HRC Awards Banquet

While the show and riding season is slowing down, we gather each January to celebrate the previous year's accomplishments and share good times with friends. We look forward to seeing you! In addition to awards in each show division, here are the special awards handed out that night:

HRC Rookie Trail Blazer Award
This trophy is awarded to the high point rider in his or her first year of trail riding who has completed at least one Hanson Riding Club trail ride and a judged ride or Versatility event and who has accrued the highest mileage or points on the same horse.

4-H High Point Trail Ride Award
Awarded to an HRC member who is also a 4-H member accumulating the most points/mileage at HRC Pleasure/ Judged Trail Rides and/or Versatility on the same horse.

Nancy Whelan Memorial Award
Awarded to the high point walk/trot division HRC rider who has competed in at least one HRC Show, and one HRC Pleasure/ Judged Trail Ride or Versatility event on the same horse. Donated by the Hanson Riding Club in fond memory of HRC member, Nancy Whelan, a lovely horsewoman who passionately competed in HRC Shows and Trail Rides, and loved sharing her knowledge and love for horses with fellow enthusiasts.

HRC Versatility Award
Awarded to the high-point horse and rider combination that competed in both HRC Versatility events and at least one HRC trail ride.

Wayne Rose Memorial Award
Awarded to the high-point Hanson Riding Club rider from the walk/trot 12 & under divisions. Originally donated by the Elias family in memory of Wayne Rose who was active in the club and had a special place in his heart for children.

Purina Senior Horse Award
In recognition and appreciation of all the “old timers” that are still going strong.This trophy is sponsored and provided by Purina Feeds and Hanson Grain. It is awarded to the high-point senior horse over the age of 15, ridden by an HRC member, with the most points accumulated in the Purina Senior Pleasure Classes.

Good Hands Equitation Award
Awarded to the high-point Hanson Riding Club walk/trot equitation rider from any age division from points accumulated in Walk/Trot or the Green Horse Division.

HRC Presidential Under Saddle Award
Awarded to the high-point horse and rider combination for points accumulated in pleasure, trail and equitation classes in the Walk/Trot/Canter division. Given in memory of our founding President, Harold Hennessy whose love of, and dedication to horses and riding lives on today through the Hanson Riding Club.

HRC Overall High-Point Horse or Pony Award
This award is based strictly on the horse or pony’s accumulative points from all classes at Hanson Riding Club horse shows. It counts division, games and miscellaneous classes. Multiple riders can accrue points on the same horse, however, every rider must be an HRC member in good standing on the day of the shows.

Whit Acres Farm "Sharing the Dream" Perpetual Trophy
Sponsored by Whit Acres Farm, this trophy is awarded to that individual who is noticed throughout the season for their continual support and hours of dedication. Not necessarily a rider themselves, they take the time out of their busy schedule to cheer on someone important in their lives. This is about the person in the rider's life that just understands the lifestyle, the commitment, the passion, the dream.

Jim’s Li’l Chico Memorial Challenge Award
Awarded to the overall high-point Leadline rider from either age group accumulated from all Leadline classes at all HRC shows. This Challenge Trophy is donated by Rita Bryant and the Balmes family in loving memory of a very special horse who touched their lives for more than 16 years. Jim’s Li’l Chico, “Chico”, a kind, gentle and trustworthy Appaloosa gelding, carried many young riders into their first show, (he never missed a Hanson RidingClub show), helped build their confidence and got a few “older” riders back in the saddle!

Showmanship Challenge Trophy
Given to the exhibitor, who is also a Hanson Riding Club member, whose exemplary showmanship skills were rewarded during the show season, culminating in the judge’s choice of a champion from all the showmanship class winners of the season. The Showmanship Challenge winner was chosen at HRC’s Supreme Invitational.

Rita Bryant Memorial Award (formerly Chatas King Billy Award)
This award is given to a Hanson Riding Club member of any age who has a passion for showing and treats his or her horse with kindness, love and respect. This recipient must display excellent sportsmanship, in and out of the ring. This belt buckle is awarded regardless of points earned in the show ring. Nomination Information: Established in 2000, this award requires special nomination.  This custom made sterling silver buckle is given to an HRC member in good standing who has shown in at least one HRC show, has a passion for showing, and treats his or her horse with kindness, love and respect.  The recipient must display excellent conduct and sportsmanship in and out of the ring. To nominate a member you feel qualifies, please write why you think this person deserves this award and recognition, and send to:

Angela Balmes
Balmy Acres
10 Roger's Path
Middleboro, MA 02346

Nominations must be in writing and received by Nov 15th.

Triple Bar Gentleman All-Around Horse or Pony Memorial Award
This award honors those horses that do a little bit of everything. Recipients of this award will be selected based on points earned at HRC SHows as well as participation at HRC Versatility Events, HRC Trail Rides and other HRC events (parades, clinics, etc). This award is based strictly on the horse's points and can be earned by different riders at the different events as long as they are HRC members in good standing. Points at shows will be chosen from the highest point earner in one division for that day. Participation points are given for other events.

HRC Clover Award

This trophy is awarded to any HRC member that is also a member of a Plymouth County 4-H Club who has demonstrated 4 important qualities:
1) Head - a desire to know all about horses
2) Heart - Kindness to others and to animals
3) Hands - a strong work ethic and desire to volunteer
4) Health - a commitment to healthy living 

HRC Scholarship

HRC proudly offers scholarships each year to qualifying candidates. In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be a member in good standing for at least two years.

2. You must not have previously been awarded this scholarship.

3. A minimum 2.75 GPA

4. Application submitted and received no later than Dec 1st.

Fill out the application form below.