FOLLOW US

Yvette Anderson-Rollins Receives AHC’s 2015 Van Ness Award

On June 16, the American Horse Council presented the Van Ness Award to Yvette Anderson-Rollins of Springville, Indiana, during the organization’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

The Van Ness Award is presented annually to an individual who has shown leadership and service to the horse community in his or her state. It is awarded in memory of Mrs. Marjorie Van Ness, one of the founders of the New Jersey Horse Council. Mrs. Van Ness was one of the organizers of the AHC’s Coalition of State Horse Councils. 

“Ms. Anderson-Rollins has dedicated her life to creating, maintaining and promoting land and trail usage both in Indiana and nationwide,” said AHC president Jay Hickey in presenting the award to her. “She is a true educator in conservation, planning and government affairs, and has worked tirelessly to open lines of communication, keep them open, ensure concerns are heard, and answers found to major problems.”

Ms. Anderson-Rollins has spoken at many trails symposia, including the National Trails Symposium, the Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference, and the National Equestrian Trails Conference. She has served as the Treasurer and Vice-Chair for the Back Country Horsemen of America, as well as on their Media and Public Lands Committees. She was the President of Hoosier Back Country Horsemen, BCHA of West Central Indiana, the Indiana Horse Council, and the Indiana Trail Riders Association. She served on the Governor’s Committee for the “Hoosier’s on the Move” master trails plan and was the Chair for the DNR Trails Advisory Board.

Receiving the Van Ness Award is just the latest in a long line of awards. She has also received the Trail Warrior Award from Trail Blazer Magazine, the Trail Advocate Award from the Mid-America Trails and Greenways Conference, and was the first recipient of the Mike Phillips Award from Best of America by Horseback.

She has worked for the past 29 years at Indiana University. “During her spare time, she raises and rides American Quarter Horses and is an adventurous trail rider who enjoys riding with her grandchildren and discovering what is over the next ridge with the hope that they will carry on the tradition of promoting and protecting trails,” said Hickey.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Marjorie Van Ness award,” said Ms. Anderson-Rollins. “When I look at all those who have received this award before me and their great accomplishments, and the knowledge they have shared, I am overwhelmed by their dedication to the betterment of the horse. There are so many people who deserve to be recognized with the Van Ness award. I would like to thank all those for their hard work and volunteerism ensuring future generations an opportunity to enjoy the horse.”

For more information visit the American Horse Council’s website at horsecouncil.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SHARE THIS STORY

RELATED ARTICLES

POPULAR ARTICLES

GET NEWS & UPDATES

Oops! We could not locate your form.