A most dedicated servant for horses and their enthusiasts has received special recognition.
Dennis Goodwin, Overland Park, was presented the Bud Newell Award by the Kansas Horse Council (KHC) at the EquiFest of Kansas in Salina.
Honoring KHC founder Bud Newell, the award recognizes an individual who “has gone above and beyond for the equine industry of Kansas,” said KHC Board President Kallie Emig in the presentation.
“It’s an honor to recognize Dennis Goodwin, a longtime board member and former president of the Kansas Horse Council,” Emig said. “He was responsible for several significant achievements during his tenure.”
Goodwin was the force behind the successful drive to get a Kansas Horse Council license plate approved.
“It was a great day for horses in Kansas when Governor Brownback signed House Bill 2452 into law in 2014, creating a special license plate honoring the contributions the horse industry makes to the culture and economy of Kansas,” said Pattie Stalder.
“This undertaking was successful due to the guidance of the KHC directors and in particular, Dennis Goodwin,” said Stalder, former KHC executive director who nominated Goodwin for the Newell accolade.
“Dennis took a very active role in the complicated process for license plate sales to work for the KHC,” Stalder said “In 2024, the 10th year of the program, it is likely that revenue will exceed $500,000. I will always be grateful for the leadership and support Dennis provided.”
Goodwin was president when the Memorandum of Understanding was developed to make Back Country Horsemen of Kansas the official trails division of the Kansas Horse Council.
Since then, the Trails Advocate level of membership combines membership and support of both organizations with one payment at a discount. “This has contributed to significant membership increases in both organizations,” Emig said.
Goodwin was president of the Kansas Horse Council when the decision was made to keep EquiFest in-house and no longer contract with outside organizations to put the show on, Emig continued
Goodwin’s commitment to the equine industry in Kansas continues. “He is currently serving on the American Royal Board and helping bring the American Royal to its new facility in Kansas.
“We thank Dennis Goodwin for his contributions to the Kansas Horse Council and the equine industry in Kansas and wish him many more years in the saddle,” Emig summarized.
In accepting the plaque, Goodwin said, “I am both humbled and honored to receive the Bud Newell Award from the Kansas Horse Council. Those who know me are aware of my passion for horses and all things equine.
“I hope this award can serve as a reminder that our passion for horses can drive us to remarkable achievements. Let us all strive to embody the qualities that Bud Newell represented: integrity, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for horses.
“This award is a milestone on a journey we all share, and I am excited to see where we go from here.” Goodwin said.
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