Nominations for the United States Harness Writers Association's 2025 Caretaker of the Year award will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 7. 

The award, sponsored by Art Zubrod and Leah Cheverie’s Fair Island Farm in conjunction with the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), recognizes the unsung heroes of the sport: the caretakers who maintain the health and welfare of the horses on a daily basis.

Any caretaker working for any stable or farm in North America is eligible to be the Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year. All that is needed to nominate is an email, 200 words minimum, from an individual or group detailing the skills and special qualities of the caretaker.

The 2025 Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year will receive a cash prize of $2,500 USD as well as transportation costs to the USHWA Dan Patch Awards banquet in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, where he or she will be recognized and presented with a trophy. The winner will also enjoy a two-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, host hotel for the USHWA activities, as well as two complimentary dinner tickets. All nominated caretakers will receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishments.

"Leah and I are honoured to continue the tradition of recognizing caretakers and the hard work they do on a daily basis," said Zubrod. "And it is especially gratifying to honour one most-deserving person as the Caretaker of the Year."

The winner will be chosen by an eight-person selection committee comprised of USHWA members, all of whom are former caretakers: Tim Bojarski (chair), Kim Rinker, Tom Charters, Moira Fanning, Jessica Hallett, Dean Hoffman, Mary McDermott and Shawn Wiles.

All nomination emails must be sent to Bojarski at [email protected] by Sunday, Dec. 7.

(USHWA)