Chad Hoover Memorial Award

Chad Hoover Memorial Award

Chad Hoover was a Meredith Manor student from September 2007 through May 2008. Chad was an exceptional student that was liked by all. He strived for perfection in everything he did and encouraged the same from those around him. He had great respect for horses and always wanted to make a great horse better through his shoeing techniques.

Following graduation, Chad completed two short apprenticeships and then started his own successful business. On occasion I would receive a call from him seeking advice on the best way to shoe a particular horse or receive a picture of his latest handmade shoes, looking for tips on how to improve. On August 1, 2010, Chad was involved in a single vehicle, DUI accident that took his life.

Meredith Manor plans to honor his memory and raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence through the creation of the Chad Hoover Memorial Award and hosting an annual farrier clinic. The award criteria is to display the qualities that Chad displayed – to be an exceptional student that always strives for perfection and to be a team player, helping everybody on the team including the trainer, owner and especially the horse.

The recipients of this award will receive farrier tools and equipment to help with the startup of their farrier business. Initially, this will consist of tools that Chad used in his business that were donated to Meredith Manor by his parents. Their wish is for future students who exemplify Chad’s work ethic to have the opportunity to be as successful as he was. Moving forward, Meredith Manor will host a farrier clinic each fall to fund the award. The first clinic will be held November 18-19, 2011.

John Crothers - Head of MM Farrier Department

Chad Hoover Memorial Award recipient Melinda Barnes

Summer 2011

The first Chad Hoover Memorial Award was presented to Melinda Barnes at the Summer 2011 Awards Banquet. Mindy displays all of the qualities expected of recipients of this award. She is an excellent student and spent every spare moment she had in the shop - always looking for a new challenge or for an opportunity to help a fellow classmate that may be struggling with something new.

Mindy is definately a team player and always shows great respect to the horse. Meredith Manor is proud to present her with the first Chad Hoover Memorial Award!
Chad Hoover Memorial Award recipient Amanda Lloyd

Fall 2011

Amanda Lloyd
Chad Hoover Memorial Award recipient Aaron Adaway and Kristy Ritzel

Winter 2011

Aaron Adaway
Kristy Ritzel
Coming to the Manor has changed my life. I have learned so much and now feel comfortable to enter the horse industry. I came here not knowing if I could make a career out of this or if it was what I really wanted to do. All of the classes and staff have been amazing and proved to me that this is what I want. Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity.
Jennie Blanchflower: 2008 Riding Master VI Graduate