In 2007, American Horse Publications (AHP) created the AHP Champion Award, which is presented to individuals who are instrumental in the development and growth of American Horse Publications. Collectively, the winners will be known as the AHP Circle of Champions. Each recipient receives a commemorative pin, individual plaque, and their names honored online at the AHP Web site (www.AmericanHorsePubs.org).

At its February 2007 Board Meeting, the AHP Board of Directors approved awarding the inaugural AHP Champion Award to the six individuals who were present at the organizational meeting of American Horse Publications held on Sept. 23, 1969. These individuals included: Arnold Kirkpatrick, Thoroughbred Record; Lucille Shuler, Arabian Horse World; Don Valliere, Turf & Sport Digest; Snowden Carter, Maryland Horse; Melvin Peavey, Horse World; and Alexander MacKay-Smith, The Chronicle of the Horse.

The inaugural AHP Champion Award was announced at the AHP Fiesta del Caballo Seminar in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 23, 2007, during the annual Awards Banquet. A PowerPoint presentation highlighting the winners was shown, and this presentation will soon be available online at the AHP Web site.

There are few among the current membership who will have known or met the six inductees. However, learning about those who came before is an important part of the association’s history