A member of the Spruce Home 4-H Club has been rewarded for her passion for horses and leadership in her club and community.
Madison Shynkaruk was presented the Elgin Bracken Light Horse Memorial Award during Wednesday’s 4-H parade at the Prince Albert Summer Fair.
The award provided $750 to a deserving 4-h Saskatchewan light horse member from the North East region “who best exemplified a commitment to, and a passion for, horses as well as shows leadership in their 4-H club and community,” according to a certificate presented to Shynkaruk.
The award is named after Elgin Bracken, an avid horseman and 4-H light horse leader, judge, clinician and supporter who lived in Hudson Bay, Sask. For over 70 years.
Bracken was involved in raising, training, showing and selling horses in the area for over 50 years. Many of his horses, which he proudly raised to be gentle, quiet and ideal for kids, were sold to 4-H members in the region.
When he passed in 2014, his family chose to remember his contributions by setting up an endowment fund that would support the memorial award.
“I fell really good about (winning the award),” Shynkaruk said. “I’ve worked hard, and the money is going to go to good use.”
Growing up around horses, Shynkaruk joined 4-H at the suggestion of a friend about six years ago.
She had had to apply for the scholarship online, write an essay and answer a series of questions, including about what she does to help out in the community.
Shynkaruk and her horse, Nala, rode in the 4-H parade Wednesday.
