A West Virginia University student was recently honored for outstanding leadership at the 2013 American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association National Convention.

Melissa Lloyd, an animal and nutritional sciences student in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, was presented with the Outstanding Senior Award during the four-day event in Overland Park, Kan.

Hosted this year by Kansas State University, the national convention allows students to explore different aspects of the horse industry, participate in leadership and career development sessions, and network with peers and industry representatives from across the country.

“In addition to leadership and career development opportunities, the convention also gives students a glimpse into the horse industry in other parts of the country,” said Crystal Smith, teaching assistant professor of equine management and advisor for the WVU Collegiate Horsemen’s Association, “This helps expand their knowledge of other disciplines, breeds and uses of horses.”

In only its second year of attendance, the WVU chapter was recognized nationally for the first time.

The Outstanding Senior Award is presented in the form of a scholarship and is awarded to a senior chapter member in recognition of exceptional club, community and university leadership.

Lloyd, a native of Front Royal, Va., currently serves as president of the WVU chapter and previously served as vice president. She has chaired and served on numerous committees, volunteered for a spring clean-up at On Eagles’ Wings Therapeutic Horsemanship Center in Fairmont, W.Va., worked at the Reedsville Horse Unit and has been awarded numerous scholarships during her academic career.

“Melissa shows great leadership skills and has helped grow the local Collegiate Horsemen’s chapter,” said Smith.

Lloyd was one of eight WVU students, all of whom are pursuing an equine management minor, to attend the convention.

Others included Ashley Amos, an animal and nutritional sciences major from Summersville, W.Va.; Janie Beale, a psychology major from Martinsburg, W.Va.; Kayla Campbell, an animal and nutritional sciences major from Mt. Morris, Pa.; Felicity Donaldson, a child development and family studies major from Baltimore; Stephanie Hamilton, an animal and nutritional sciences major from Thornton, W.Va.; Kady Malone, an agribusiness development and rural development major from Morgantown; and Katie Springer, an animal and nutritional sciences major from Bridgeport, W.Va.

All students were able to take advantage of convention offerings like tours of Peeper Ranch, home to multiple national champion Morgan horses, Heartland Therapeutic Riding Center, a PATH Premier Accredited Center; and Stonecrest Farm, home to stakes winner Proven Cure and Perfect Drift, a horse that earned over $4.7 million in his racing career.

Students also watched demonstrations by Brad Lund, a reined cow horse trainer, and Brent Wright, a National Reining Horse Association money earning reining trainer.

According to Lloyd, the convention was a great experience and the scholarship was the “icing on the cake.”

For more information on the organization, “like” WVU Collegiate Horsemen’s Association on Facebook or contact advisor Smith at Crystal.Smith@mail.wvu.edu. If you’re interested in learning more about WVU’s expanding equine program, visit http://horses.wvu.edu.

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CONTACT: Crystal Smith, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design
304-293-1991, Crystal.Smith@mail.wvu.edu