New Hampshire Horse Council

NEW HAMPSHIRE HORSE PERSON OF THE YEAR

The New Hampshire Horseperson of the Year Award is presented annually by the New Hampshire Horse Council (NHHC) to an individual who has selflessly dedicated their time and energy toward helping, promoting, and unifying New Hampshire’s horse community, or has otherwise been an exemplary role model or advocate for horses in our state.

Each year, the NHHC asks the public for help in identifying potential recipients. Nominees must be either a New Hampshire resident, or live in an abutting state. NHHC membership is not required but is preferred. Nominees may be junior, amateur, or professional equestrians, representing any discipline or aspect of our state’s diverse equine industry.

If you would like to nominate someone for NH Horseperson of the Year, please either fill out our online form, or print and mail/email your form. Deadline for applications is January 15 each year, and the winner is announced at the NHHC Annual Meeting in March.

The continued success of this program depends on YOU! Please submit your nominations today.

The NH Horse Council is proud to announce that Dede Batchelder has been named its 2026 NH Horseperson of the Year!

Based at her Thorbercheron Farm in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, Dede has created an inclusive and supportive horsemanship program that has positively influenced equestrians of all ages. Through her dedication to 4-H and the NH High School Equestrian Teams, she has helped foster a strong culture of sportsmanship, responsibility, and horsemanship among young riders across the state.

Her commitment to mentoring youth and building a welcoming equestrian community makes her truly deserving of this honor.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

• 2025 Kathleen “Kathy” Lang, founder, Becky’s Gift, Canterbury, NH
• 2024 Virginia “Ginger” LaPlante, Canterbury, NH
• 2023 Officer Kelly McKenney, Manchester Mounted Police, Manchester, NH
• 2022 Phyllis Elliott, Hidden Pond Equine Rescue, Brentwood, NH
• 2021 Avis Rosenfield, Deerfield, NH
• 2015-2020 Award not presented
• 2014 Teresa Paradis, Live and Let Live Farm, Chichester, NH
• 2013 Patricia Morris, Esq., Patricia Morris Law, Center Barnstead, NH
• 2012 Kim DiPietro, New Boston, NH
• 2011 Karen Dodge, Chichester, NH
• 2010 Julia Webb, Chester, NH
• 2009 Joan Ganotis, North Hampton, NH
• 2008 Debbie Briscoe, Brentwood, NH
• 2007 Grant Myhre, DVM, Myhre Equine Clinic, Rochester, NH
• 2006 Clifford McGinnis, DVM, Pembroke, NH
• 2005 Cher Griffin, Candia, NH
• 2004 Ron Levesque, Epping, NH
• 2003 Isabel McDaniel, Temple, NH
• 2002 Award not presented.
• 2001 Hannah Howard, Epping, NH
• 2000 Joanne Gelinas, Goffstown, NH
• 1999 MaryAnn Davis, Hilltop Equestrian Center, Somersworth, NH
• 1998 Ruth Ferland, Cornish, NH