Awards

Ohio Horseman's Council, Inc.

.........Horsemen helping Horsemen

The Ohio Horseman's Council gives out several awards each year. Lifetime Memberships, The Gibby Award, Merit Awards and various Membership awards are just a few. There are also awards for Trail Miles including the Top Ten Overall riders, the Top Ten Youth riders, the county that rides the most miles, the county with the most members reporting miles and the Trail Riding Hall of Fame. And don't forget the very popular Chili Cook Off - one lucky cook gets bragging rights for the year!

Member of the Year Award

Each chapter should Honor their own Member of the Year and send their chapters nomination to Rick Patterson. One honoree will be drawn from those nominated to be recognized at the General Membership Meeting. Preferably this person will not be an officer but should be someone who has contributed to OHC without being otherwise recognized. This is a great opportunity to say thanks to those members who don't have "titles" that are always there for the organization, kicking in and getting things done. Names should be sent to Rick Patterson by September 30th.

Merit Awards

The Gibby Award

Vicki, Gibby & Don

The "Gibby Award" named for Wilbur T. Gibson was established to recognize people who have worked on their own at

Larry, Gibby & Neal

some point to establish and maintain trail usage. Wilbur T. "Gibby" Gibson was the first recipient in 2001. In laying out the trails at Bark Camp, Gibby petitioned the Ohio State Legislature for support before creating and maintaining the trails on his own. Because of his work, the Ohio State Park System has dedicated the horse camp at Bark Camp in his honor. He was also honored at Harrison State Forest in Harrison County for same. Both places have trails named for him. Gibby passed in April, 2008 but his legacy lives on. The Gibby Award is a traveling award. The winner is presented with their own plaque and the merit committee has one with all names on it. Neil Shaw was the winner in 2002, Larry Matthews in 2003, Kathie Bruno in 2004, Don Wagner in 2005, and Mike Gerard in 2006, Doug Adams in 2007 and Bob Oakley in 2008.

Congratulations to our 2009 Gibby Award winner - Anne and Troy Lindimore!!

For more information about award criteria, deadlines or how to nominate someone for either the Gibby or a Merit award click here.

Trail Mileage Awards

The trail mileage program has several awards each year in recognition of county as well as individual accomplishments.

County Awards:    (each of these counties received $75 in recognition in 2008)

2008 Winner

■   County with most mileage reported

Cuyahoga County

■   County with the highest % of member reporting

Madison County

Individual Member Awards:

■ Top Ten Trail Riders (see report)

Eligible * to receive Top Ten Trail Rider Patch

■ Top Ten Youth Riders (see report)

Eligible * to receive a $15 Rod's gift card

* please contact Beth Bardash (email) if you have not claimed your award

In addition, any Trail Riders that have ridden and reported over 25,000 miles in their lifetime will be inducted into the Trail Riders Hall of Fame. They will receive a special belt buckle and plaque at the State Meeting.

Please go to Trail Mileage and Saddle Program for exciting new additions to the programs and new awards for 2009.

Chili Cook Off

Each Fall OHC chapters gather at Mohican State Forest for the annual Chili Cook Off. Each Chapter is allowed one entry. The winner is selected by ODNR personnel. Not an easy job! There is also a people's choice award based on decibel levels!! This event is enjoyed by all as shown in these pictures. In 2006 Holmes County won first place, Fairfield Co. 2nd place and Morgan Co. 3rd place. Wayne Co. won "Best Theme" . We had 63 trailers tightly packed with approximately 200 for dinner on Saturday. There were 14 chapters present representing 4 of the 5 Regions. There were door prizes with a portable fireplace as the major prize for the event. We had a live auction with many donated items. Our auctioneer, Gordon Nussbaum, was very entertaining and kept things moving.