Peter Cashman Receives Frank J. Hawkins Award from the Professional Horsemen’s Association of America
IHSA Executive Director Peter Cashman. Photo by Nicole Sullivan
GLADYS, Va. – Dec. 23, 2021 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) announced that Executive Director Peter Cashman from Highland Falls, New York, was presented with the Frank J. Hawkins award from the Professional Horsemen’s Association of America (PHA). Hawkins was a respected life-long horseman and five-time national president of the PHA. The award is presented annually to a member of the National PHA who has gone above and beyond in service to the PHA and the equestrian community.
“Peter has always been willing to help and participate in anything regarding the National PHA,” said PHA National President Kathy Pinera. “He has truly just been a wonderful representative of the National PHA and our mission.”
The PHA is a benevolent organization established in 1936 in Watertown, Connecticut, with 15 chapters in the U.S., serving about 1,000 members. Their mission is to offer aid and financial assistance to fellow equestrians in need while fostering interest in the horse industry. The PHA maintains a scholarship fund for continuing education for its members and their families. They promote and facilitate the care and protection of horses through education.
Cashman said he was honored to receive the award. "It means a lot to be recognized by the PHA," he said. "I encourage all equestrians to become involved in this great organization and the work they do to help those in need in the equestrian industry."
Furthering the bond between the two equestrian organizations, the IHSA leadership is proud to announce that the PHA is an official affiliate.
Each fall, the PHA holds its PHA National Finals Horse Show. The focus of the PHA National Finals event is to help support local PHA chapters and their local circuits. Not only does the event help to fundraise and continue the PHA’s efforts by financially assisting members that are struggling or have suffered a loss, but it also celebrates the riders that compete at the local levels. As a testament to their cause, the PHA donates 100% of the show’s proceeds to their scholarship program and Aid to Members Fund.
“We have always had a strong affiliation with the IHSA and we look forward to working with them further in the future,” Pinera said.
ABOUT THE IHSA
The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes all genders at a range of riding levels and offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship, ranch riding and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities. Membership in IHSA means that college students can participate in horse shows regardless of their experience or financial status. Students compete from beginner through advanced with suitable, provided horses, eliminating the expense of horse ownership.
Founded in 1967 by Bob Cacchione, it is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization with 10,000 members in 47 states and Canada. IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs, including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports. IHSA offers valuable hands-on experience and professional development in multiple facets of the equine industry. Many IHSA teams participate in service projects, giving back to their communities. Through the IHSA, students enhance their college experience and develop the tools that help build successful careers.
For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.