Some of Our Nominees Doing What they Do Best!

More about our winner - Lindsay Steenhoek

When we first thought about nominating Lindsay Steenhoek to the Heroes for Horses Award, what that stood out the most was the peace of mind that Lindsay brings to our business and family throughout her daily contributions. Lindsay not only brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication and compassion to the animals (and people) she cares for, but her commitment to the job brings peace of mind to all of us at Gryphon Farms, day in and day out.

Being a horse owner herself, Lindsay has developed a vast knowledge of the care and well-being of our equine partners. Working with our vets and blacksmiths has added to her university education background allowing her to look after all types of problems, both small and big. Over seeing a long-term rehab program or recognizing the early symptoms of colic has helped many of our equines recover with the least amount of pain and anxiety.

Lindsay’s dedication is evident in the time she has been at Gryphon. She started working for us back in 2012 when she graduated from the Guelph University. Although her passion may be travelling, she always returns on schedule and never misses a day of work unless it be a freak snowstorm or the flu. And we can count on one hand the number of sick days she has taken in 8+ years. Although our workday is supposed to start at 7:30, Lindsay always starts her day at 7am in all types of weather. Throughout her tenure at Gryphon Farms Lindsay has also completed an Honours Diploma in Business from Algonquin College.

Finding someone to work with horses, day in and day out, day after day, week after week, year after year is a challenge in our industry. To find someone with the compassion for the animals is even harder. Late night texts asking about the wellbeing of a horse dealing with bouts of colic show Lindsay’s compassion. It is not just a job – the horses are her life and her family. There are no favourites. They are all equally special and share her compassion.

While her compassion for animals, both big and small is what we see every day, there is also compassion for her fellow human that makes Lindsay standout even more. Throughout her travels, Lindsay has volunteered in underdeveloped countries in Africa where she has worked as a volunteer at an orphanage. Recently, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of Because All Children Matter, a Calgary based volunteer organization that gives aid to the homeless, children living on the streets and to children who crave education and who needed medical attention.

Lindsay is more than just an employee and she is more than just a friend. She has become an invaluable part of the Gryphon Family that allows us to focus on our jobs while at the show with no worries of how things are going back at home. Whether it is a 1-day show or being away for months at a time in Florida, we can rest assured the horses are in the best care back home. We can travel Europe shopping for horses knowing not only the horses back home are safe, but we can also (and have done many times) leave our kids and household pets in her care. We often joke that when Lindsay retires or moves on in her career – then that would be the day we also retire. She has spoiled us over the years with her commitment, dedication and knowledge of the equine world and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Regards,
Team Gryphon]

Other Partners

RULES

• Nominations will be accepted virtually either from the caregiver themselves (nominee) or someone who chooses to nominate them (nominator)·      

• Final nominations will be judged by a panel of notable industry professionals. Judge’s decision is final·      

• Nomination form must be completed in full and accompany the media/written portion of the nomination·      

• All correspondence to be included in form on this page or sent to info@mpequine.com (Google Drive/ Dropbox links can be used to send media)·      

• Only residents of Ontario, Canada are eligible to win. A valid address must be provided to receive prizes.·      

• You must have rights to the photos/videos you send in and you must have permission to use. At our sole discretion photos/entries may be excluded and removed from participation·      

• By submitting your photo, you give McKee-Pownall Equine Services royalty-free permission to publish, reproduce or modify your photo. You will not be entitled to compensation for any use by McKee-Pownall Equine Services of your photo. You retain the copyright of your photo.·      

• By participating, you grant McKee-Pownall Equine Services permission to use the name of the person you nominate and you have permission from them to be nominated·      

• No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Awards will be placed to 5th