The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) has announced the recipients of its annual awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that go beyond the call of duty to enrich the horse community. The awards were presented at the group’s annual conference on Nov. 22.

Cindy Rullman, who works in public relations and marketing at the Kentucky Horse Park, was recognized by KHC as the Welfare Advocate of the Year. Rullman, a lifelong supporter of animal welfare, received the honor because of her leadership in organizing, marketing, and supporting the John Henry Memorial Adoption Fair in June. The event was an opportunity for equine adoption agencies with rescued horses to network with potential adopters, and it was also a fundraiser for the SoHo (Save Our Horses) Fund which provides feed for hungry Kentucky Horses.

The Most Active Association of the Year honor was awarded to the Northern Kentucky Horse Network (NKHN). The NKHN exemplifies the type of regional organization that the Horse Council encourages throughout the state. The KHC reports the organization is dedicated to providing education to horse owners and remains actively engaged with local and state officials. The equestrian group is also involved with the development and maintenance of trails in the Northern Kentucky area.

The 2008 Trail Master Award was presented to Edith Conyers of Mount Sterling, who over the past two years has focused her efforts on developing trails in Kentucky. She is dedicated to the land and the equestrian trails, and she has taken a leadership role in organizing trail riders through the Back Country Horsemen of America, a national organization dedicated to ensuring the use of recreational stock on public lands. Conyers organized the first Kentucky Back Country Horsemen Chapter, and she went on to assume the role of president. She also travels to national trails conferences and testifies before State Legislative Committees on the value of horseback riding to the state’s economy and lifestyle