In memory of a very special young rider, the Canadian Reining Committee has established the Kaylynn Malmberg Young/Junior Riders Reining Award. The award will be presented to a young member of the reining community that most exemplifies Kaylynn’s love of horses, willpower, bravery and inspiration.
The award will be presented to the person who shows courage and determination to overcome the most difficult of obstacles and distress to accomplish their equestrian dream, who unselfishly provides support by helping wherever required, cheers and encourages for that something extra, inspires by example even at the most difficult time, exhibits a positive attitude, puts that extra effort into the activity and goes above and beyond what is required for self and others regardless of any personal situation.
“Kaylynn was an exceptional young lady, and we are happy to honor her memory and what she stood for by launching this award and handing it to a well deserving young Canadian reiner,” says J.P. Forget, coach of the Canadian Reining Team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and an Equine Canada High Performance reining coach.
In 2010 following chemotherapy for brain cancer, Kaylynn left an Alberta hospital and flew to Lexington, Kentucky to compete with her team in the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships in reining. During the week-long competition she became a celebrity, not only because she was a member of the gold medal winning Alberta team, but also because of her incredible ability to perform despite her grave illness.
“I knew Kaylynn for a very short time, but her strength, courage and determination were an inspiration to everyone,” adds Wendy Dyer, chef d’équipe of the 2010 Alberta reining team at the championships. “It is only right an award be presented in her honour.”
The deadline for nominations is 4:00 p.m. EST, January 2, 2013. The winner will be announced at the Equine Canada Awards Gala, February 8, 2013.
For an application form and/or more information contact Wendy Gayfer at Equine Canada, wgayfer@equinecanada.ca.
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