      Those with a love for horses are being reminded to submit nominations for an annual award dedicated to Saskatchewan residents.
           Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan (FFC SK) and Saskatchewan Horse Federation (SHF) are again partnering to present the Awards of Distinction for Equine Welfare, said a release from FFC SK. The awards are designed to recognize individuals, organizations and companies who demonstrate excellence in animal health and welfare.Â
           "We created the Awards of Distinction for Equine Welfare to serve as a reminder of the importance of exceptional animal care practices and recognize those who go above and beyond the standard codes of practice," said Doug Howe, president of the SHF board of directors.
           Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan is sponsoring the award to cultivate awareness and appreciation of agriculture and responsible animal care in our province.
           "We support the Equine Awards because they highlight the care and responsibility that Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers take very seriously," says Clinton Monchuk, executive director of FFC SK.Â
           "We had some great nominees last year and the recipients exemplified true leadership, innovation and dedication to the equine industry. SHF wants to recognize these riders, owners and professionals who strive to make our industry healthy and strong across the province," Howe added.
           Nominations for the awards will be accepted until February 19. Award recipients will be honoured March 4 at the SHF annual general meeting at the Saskatoon Inn in Saskatoon.
           The awards that will be distributed include the Equine Welfare Innovation Award, the Equine Welfare Young Steward of the Future Award, the Equine Welfare Leadership Award and the Equine Welfare Communication and Education Award.
           The Equine Welfare Innovation Award recognizes a person or company for developing a new process, product or source of knowledge that has improved the welfare of horses in Saskatchewan. The honouree will also be saluted for efforts to work collectively with the horse industry to share the innovation.
           The Equine Welfare Young Steward of the Future Award recognizes a person between the ages of 13 and 25 who has demonstrated, through practices as a horse owner or interaction with others, the importance of a commitment to responsible equine care.Â
           The Equine Welfare Leadership Award recognizes a person, syndicate or other equine business owner for integrating animal welfare into business strategy and having high expectations for animal welfare. The honouree will demonstrate leadership and commitment in dealing with issues relevant to animal care.
           The Equine Welfare Communication and Education Award recognizes a person, organization or company for taking an active role in effectively conveying equine welfare issues and raising awareness of equine welfare with the general public and the agri-food industry.
           Those who wish to find more information or nomination forms may visit the SHF and FFC SK websites.
           SHFis a non-profit organization established to support equestrian sport and recreation within Saskatchewan. It delivers value to its members through initiatives in sport, industry, and recreation activities, while upholding standards of equine welfare.Â
           FFC SK is a whole-sector coalition made up of farm families, agribusinesses, food processors, restaurants, retailers and food companies with the goal of telling the stories of the farmers who work hard to grow fresh food.Â
