Nominations for the first American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Equine Public Service Award are due June 3, 2002. Presented by the AQHA, the Equine Public Service Award will recognize an outstanding American Quarter Horse that works in the public service sector.

For the AQHA Equine Public Service Award, the horse must be a living, registered American Quarter Horse and must meet the following qualifications:

1. Received special training for their job
   
2. Work in a professional capacity
   
3. Currently utilized by the nominating organization (not retired from service)

All nominated horses must have achieved one or more of the following:

• Have documented meritorious service (Saved the life of a person(s), bravery in crowd control, etc.
  
• Recognized by a media outlet (local or national)
  
• Recognized by city/state/provincial/country organization (i.e. Police Department, Mayor’s office, Presidential
  declaration, etc.)
  
• Won a national title at a mounted patrol competition
  
• Gone above and beyond to create a safer environment for the public
  
• Commendable service can be a lifetime accomplishment or through a date-specific event
  
• If the American Quarter Horse died while performing a meritorious act, it may be nominated– a special award can be given posthumously. The Equine Public Service award is designed to recognize a living, working horse.

The winning horse will receive a specially designed plaque that will be suitable for mounting on tack or other equipment.  Additionally, the organization that owns the American Quarter Horse will receive a specially framed certificate from AQHA as well as coverage in AQHA’s Member’s magazine America’s Horse, and on its weekly television program “America’s Horse” on the Outdoor Life Network