CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (March 5, 2026)—Since 2002, the Equine Industry Vision Award has honored 19 individuals and five organizations. They were toasted for outstanding visionary achievements or sustained contributions that have profoundly impacted the equine industry. The award recognizes ingenuity and service to the equine industry by inspiring these qualities in others.
One of the following four finalists will become the next recipient of this award on May 15 in Lexington, Kentucky. The winner will be announced during the breakfast sponsored by Zoetis at the American Horse Publications (AHP) Equine Media Conference.
Finalists
The 2026 finalists are:
- Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement, a non-profit sanctuary in Kentucky providing lifetime care to retired Thoroughbred racehorses while educating the public about aftercare
- Lynn Coakley, CEO and Founder of the EQUUS Foundation, a national non-profit dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between horses and people through advocacy and grantmaking
- Roxane Durant, co-founder and Executive Director of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), a non-profit organization that provides competitive and educational equestrian opportunities for students in grades 4–12 and introductory collegiate riders
- Glenn Hebert, founder of the Horse Radio Network and host of Horses in the Morning, the leading podcast network dedicated to equestrian news, education and entertainment
Celebrating the vision
“Each year, the Equine Industry Vision Award reminds us that true progress in our industry begins with bold ideas and the courage to act on them,” said Brook USA CEO Emily Marquez-Dulin, who serves on the AHP Board of Directors and is chair of the 2026 EIVA Committee. “The 2026 finalists represent extraordinary leadership, innovation and heart. [These are] individuals who have not only advanced equine welfare, education and media, but have inspired countless others to do the same. AHP is honored to celebrate their vision and to continue this meaningful partnership with Zoetis in recognizing those who shape the future of the equine industry.”
American Horse Publications partnered with Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) to develop the award in 2001. To learn more about the past winners and the Equine Industry Vision Award, visit https://www.americanhorsepubs.org/ahp-special-awards/.
About AHP
American Horse Publications is dedicated to excellence in equine media through education and communication. AHP strives to be the primary source of education, resources and networking for the equine media community. Taking a proactive approach in an ever-evolving, communications-driven world allows it to promote, support and reward excellence in equine media. For more information, visit the AHP website at www.americanhorsepubs.org.
About Zoetis
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis seeks to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. The company has innovated ways to predict, prevent, detect and treat animal illness for more than 70 years. The Zoetis Equine division is committed to providing reliable health care with help from numerous equine veterinarians and other experts. They are inspired daily by the opportunity and profound responsibility to support horses and those safeguarding their well-being. Visit zoetisequine.com to learn more.
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