2026 Annual Award Winners

Each year, the Wisconsin Horse Council presents awards for the Horseperson of the Year, Judge of the Year and the WHC Director of the Year. In some years, there is also a Legislator of the Year. 2008 was the first year that nominations were accepted for the Special Achievement Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, and new in 2016, Equine of the Year was added.

Recipients of the Horseperson, Special Achievement Award and Lifetime Achievement Award are nominated by the public and voted on by the WHC Board of Directors. The WHC Director of the Year and Legislator of the Year are nominated and voted on by the Board of Directors. The Judge of the Year is an annual award given by the Wisconsin Horse Council and is based on a person’s contributions to Wisconsin’s equine industry as a judge.  The winner is chosen by past, active Judges of the Year. The Equine of the Year candidates are submitted by members in each district to their District President and appointed district members chose a winner. The winner from each district is then sent to the WHC Board of Directors and a final WHC Equine of the Year is chosen.

Please join us in applauding these people and horse for the contributions they have made to our equine industry in Wisconsin.

Do you know someone who deserves to be nominated for recognition for their work in our equine industry?  Check out the WHC Awards Program on our web site www.wisconsinhorsecouncil.org.

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CONGRATULATIONS 2026 WISCONSIN HORSE COUNCIL AWARD WINNERS!

Lifetime Achievement for Dr. Anne Clary

For over 30 years, Dr. Anne Clary has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the equine industry in Wisconsin and beyond. Dr. Clary has devoted her professional life to equine veterinary medicine, serving the equine community with integrity, expertise, and compassion. She is widely respected for her depth of knowledge, ethical standards and her unwavering commitment to both horses and the people who care for them.

Dr. Clary has loved working with and breeding her Percherons on Pegasus Farms, training them up to World Congress title holders. Within the draft horse and agricultural horse industry, she has played a vital role in supporting, preserving, and advancing Percherons and other draft breeds. Dr. Clary’s dedication to youth development has fostered learning, mentorship, and hands-on experience for young people new to the equine world. She has served in numerous leadership roles and has contributed her time, expertise, and vision to non-profits such as Furrows to Fences, a program dedicated to advocacy and education for the Percheron breed.

Dr. Clary has created a legacy in decades of service, in which she has positively influenced countless horses, owners, professionals and young people. The standards of excellence, stewardship, and dedication that she embodies continue to shape the equine industry today and will do so well into the future.

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Lifetime Achievement for Diane Sackett

Diane Sackett has played an integral part of the equine community in Wisconsin, through volunteerism with the Wisconsin Horse Council, and Dodge County Horseman’s Association. She has been involved in clinics, ‘fun days’, speed and pleasure shows, horse promotions, and planning and executing activities in her horse community.

Diane is a leader that is gifted at bringing enthusiasm, strength, and focus into the organizations she works with. She volunteers at shows helping younger riders understand and thrive in their classes. Diane works hard to get youth involved and is constantly searching for ways to keep the excitement of the horse world alive in the future generations. Diane is a calm and positive role model for all those that know her and has spent her life ensuring that others can enjoy and explore the equine world that she loves so much.

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Judge of the Year - Liz Rice

The Wisconsin Horse Council would like to congratulate Liz Rice as the 2026 Judge of the Year recipient.Liz has been judging for 20 years and is highly regarded as a Judge. Her horse related experience goes beyond that. She is passionate about equine education and has dedicated a great amount of time to various clubs and associations. Liz also donates her time to give lessons and clinics to various organizations.

Congratulation Liz Rice, on your 2026 Judge of the Year award.

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Special Achievement for Barn Besties

Megan McIsaac and Stephanie Severn are the partners behind Barn Besties – a video production company dedicated to promoting Wisconsin’s equine industry. These horsewomen have created an online educational platform for equestrians with the objective of developing the connection and community for horse farm owners and emerging equine professionals.

The impetus to create the business grew from an awareness that attendance at shows, clinics, fairs, and horse clubs was on the decline. Barn Besties is trying to find a way for the equine community to work together to bring about change and growth to the industry.

They endeavor to do that through learning about people’s stores, taking barn tours, networking, and exchanging ideas. They have commented, “We love hearing their stories, how they discovered horses, who mentored them, how they built their businesses…the good the bad, and the ugly… We’ve learned that horse people are far more alike than different, and that our sport is at a critical moment.”

Through their Barn Besties YouTube channel, and other social media platforms, the horsewomen hope to support equine professionals, and ultimately help improve the lives of horses and the humans who care for them, with a goal to support the next generation.

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Special Achievement for Katie Brucks & the Lucky Foundation

In 2023 Katie Brucks created “The Lucky Foundation”, a nonprofit, organization to build a resilient and interconnected community within the special needs sector through her equine program. By harnessing the therapeutic power of horses, Katie aimed to create space where individuals could not only find support but also experience a profound sense of accomplishment. Katie, who is a certified Human-Equine Alliances for Learning (HEAL) instructor, and her staff of 15 lesson horses, 11 apprentices, and 5 lease option horses, make horse riding dreams come true for persons young or old, able bodied or wheelchair bound, cognitive delays or emotional disorders – because all are welcome at Lucky Stables!

Thanks to the generosity of the Lucky Foundation supporters, over $25,000 was raised in 3 short months to facilitate a caravan of 17 people taking 5 Equestrians with Disabilities to show at the National Snaffle Bit Association ‘Show Your Colors World Championship’ in August 2025.

It’s the Lucky Foundation’s mission to cultivate a community where every participant, regardless of ability and financial status, can achieve personal milestones and stride towards a future where each member discovers their unique strengths and contributes to a thriving and empowered community.

Horseperson of the Year - Katie Brucks

Owner and head instructor of Lucky Stables LLC, Katie Brucks has created a lesson program where everyone is welcome. She and her team offer instruction in English, Western, Dressage, Jumping, and Driving. Over the years her students have been actively involved in 4-H and have competed in all levels of horse showing, fostering competitive spirit and horsemanship skills across Wisconsin and beyond.

Lucky Stables is an approved vendor through Wisconsin’s IRIS program and CLTS for residents with disabilities, allowing her to provide therapeutic riding opportunities to special needs riders. Katie established the “Lucky Foundation”, a charitable organization focused on supporting equestrians with disabilities. In August 2025, Katie and the Lucky Foundation took five special needs riders, along with horses from Lucky Stables, to the NSBA World show in Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in EWD classes. This work ensures that the joy and benefits of horsemanship reaches those who might otherwise face barriers.

Katie’s commitment to education shines through in the clinics she hosts and participates in, as well as the countless educational videos and posts she creates and shares through her social media accounts.

Katie is more than an instructor – she is a mentor, a leader, and a consummate professional who has touched countless lives in our equine community. Her tireless contributions to youth development, education, industry promotion, and inclusive community activities make her an outstanding representative of Wisconsin’s equine.

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Equine of the Year - Lewey, District 3

In every task asked of him, 'Leanin’ on Grace', aka “Lewey”, doesn’t just do what is expected, he redefines excellence. Lewey reveals a deeper intellect than most, showcasing his potential to team with equestrians of all levels and backgrounds, unlocking the potential in each rider that has the opportunity to get in his saddle.

Lewey’s calm demeanor and saint-like patience gives riders the confidence and courage needed to excel and step out of their comfort zone. He offers opportunities for personal growth and development in halter, speed, obstacles, and roping – just to name a few.

More than ‘just a lesson horse’, Lewey is the true unicorn people look for in a beginner safe mount. He is a true representative of a great equine that has helped many riders grow their horsemanship skills.

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Director of the Year - Mark Long

Mark Long, Current President of Wisconsin State Horse Council District 5, has made a significant impact in carrying out the WHC mission of representing, protecting, and fostering a united equine industry in Wisconsin. Mark has worked tirelessly to make his facility, Heartland Equestrian Center, a place of promotion for the WHC, and bring in new members every year with the help of his facilities large following in the State.

Heartland Equestrian Center has proudly hosted the state judge’s seminar for the past four years, providing it free of charge in 2025. For the past two years Mark has partnered with the WHC through their generous sponsorships to host Heartland Horse Festival – a beginner friendly introduction to horses coordinated with local equine experts to deliver educational seminars and demonstrations.

Mark is a strong supporter of local horse clubs in which he is a member. He believes that a united front in the equine industry, working cross-clubs and supporting all events--will build a stronger more sustainable equine industry in the State. It is that thought process and leadership that has united the central Wisconsin equine community into a thriving atmosphere. Mark’s focus to work alongside others, to be better together, proves him to be an amazing asset and ambassador to the Wisconsin horse industry – and a role model WHC leader.