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Lassiter to receive Hawaii Horse Expo 2011 Mana Award

MEDIA RELEASE

The 2nd Annual Mana Award will be presented during Hawaii Horse Expo on Sunday, Aug. 7 at historic Anna Ranch in Waimea. This year’s recipient is Pudding Lassiter.

“Pudding has spent a lifetime introducing young and old to the world of horses,” said Dr. Lisa Wood from Veterinary Associates, Inc., the award’s sponsor. “Her continued selfless contributions to the horse community and especially to youth have earned her respect and recognition in all arenas and we are thrilled to recognize her with this award.”

Lassiter, born and raised in Oola near Hilo, was leader of the Hilo 4-H Horse Club for more than 20 years, serving hundreds of young horsewomen and men. She also directed 4-H riders in drill team exercises, performing at various rodeos and parades in their trademark white shirts and jeans.

Some of Lassiter’s former students recall summer brandings at Kukaiau Ranch where they would camp for a week at a time. On chilly mornings they would saddle up, drive cattle with the cowboys in the fog and assist with branding.

“The children thought they were learning about horses and ranching,” Lassiter said. “But I knew they were also learning life lessons about work ethic, community, and gaining an appreciation for the simple things.”

Lassiter’s legacy continues at her own Puu Moi Ranch in Papaikou where preschoolers from Hilo are treated annually to a ranch visit complete with horseback riding, The ranch is also home to summer riding camps for children and adults.

The Mana Award will be presented by Hawaii Island Humane Society Executive Director Donna Whitaker and by Dr. Wood during Hawaii Horse Expo at historic Anna Ranch following the traditional blessing of horses at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7.

The HIHS Horse Rescue Fund Mana Award, sponsored by Veterinary Associates, Inc., 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 award recognizes a Hawaii Island individual who has inspired and educated the community about horses so others are not abandoned. The award’s first recipient was Laura Rose.

Hawaii Horse Expo 2011 begins Friday, Aug. 5 with a day-long Equine Medicine Symposium at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel featuring equine behaviorist Dr. Robert. Miller, Colorado equine veterinarian Dr. Mark Fitch, and Waimea veterinarian and equine reproduction expert Dr. Brady Bergin.

The Expo continues Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7 at Anna Ranch with Drs. Miller, Fitch and Bergin along with expert clinicians Tommy Garland, an accomplished horseman and trainer; RFD TV host Rick Lamb; “HorseThink” founder and trainer Scot Hansen; and TTouch founder Linda Tellington-Jones.

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

For tickets and program information, call Nancy Jones at 808-887-2301 or email NANJON8@aol.com, or visit www.HawaiiHorseExpo.com

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