Zoetis and American Horse Publications (AHP) presented Gary L. Carpenter, commissioner and CEO of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with the 15th Annual Equine Industry Vision Award at the AHP seminar in Orlando, Florida last week. This is the first major award created to showcase innovation across the equine industry, and it serves to recognize ingenuity and service, and hopes to inspire those qualities in others.

“Zoetis is proud to recognize Gary for his work in connecting people with horses,” said Sally Amtmann, senior equine biologicals marketing manager, Zoetis. “Gary’s passion for increasing involvement with horses and working across disciplines has been instrumental in progressing the equine industry.”

Carpenter has served within multiple sectors of the equine industry throughout his career, including 10 years as executive director of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), and executive positions with The Jockey Club, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the Arabian Horse Trust.

At AAEP Carpenter assisted in changing the organizations vision to focus on horse health and welfare efforts. He helped create many programs, including the AAEP Foundation and the On Call program, which provides veterinarians to discuss horse health on equine event telecasts, and his efforts also led to the creation of the Horse Industry Alliance.

Carpenter aided in the development and renovation of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, and his leadership and dedication to growing the sport of reining through his current position with the NRHA has led to a new office and hall of fame location.

“I am honored by the opportunity to join the outstanding list of recipients of the Equine Industry Vision Award,” Carpenter said. “My personal interest has always been to connect people with horses, knowing the positive effect they have had on my life. My career has truly been a labor of love, and I hope the initiatives I have contributed to have inspired others to get involved.”