Sandy, UT (October 24, 2012) – It is said that a little kindness goes a long way, and for Sandy Eckles, this proved to be true during the Region 5 Championships. Her kind attitude, supporting husband and, of course, a couple of good horses, impressed the show staff enough to award her with the Sportsmanship Award, sponsored by Premier Equestrian. The Premier Sportsmanship Award looks beyond the numbers and scores of the perfect ride or test, and considers the contribution of the competitors themselves to the true spirit of an equestrian sports event. Eckles embraces this spirit fully at every show she attends, even amidst the distractions and stress of a very busy professional and personal lifestyle.
A full time small animal veterinarian, Eckles owns and operates Cottage Veterinary Hospital, along with her husband, Milo, in Parker, Colorado. Their family consists of two daughters, Jenn and Laura, 4 dogs, 4 horses, 2 cats and a cockatiel. “I am like most other adult amateurs trying to juggle work, family and a passion for horses,” states Eckles, “and although I may get the credit for the wins, it truly ‘takes a village.’” She continues, “I have a great instructor, Dee Packard, with the patience to help an amateur with two young horses, a family and work staff who understands how much it means to me to have time to ride and show, and show management staffs whose smile and willingness to make the show experience a pleasant one keeps us coming back. But, especially, I have a husband who gives horses baths, cleans tack, cooks dinner and keeps me sane and humble.”