In a touching ceremony at the American Paint Horse Association's 2010 Summer World Championship Show, two deserving people were presented awards of a lifetime.
Present at the "Back in the Saddle" ceremony were (L-R): President-Elect Travis Titlow, Fifth Committee member Mary Parrott, Therapeutic Riding Committee Chairman Kevin Hardcastle, Hannah Holland, Christine Holland, President Linda Vance, Katie Holland, Brett Bird, Foundation President Cheryl Newman, Linda Bird and Randy Bird.
 Katie Holland's new saddle. © APHA |
Katie Holland of Belgrade, Montana, was presented with the American Paint Horse Foundation's first ever "Back in the Saddle" Award. And Randy Bird of Celeste, Texas, was awarded the Foundation's Highest Honor, the Legendary Achievement Award, for his role in making the "Back in the Saddle" Award possible.
The "Back in the Saddle" Award was presented to Holland in the John Justin Arena on Saturday, July 3, during a special awards presentation. Present at the awards ceremony were several members of the APHA Executive Committee, representatives from the American Paint Horse Foundation, and members of the Therapeutic Riding Committee.
After learning of the "Back in the Saddle" Award, Randy Bird stepped up to the plate by creating and donating the remarkable saddle that was presented to Holland. His family, wife Linda, son Brett and daughter-in-law Rachel, joined Randy for the awards and watched with pride as their loved one received the Foundation's highest honour, the Legendary Achievement Award. This award was presented to the Bird family for their pioneering spirit and drive to help enrich lives through interaction with horses. As a paraplegic and talented saddle-maker, Randy has used his personal experience and passion for riding to develop more than 600 therapy saddles and has helped change countless lives.
The "Back in the Saddle" Award's mission is to fulfill the wish of an injured rider, now physically challenged, to mount up and once again ride.
Katie Holland lost her leg in a tractor accident in 2007 while working at an equestrian center. She did not let this define her. Her dreams of one day riding and showing again have finally come true through this Foundation program.
Holland was speechless when her custom-made saddle was unveiled. The show saddle had hand-engraved floral tooling, silver accents with Holland's initials and a matching headstall. The saddle was built to custom specifications to compensate for her lost limb and the challenges she faces to stay balanced and erect on horseback.
Holland also received a special Gist belt buckle to commemorate her role in launching the "Back in the Saddle" program. Holland was grateful for this high honor and for all the help and support of all those involved. She plans on returning for the APHA Fall World Championship Show to compete in Amateur events.
Facebook
Twitter
HOME SITES 
