| |
From Dawnville Farms, established in 1973 in Leduc, they established a Morgan horse breeding program that is internationally respected. They were among the first breeders to bring Morgans into Alberta, and Dawnville Farms continues to operate as a breeding, training and boarding business. Bienert, a member of a homesteading family raised in Leduc, was among the first to bring electricity, telephone and gas to the area, was involved in 4-H and was a director and president of the Leduc Light Horse Association. In 1985, he was honoured as Leduc's Citizen of the Year.
On January 10, 2009, at the 27th annual Horse Breeders and Owners Conference, the Horse Industry Association of Alberta proudly presented the Distinguished Service Award to Peggy McDonald and Eldon Bienert in recognition of their significant contributions to the equine industry in Alberta.
"Peggy McDonald and Eldon Bienert are best known for their myriad efforts on behalf of their breed of choice - their beloved Morgan," said Pete Fraser, president of the Horse Industry Association of Alberta, while presenting the couple with their award. "Their dedication and influence has by no means been limited to the Morgan hoof print. For many years they have been relentless in improving the equine world through their efforts with the Equine Foundation of Canada - a non-profit organization that supports our veterinary colleges through grants, scholarships, and the purchase of specialized equipment to aid in equine teaching and research. This is just one more example of the incredible vision and purpose, unwavering support and involvement, and big picture devotion to the equine that has been part of their daily routine for many decades."
"McDonald was one of the founding members of the Canadian Morgan Horse Association, and she and Bienert have held many executive positions with the association, the Alberta Morgan Horse Club and the charity organization Equine Foundation of Canada," said Les Burwash, head of equine programs with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Airdrie. "Their many years of active support and dedication to the Morgan breed and to the horse industry in this province are very deserving of recognition."
"Their attendance and competition at horse shows within Alberta, throughout Canada, in the U.S. and at Equitana in Germany has helped put Alberta on the map," said Teresa van Bryce, manager, Horse Industry Association of Alberta and one of the conference organizers. "McDonald and Bienert are truly a team, having worked together successfully and with clear vision and purpose. As mentors, breeders and trainers, they have made significant contributions to Alberta's horse industry."
In receiving this award, McDonald and Bienert join an exclusive group of Alberta horsemen and women: Bill Collins, Marg and Ron Southern, Hans Hansma, Joe Selinger, Bruce Roy, Dave Robson, Dr. David Reid, John Scott and Doug Milligan.
(l to r) Pete Fraser, Eldon Bienert and Peggy McDonald - Distinguished Service Award presented during the 2009 Alberta Horse Breeders and Owners Conference
Click here for a high res file
Contact:
Teresa van Bryce
403-948-8521
Les Burwash
403-948-8541
The contents of this page are no longer available.
|
|