23/10/2024
Congratulations to this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, John Bahret!
Joe Dotoli’s introduction speech:
When we think of achievement in the horse world, the first images that come to mind are of riders and trainers, because those are the people we see in the ring and at the in-gate, but let me assure you that there is a whole other world behind the scene that is equally important to the success of our sport.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner left a career in business many years ago when he realized his true love was horses. Since then, he has forged a very successful career as a horse show manager, judge and announcer at shows from coast to coast. And whether it is at New England Finals, The Hampton Classic, Bend Oregon, or anywhere in between, many of you would recognize the “voice behind the mic” as John Bahret, but I’m sure very few of you would know the endless hours John has dedicated to our sport in his far-reaching efforts in the governance of horse sport.
John currently serves on the Board of Directors for USHJA, as well as on its Executive Committee, Planning and Governance Committee, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and Treasurer for the organization.
While you might think that would be a more than generous time commitment for someone to give toward the betterment of our sport, that is not the case with John. Along with his USHJA duties, John serves on both the New England Horseman’s Council and the Rhode Island Horseman’s Association Boards.
So, the next time you hear that distinctive voice coming over the PA, think of how many times that same voice has been raised across board rooms in his tireless efforts to make the sport we all love a better place for you and your horse.
Allow me to introduce the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and my friend, John Bahret.