IHSA Founder and Executive Director Bob Cacchione holds open his honorary degree from Centenary College following commencement in Hackettstown, New Jersey on May 14th.

WITH EQUINE INDUSTRY VISION AWARD, IHSA'S BOB CACCHIONE RECEIVES FOURTH MAJOR ACCOLADE IN SIX MONTHS

It has certainly been an auspicious 2011 (and late 2010) for IHSA Founder and Executive Director Bob Cacchione. Over the span of six months Cacchione has received the United States Hunter Jumper Association's Presidents Award, the United States Equestrian Federation/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award, an honorary degree from Centenary College and the Pfizer Animal Health/American Horse Publications Equine Industry Vision Award.

The Vision Award was presented to Cacchione on June 17th, during a breakfast ceremony at the AHP's yearly seminar which was held in San Diego, California. Judging Criteria for the award stipulates that the recipient shows "The vision and innovation of a true pioneer." "Leadership, commitment, dedication and willingness to serve." "Original and effective ideas and/or products, services and programs" and "High moral, ethical and professional standards." The award was first given out to Alexander Mackay-Smith in 2002 and has been presented to David O'Connor, John Nicholson and even the American Quarter Horse Association among others over a ten-year span.

“It’s an honor to recognize Robert Cacchione and his outstanding vision and service to the IHSA on the special tenth anniversary of the Equine Industry Vision Award,” said Kristin Ruff, Director at Pfizer Animal Health. “Robert Cacchione and the IHSA have helped transition thousands of young graduates into various segments of the equine industry.” Cacchione received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the awards presentation.

On May 14th Cacchione was one of three individuals to receive a 'Doctor of Humane Letters' honorary degree from Centenary College. During her opening remarks Centenary College President Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite acknowledged that Centenary College was again the IHSA National Champion and that 'again' they claimed the Cacchione Cup Champion (the Cacchione Cup is actually named for Bob's father, Mario "Marty" Cacchione). This marked the first time that Cacchione has received an honorary degree of any kind.

During the USEF's annual meeting in Lexington, Kentucky, Cacchione received the Humanitarian Award at their Pegasus Awards dinner on January 21st. According to the USEF website the goal of the Humanitarian Award is "to spotlight and exalt the selfless dedication one individual or a group of individuals has made, whether on a regional or national scale. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse role of horses not just in equestrian sports but also as aides to the general public, the recipient of this award will be someone who has devoted considerable personal time to make the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount." Though he was one of twenty individuals who were under consideration for the award, the selection committee unanimously voted the award to Cacchione. USEF President David O'Connor presented the Humanitarian Award to Cacchione.

The USHJA's "Evening of Equestrians" dinner took place in early December 2010 during the organization's yearly meeting. The site was the Westin La Cantana hotel in San Antonio, Texas, where Cacchione was one of twelve individuals to receive the President's award According the the USHJA's website the "President's Distinguished Service Awards were developed by the President and Staff to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members to USHJA and our sport. The staff and President reviewed the programs of USHJA and the work involved in developing and implementing them and those individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to bring our sport to a new level and to benefit our membership." William J. Moroney, the USHJA President said "The USHJA/IHSA relationship is a prime example of creating opportunities that benefit our community. Bob Cacchione has led IHSA on an incredible journey and we are fortunate to be a part of his vision to enhance opportunities for riders and coaches." Several previous winners of the USHJA President's award (including Lary Langer, Geoff Teall and Karen Healey) have won the award more than once, so it is possible Cacchione could be under consideration for the award again as early as December 2011.

One humorous sidebar to the yearly USHJA meeting has to do with the physical President's award itself. The actual award Cacchione was given to take with him was an ornate, lead crystal vase. Cacchione encountered difficulty trying to take the vase through the security checkpoint at the San Antonio airport.

"I was there with Peter Cashman (who coaches the United States Military Academy equestrian team with his wife Sherry), Naomi Blumenthal (the IHSA Treasurer) and Lori Cramer (the Director of Riding at Miami University of Ohio)," says Cacchione. "They had already gone in front of me and were through the checkpoint. I put the vase still in it's carrying case on the belt. The vase set off the (screening device)." Security came from everywhere. Peter, Naomi and Lori are looking back at all this. (Security) gave me a pat-down. Someone decided to take the vase out of the case and read it. The inscription says 'President's award to Bob Cacchione for...' Suddenly the screener whose reading this says "Hey, you're Bob Cacchione! I rode for Texas Texas Tech ten years ago! Peter and Naomi and Lori are falling over themselves laughing! They cannot believe it. I cannot go anywhere without running into somebody!"

---Steve Maxwell

For further reading on Cacchione receiving the Equine Industry Vision Award, including information about the founding and evolution of the IHSA, please visit http://www.equineresources.com/client-news/310-equine-industry-vision-award-tenth-anniversary. For further reading on Cacchione's December and January Awards, please visit http://www.americanhorsepubs.org/news_updates/7028.asp.