gone “above and beyond” to help keep their horses healthy and happy. Coffey was nominated by Sabrina Graham of Missouri.

In her essay—one of more than 153 unique entries—Graham described Coffey’s dedication to helping youth learn blacksmithing skills while riding and training in Western Pleasure, reining and barrel racing. The devoted instructor is especially known for giving back at the community level, whether it be an organization that needs an expert speaker, an event that needs an extra hand or a local family in need of temporary housing and assistance.

“He gives tirelessly of his time to 4H, Future Farmers of America and other youth organizations, while keeping his rigorous client schedule [with] the University Veterinary Orthopedic services and barns ranging from dressage to hunter, Western, reining and halter-horse businesses,” Graham wrote. “He is encouraging to students that need mentoring, and holds a professional and expectant line for those youth to meet.” In addition, she said, Coffey practices tool making and incorporates new methods at a reasonable price to all.

For winning the grand prize, Coffey will receive a special commemorative plaque. For nominating the grand prize winner, Graham will receive one (1) 44 lb. bag of EquiLife Formula 4 Feet Hoof Supplement from Emerald Valley; (1) case of SUCCEED from Freedom Health; and (1) KPP High Performance Pak of Neigh-Lox Advanced, Joint Armor, Elevate Maintenance Powder and Summer Games Electrolyte.

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