December 1st is the deadline for nominations for nominated awards to be received by the OCTRA secretary for consideration by the Board of Directors. Email your nominations to secretary@octra.on.ca. Nominated awards are:
- Rookie Worker: The FRED & SHEILA BUCHANAN APPRECIATION AWARD donated by Rob Wright & Chrystal Woodhouse is given in recognition of outstanding service to OCTRA (Does not need to be an OCTRA member and may not necessarily need to be in the first year as a volunteer).
- Top Pit Crew: The RITZ VALLEY FARMS AARISTOCAT CREWING EXCELLENT AWARD, donated by Deborah McBride and Mike Robinson, is given to the Pit Crew who best displays: A willingness to help others; organization and knowledge of duties; the ability to keep his/her ‘cool’ while those around him/her are losing theirs; must have crewed two or more rides during the nominated season; do not have to be OCTRA members.
- Junior Horsemanship/Sportsmanship: Perpetual trophy donated by Zukewich/Tremblay family to a junior regarding the horse as a team member and displaying good horsemanship; displaying good sportsmanship towards other riders, ride staff etc.
- Senior Horsemanship/Sportsmanship: The MIKE COTTENDEN MEMORIAL TROPHY donated by Chrystal Woodhouse and Rob Wright. This award is given to the person who best displays a true love of the sport by regarding the horse as a team member and displaying good horsemanship and by displaying good sportsmanship towards other riders, ride staff etc.
- Athlete of the Year: An award given for athletic achievement (“doing the best with what you’ve got”). Donated by Willis Farms Arabians (Dianne & Garnet Willis) & Ruth Benns.
- Outstanding OCTRA Member: The ESAU LEWIN LEGACY AWARD, donated by Ron & Julie Phair, presented to the member who has contributed immensely to the organization by their generosity in giving of themselves and their time to OCTRA.