The following was submitted to WCAHA about new member, Sandra Abe. She and her husband have bought property in Aiken, SC, and will move South when their farm in Virginia sells. Abe has supported Western Carolinas’ All-Star Stallion Futurity Auction in the past, and expects a foal from an auction breeding in May 2008.

Welcome, Sandra and Larry. We look forward to meeting you!

Sandra Abe named to ARIA’s Circle of Honor

The American Riding Instructors Association has named Sandra Abe of Emmanuel Equine Facility in Strasburg, Virginia, to the 2007 Instructor of the Year-Circle of Honor.

Friends, students, and Top Professionals nominated her earlier in the year for the Riding Instructor Magazine’s Top 50 Riding Instructors List. ARIA notified Mrs. Abe she was also nominated for Instructor of the Year Award. Along with the other candidates, she was honored at the National Riding Instructors Convention December 7-8 in Naples, Florida. 

Charlotte Kneeland, Executive Director of ARIA quoted, “the Circle of Honor Award is comprised of the top candidates around the nation not chosen for Instructor of the Year.  Even though it isn't the top honor, it is quite a distinction in itself.  There were quite a few nominations for Instructor of the Year, and many of those entered didn't even make the list. There are over 2500 members worldwide.”

The ARIA organization was founded in 1984 and has headquarters in Bonita Springs, Florida.  ARICP Certification is internationally recognized and is meant for the serious, above-average instructor who teaches safely and in a professional, competent manner, with high standards of honesty and integrity.

Mrs. Abe has a Lifetime Certification in Hunt Seat, Western, & Stable Management and is an Adjunct Instructor at Lord Fairfax Community College in Equine Studies. Experienced at Judging Schooling shows, she coached the local FFA Horse Judging Team for 3 years, consistently placing in the Top 5 out of 32-36 Teams at State Competition. In 1999 Mrs. Abe attended the Judging Seminar in Lexington, KY at the Egyptian Event and is currently studying to become a Licensed Judge with the United States Equestrian Federation & Arabian Horse Association.

For more information go to www.emmanuelequinefacility.com