Crystal Brumme-Kimball of Lisbon, MD received the 2010 Van Ness Award at the American Horse Council’s recent annual meeting.

Each year the Van Ness Award is given to a person who embodies the dedication and service of the late Mrs. Marjorie Van Ness. Mrs. Van Ness was a vital force in the formation of the New Jersey Horse Council and in the formation of the AHC State Horse Council Committee. As in years past, this year’s Van Ness award was sponsored by the New Jersey Horse Council.

In presenting the award, AHC President Jay Hickey noted that Crystal started working for the Maryland Horse Council nineteen years ago. “She believed that the horse people in Maryland could be brought together as a community to have a voice in the state capitol and she made it happen,” Hickey said.

Ms. Brumme-Kimball started a monthly magazine called the Equiery in 1990. The first edition had twelve pages; it has grown to over 100 and is still flourishing today. As the secretary of the Maryland Horse Council, she has generously donated her time and her services at the Equiery. Ms. Brumme-Kimball has overseen every transition of leadership in the Maryland Horse Council and played a major role in the legislative, regulatory, and public education accomplishments that few state horse councils can match.

“It is obvious that the Maryland equestrian community has benefited greatly from Crystal’s loyalty and dedication,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.

Crystal has been active on many committees and boards, donating her time not only to the Maryland Horse Council, but to the Maryland Steeplechase Association, the Maryland Horse Industry Board, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the University of Maryland and Howard County/Iron Bridge Hounds.

“The Maryland Horse Industry Board would not be the major force within the Maryland Department of Agriculture that it is today without her work in passing the state feed fund bill that pays for its activities and without Crystal’s presence on the board as a technical advisor,” said Maryland Horse Council President Steuart Pittman.

The American Horse Council would like to congratulate Ms. Brumme-Kimball on winning this award.