2006 Van Ness Award to Glen Eaton

Washington, DC, April 11, 2006 – Glen Eaton, of the Minnesota Horse Expo and Minnesota Horse Council, was awarded the 2006 Van Ness Award at the American Horse Council Awards Luncheon on April 4^th.

This award is named for Marjorie Van Ness and is given annually to a person in the equine industry who embodies the dedication and service of the late Mrs. Van Ness.  Her tireless dedication to the betterment of horse industry in New Jersey was vital in the formation of that state’s horse council and the formation of the AHC’s State Horse Council Advisory Committee.

Glen Eaton has made a tremendous contribution to the horse industry in Minnesota using the Minnesota Horse Expo as his primary vehicle.  In 1988, he was appointed Exhibit Director and in 1991 also took on the title of president of the Minnesota Horse Expo.  Under his direction, the Expo has become one of the largest educational horse expos in the country.

The Minnesota Expo is not only educational, but is the main fundraiser of the Minnesota Horse Council of which he is a member of the Board of Directors.  During his tenure on the Board of the Horse Council, the funds generated by the Expo have been used to fund handicapped riding programs, 4-H programs, western saddle clubs, county fairs and western heritage programs in Minnesota.  In addition, these funds have helped create scholarship programs for young people.

“While he enjoys the challenge of making the Minnesota Expo a yearly success,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council, in presenting the award, “his greatest satisfaction comes during the Minnesota Horse Council annual meeting when the profits from the Expo are distributed in grants and scholarships to help Minnesota horse programs and young people.”