The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) Excellence Awards recognize the individuals, groups, and associations whose dedication and innovation, through outstanding achievements, positively impact our Kentucky equine community. This year's award winners were celebrated at the KHC Annual Member Meeting on Nov. 10, where recipients received public accolades for their work and accomplishments.

Volunteer of the Year

The KHC chose Donna Waldrup from Nicholas County, Ky., as the 2013 Volunteer of the Year. Waldrup spent long hours over the last four years, working on KHC events and programs, such as the Kentucky Round-Up, the Kentucky Trail Summit, and the Annual Convention.

In addition to her full-time job with AT&T, Waldrup remains extremely active in the equine industry. Her equine activities include (but are not limited to): working as a part-time rider for Blue Grass Stockyards East; participating in the Cowboy Church Network of Kentucky and Blue Grass Cowboy Church; volunteering at the Kentucky Horse Park and with the Back Country Horsemen; and competing in ranch roping, working cow horse, penning/sorting, and mounted shooting competitions. This year, Waldrup competed in Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association competitions with the Cowtown Rangers and won the State Championship for Ladies Level 1.

"The Kentucky Horse Council has been fortunate to have an incredible database of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers," said Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council. "This past year, Donna Waldrup stood out, and showed everyone what an ideal, hardworking volunteer can do. Her service to the Kentucky Horse Council is invaluable and highly appreciated