2026 Special Purpose Awards
Download nomination forms for these awards here!
Ambassador
Selected by the PNER Executive Committee
The purpose of this award is to express PNER’s appreciation to an individual who best exemplifies characteristics demonstrated by legendary members Gene Peterson and Wayne Stobie. Although Wayne and Gene were not riders, they came to rides with their respective spouses and were willing to help anyone in need. They were dedicated to the sport of endurance riding, to the PNER organization and all who participated in the sport.
The recipient of this award is an individual who, through their generous actions, helps others succeed in the sport; is an advocate for PNER values; exemplifies caring and support in a selfless and compassionate manner; and who through their actions makes people think highly of the sport and PNER specifically.
Recipients of the award are determined by the qualitative judgment of nomination submittals to the PNER Executive Committee.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: A nomination submittal must be sent to the Awards Coordinator at awards@pner.net by December 1. The submittal must include a description of how the nominee exhibits the qualities and attributes of Gene Peterson and Wayne Stobie. A list of nominees and any submitted materials will be forwarded to the PNER Executive Committee.
Ride Manager of the Year
Sponsored by Terri Powell Agency of American Fanily Insurance
If you’ve attended a ride, you’ve witnessed the hard work and dedication of ride managers. The purpose of this award is to recognize the ride manager who oversees and manages an event that either exceeds participant expectations or who is confronted with extreme challenges and is able to address those issues in a responsible and constructive manner – reaching the best possible outcome given the challenge faced. The recipient of the award is determined by qualitative judgment of nomination submittals to the award sponsor.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: A nomination form and brief essay describing how the nominee demonstrates possessing the desired qualities and attributes through first-hand observation and experience must be submitted to the Awards Coordinator at awards@pner.net by December 1. The Awards Coordinator will also contact the Handbook Editor and Points Secretary for feedback on the performance of a nominated ride manager relative to basic duties – such as turning in accurate and complete ride results information in a timely manner. All information collected will be provided to the award sponsor.
Volunteer
Selected by the PNER Executive Committee
The purpose of this award is to express PNER’s appreciation to an individual who performs a critical function to PNER and its members in a manner that is above and beyond what is typically expected of a volunteer; which may be as a result of an extreme, unanticipated challenge, and/or performed at a level that exceeds member and Board expectations.
Through the individual’s efforts, PNER members receive far-reaching benefit – whether in the services provided, financial savings or fiscal stability, reputation and esteem for the organization, or other positive consequence.
Recipients of the award are determined by the qualitative judgment of nomination submittals to the PNER Executive Committee.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: A nomination submittal must be sent to the Awards Coordinator at awards@pner.net by December 1. The submittal must include a description of the effort made by the nominee, and the results provided to the organization and members. A list of nominees and any submitted materials will be forwarded to the PNER Executive Committtee.
Trail Award
Commending stewardship in trail preservation and maintenance activities. Each activity is awarded points. Tracking points is based on member self-tally and tallying points and emailing Julie Serres at findizee@yahoo.com at end of year. Points need to be confirmed by January 10 of the following year.
Activities are inclusive of:
- Memberships with local or regional trail organizations. These can be like BCHA who advocates nationally to OET who is an Oregon Stace agency promoting horse trails in Oregon. 10 points each membership
- Participating in lobbying for trails. 1 point per hour / inclusive of travel and prep time
- Participating in trail maintenance on any public trail. This can be a group effort or you trimming trail on your own. 1 point per hour + 1 point per hour travel time
- Participating in meetings that are trail related. 1 point per hour + 1 point per hour travel time
Scholarship
Funded by PNER, Application submittal required by June 30th
PNER offers three to six scholarships of up to $1,000 to juniors age 15 or below, young riders age 16-21, and seniors age 22 and above. Depending on number of applicants, the funds may be distributed to up to six individuals, with a bias towards equal distribution to each age category.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Current PNER member in good standing
- Attending/planning to attend an educational institution or program.
A recipient may reapply for this scholarship if all eligibility requirements are met.
TO APPLY:
Write a 250-word statement to the Scholarship Committee that describes the educational pursuit for which you intend to use the funds. A descriptive publication about the educational organization/program may suffice.
Write a 500-1000-word response to one of the prompts generated by the Scholarship Committee. Choose one from the following prompts:
- Create a biographical sketch of a mentor who most changed you as an endurance rider
- Create a biographical sketch of a well-known endurance figure who embodies the traits you most admire in endurance riders
- Write a creative story about a riding adventure that most developed your endurance capabilities
- Tell us about the horse that taught you the most about endurance
EVALUATION:
Applications will be awarded by the Scholarship Committee who will be looking for age-appropriate writing, a compelling narrative, and evidence of excitement about learning. All decisions made by the committee are final.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Deadline for application is June 30. Either email (referred) or postal service.
Funds are issued directly to the specified institution.
Awardee(s) will be acknowledged at the annual PNER Convention.
Contact Greta Berner, Scholarship Committee Chair
Scholarship@pner.net for additional information
8920 147th Ave SE
Snohomish, WA, 98290