TRYON – The nominations for the Carolina Show Hunter Hall of Fame (CSHHF) are open between now and Feb. 15. The CSHHF purpose is to recognize and promote exceptional horses and horsemen or women in the Carolinas.

According to CSHHF Committee Co-Chair Joann Loheac, the Show Hunter Hall of Fame was originally the idea of Gerald Pack of Columbus and Jack Towell of Camden, S.C. As part of the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, only CSHHF supporters of the award are eligible to nominate horses, ponies or horsemen. Up to five horses and four people are inducted annually.

Nominations are open to horses stabled in North or South Carolina for a minimum of six months. The horse must have proven itself as an outstanding show hunter in such competitions as the National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, or the Devon Horse Show and the horse must be permanently retired from showing.

The Horsemen category is open to riders, trainers, owners and pillars of the show hunter community who have lived in North or South Carolina for at least six months. They must have participated in the show hunter community for at least 15 years and have made a substantial positive impact on the upper levels of the sport.

Additional awards include the Ambassador Award for “. . . an authentic and dedicated promoter of the sport of show hunters. ” Gerald and Betsy Pack received the Ambassador Award for 2017. The CSHHF also awarded the 2017 Elma Garcia Award, for an exemplary Adult Amateur or Children’s Hunter, to Foreign Exchange.

Among the 2017 Inductees and Honorees in the CSHHF are such names as Gordon Wright, Betty Oare, Dave Kelley and J. Author Reynolds, Sr. Horses in the Hall of Fame include Navy Commander, Cap n’ Gown and Royal Reveler along with others bred and raised in the Tryon and Landrum area.

Nominations will close February 15. Supporters of CSHHF who wish to nominate a horse or horsemen can call 828-817-4438 or to fill out the form online at  www.carolinasshowhunterhalloffame.com/contact.