A reminder that Standardbred Canada (SC) is accepting submissions for the 2023 O’Brien Award of Horsemanship, with nominations due on Friday, Nov. 17.

SC invites members and associations to make submissions for the 2023 O’Brien Award of Horsemanship.

This award recognizes the Standardbred participant who best exemplifies the standard of horsemanship demonstrated by Joe O’Brien.

Criteria:

The O’Brien Award of Horsemanship recognizes a trainer who exemplifies the high standard of horsemanship that was demonstrated by Joe O’Brien during their career, including the outstanding care and training of Standardbreds, respect for the horse, a commitment to equine welfare and success in the development and training of young horses.

Canadian-based horsepeople will be evaluated on criteria which focuses on the development and performance of young horses within their care, for the given year. While the award will be open to both large and small operations, the focus of this award is on the hands-on horseperson who is able to achieve success within their racing jurisdiction, and possibly beyond.

Criteria for evaluation includes integrity, professionalism and a commitment to putting the welfare of horses first. Other measures for evaluation include performance ratings, stakes wins as a percentage of overall starts and race lines that indicate signs of development and maturity.

The Nominating Committee will review all submissions in addition to other candidates that meet the criteria, to determine the three candidates on the ballot for the O’Brien Award of Horsemanship.

Click here for the submission form.

Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (EST) on Nov. 17. Submissions should be emailed to Jade Regina at [email protected].