There were many happy faces and shiny cowboy boots on October 15, as competitors in the Ellis County Equine Association gathered for their year-end banquet at Lakeview Camp and Conference Center in Waxahachie to receive a menagerie of custom made awards in honor of their hard work to win championships throughout the 2011 ECEA horse show season.

“We’ve had a great show season with increasing numbers in class size, membership level and youth participation,” announced ECEA President Jimmy Ballew at the beginning of the ceremony. “Thanks so much to all of the hard work from all of our officers and volunteers and especially our sponsors.”

Buckles were awarded to the individuals racking up the most points over five shows in halter, English, Western, reining, yearling performance, and walk and whoa categories. Other awards included trophy custom leather bridles, mini-buckle necklaces, embroidered bridle bags, embroidered saddle covers, trophies and plaques.

In addition to horse show awards, ECEA honored several special members or families for their dedication and helpfulness to the club. The Van Huss Family consisting of Roy, Vicky, Dakotah and Makenna of Waxahachie won the Billie Wesson Most Active New Member Award. The Allan Donnan of Wills Point won the Randy McMullan Spirit Award for his dedication to ECEA throughout the year and volunteering as an on-site paramedic during the horse shows.

Alyssa Ballew of Midlothian won the Nancy Jessup Sportsmanship Buckle. This is a very special award honoring a youth who showed a great attitude in and out of the show ring throughout the year and is voted on only by the youth membership.

A full list of 2011 ECEA Buckle Series Horse Show winners, and more information about ECEA and its activities is available on the club’s website at www.elliscountyequine.org.