A Note From Ruthie Haney

· Amateurs only. 

· Open to all breeds/disciplines. 

· Must be a GCAHA member and have shown at at least one GCAHA show. 

· Winner will be chosen based off improvement shown at shows throughout 2024. 

· The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner. 

· Prize will be chosen from the following: trophy, rose neck garland, engraved halter, or jacket for rider and will vary year to year.

Mi Ddreamweaver+/ (Toskabi x NH Classical Dream) was a purebred chestnut Arabian gelding born in 1995. For the first part of his life, he competed in open dressage competitions, earning top honors with his original owner, and breeder Debbie Nutt. Together they earned a USDF bronze medal and competed all the way up to fourth level dressage.

Debbie sold Dreamer to Ruthie and Jean Korver in 2011, and together Ruthie and Dreamer began competing at local Arabian and dressage shows. It didn’t take long for the Arabian judges to notice the athleticism and talent Dreamer had. Together they competed in the sport horse division, hunter pleasure, and open dressage classes all the way up to second level. Over the years they earned top honors like region 9 champion in sport horse show hack, and first level dressage; region 9 reserve champion in sport horse in hand and sport horse under saddle; and USEF horse of the year for five consecutive years in the following divisions: sport horse under saddle, sport horse show hack, sport horse in hand, hunter pleasure, and first level dressage. 

In August of 2015 Dreamer colicked and had to be rushed into emergency surgery at OSU Equine center. Barely making it off the table alive he was given a grave prognosis, and Ruthie was told she would never ride him again. Through it all, Ruthie listened and watched him closely, looking for any sign that he had given up; but Dreamer never lost his will to fight, or the light in his eyes; and after four months of grueling recovery, Dreamer not only survived, but was released to be ridden again. And after just six months, the vets at OSU released Dreamer to return to competition. In the span of less than a year, Dreamer was awarded his Arabian Horse Association Legion of Honor, and less than six months later was awarded his Legion of Supreme Honor. 

In September of 2017, Ruthie announced his retirement at the GCAHA Tulsa State Fair show; and exited the arena for the last time with all first places in classes with 10+ entries, competing against reigning national champions, and against horses half his age. 

Dreamer was an incredible athlete, quite literally a force to be reckoned with. He possessed such a quiet confidence, kindness, and wisdom that he attracted people everywhere he went. Ruthie recalls attending out of state shows, knowing very few people, and having strangers come up to her wanting to meet Dreamer. His story, and his recovery inspired veterinarians, artists, breeders, trainers, and anyone who met him. He is the epitome of the term “horse of a lifetime”, he embodied every quality and more that we seek in our Arabian horses. 

On December 18th, 2019, Ruthie found Dreamer in her pasture at home covered in sweat and unsteady on his feet. A mere three hours later, Dreamer was humanely put to sleep and passed away in Ruthie’s arms. 

GCAHA is honored to present this award each year and looks forward to awarding it for years to come.