MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Island Humane Society will debut a new award Aug. 20-22 during Hawaii Horse Expo at Waikoloa Stables in Waikoloa Village and at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

Proceeds from the annual Expo benefit the Humane Society’s Horse Rescue Fund, which helps abused and abandoned horses on the island.

The first HIHS Horse Rescue Fund Mana Award recipient is Laura Rose.

Originally from Monterey, Calif., Rose’s love of horses began at age eight. She grew up riding and following High School attended the Potomac Horse Center in Maryland passing The Horse Masters Course. During the early part of her career Rose worked in Dressage and as a Hunter Jumper Trainer. After moving to Hawaii in 1975 she became interested in Quarter Horses and in the Western Style of riding.

“Laura has dedicated herself to helping others learn about, appreciate, and understand horses,” said Donna Whitaker, executive director of Hawaii Island Humane Society. “She’s taught countless students how to ride and has inspired them to become the best they could be and is the ideal candidate to receive the first Mana Award.”

Rose has given her time to the community, serving on the boards of both the Hawaii Quarter Horse Association and the Hawaii Isle Dressage and Combined Training Association.

She has been the youth advisor for HQHA for more than 30 years, helped with the Big Island chapter of the Pony Club, and contributes to the Equine Program at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. The AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Association honored Rose earlier this year by honoring her with the 2009 Professional’s Choice Most Valuable Professional Award.

Rose epitomizes Hawaii Horse Expo’s values of inspiration and education. The Mana Award will be presented to Rose by Whitaker and by Dr. Lisa Wood of Veterinary Associates.

The ceremony is 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 will be during Hawaii Horse Expo at Waikoloa Stables, following the traditional blessing of horses.

HIHS Horse Expo Mana Award is named after an abandoned mare named Mana who spent the final months of her life in the care of HIHS’s Waimea Shelter.

The Mana Award recognizes an individual on the Big Island who has inspired and educated the community about horses so in the future horses like Mana are not abandoned.

The award stands for the inspiration and education of the equine community in line with the goals of Hawaii Horse Expo and is sponsored by Veterinary Associates Inc. in Waimea.

Expert clinicians participating in this year’s Hawaii Horse Expo include Western Horseman’s cover girl Tammy Pate, Road to the Horse Champion Richard Winters, equine behaviorist Dr. Robert Miller, biting expert Dale Myler, certified veterinary acupuncturist Dr. Jody Bearman, and TV star Rick Lamb.

Tickets for a full day cost $25 and are available at Walco International in Kawaihae, the Harry Wishard Gallery in Waimea, and at all Hawaii Island Humane Society Shelters. For more information call 887-2301.

— Find out more:
www.HawaiiHorseExpo.com
www.waikoloamarriott.com