By Jocelyn Adams Plasman

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2025 HORSE COUNCIL BC AWARDS

Horse Council BC is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 HCBC Awards, including the Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award and our newly expanded awards program celebrating excellence in Community, Sport, Recreation, and Industry.

Volunteers are the foundation of BC’s equine community. From local clubs and sport development to advocacy and innovation, their contributions are vital in shaping a strong and inclusive equestrian culture across the province.

This year, we are excited to introduce a broader awards program designed to recognize the diverse ways HCBC members are making an impact. These new categories celebrate outstanding volunteers of all ages who are driving progress and making a difference in every corner of BC’s equine world.

We continue to honour legacy and long-standing service with the Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award — our highest recognition of a lifetime of dedication to the equestrian community.

Bob James Community Volunteer of the Year Award

These volunteers go above and beyond in their local communities, playing a vital role in a variety of organizations such as riding clubs and therapeutic riding centres. Some of the achievements of past award recipients include organizing provincial competitions, enhancing trail access, and infrastructure projects. Their efforts enrich the lives of others and create a positive, lasting impact on the equestrian community in the region.

Sport

These volunteers help drive equestrian sport in BC, including creating pathways for athlete development, supporting grassroots initiatives, and ensuring that equestrian sport continues to thrive at all levels in the province.

Recreation

These volunteers help promote recreational riding at the provincial and municipal levels. Examples include advocating for road safety, increasing access to Crown land, promoting multi-use access, working with trail access groups to support or influence policy, and trail building.

Industry

In this category, volunteers have a significant impact by implementing innovative solutions that contribute to improving and benefiting horse welfare. This can include novel business practices, developing science-based educational resources, aiding during a crisis, providing exceptional care practices, or contributing to provincial programs and policy initiatives.

Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award

Horse Council BC’s Lifetime Achievement Award was established and first presented in 1981 to honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions to BC’s equestrian community. These contributions, whether they have been through education, mentoring or leadership, have made a lasting footprint demonstrating a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the ongoing progression of the equine industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award is considered the premier award of Horse Council BC.

The recipient of this prestigious award must be a BC resident having achieved prominence through commitment and hard work, in turn positively impacting BC’s equine industry and inspiring others. This award is only awarded when warranted and is not necessarily awarded every year.

NOMINATIONS OPEN AUGUST 1 AND CLOSE NOVEMBER 30, 2025.

Criteria:

• Nominations must be for an HCBC member in good standing.
• Five nominators are needed, all of whom must be current HCBC members in good standing.
• Nomination form must be complete and in one package to be considered (all documents in one email).
• All nominations MUST be submitted on or before the nomination deadline to be accepted for the current year.
• The Awards Committee reserves the right to redirect a nomination into a more appropriate award category.
• The Awards Committee reserves the discretion to decide whether or not an award will be presented.
• Current HCBC staff and directors are not eligible to be nominated for the Volunteer Annual Awards.

Download Nomination Forms HERE.

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