Honoring and Celebrating the Cowgirl Who Reaches Out into the Community
The NSBA Foundation recognizes women across the equine industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community with the Cowgirls ROC Award. Through a nomination process of their peers, up to 25 women will be celebrated annually for their generous gifts of their time, talent, or treasure in support of the efforts of the industry, NSBA and the NSBA Foundation.
The Namesake
During the inaugural ceremony in 2022, the NSBA Foundation announced the award being names the Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC award in Dianne's honor. Dianne, of McHenry, Illinois, was an original member of NSBA when it began in 1983 and volunteered for the association from its infancy, but Brough her business sense to the NSBA office when she became the association's executive director in 2007. Dianne's service to the industry ranges from being a clinician at horse expos, to developing mentor programs at the AQHA Regional Championship Shows, to fundraising for NSBA and breed associations to serving on committees whenever asked.
Criteria
The following three tenants are the core attributes of the Cowgirls ROC (Cowgirls - Reaching Out in the Community) recognition award:
- Celebrate the accomplishments of female NSBA members that serve and impact the show horse community most
- Celebrate the female donors that help bring the work of the Foundation to our members
- Celebrate the diversity, inclusion and contributions of all member voices to the NSBA membership
To nominate a woman for the Dianne Eppers Cowgirl ROC award, please contact a member of the NSBA board of directors or the NSBA Foundation board of directors to provide this worthy woman’s name and gifts of time, talent or treasure provided in community service.
Jennifer Hulcher
2025 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC Award Recipient
A past NSBA Foundation board member and 2021 Chair, Jennifer remains a tireless advocate for the Foundation’s mission. She supports through donations, sponsorship and recruiting new supporters. Jennifer launched the Ice Cream Social at the NSBA World Show for EWD participants and continues to support Heroes on Horses and Pause for Awareness, where she proudly helps deliver dog bowls and treats while promoting the NSBA Foundation. In 2024, she co-sponsored EWD classes at the Appaloosa World Show. Her philanthropy also includes Humane Tomorrow, Alaqua Animal Refuge, Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots.
Nominees for the 2026 award included: Mandy Cleveland, Jenn Wheeler, Natalie Fredenburg, Susie Johns, Megan Vanderslice
Pat Clements
2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC Award Recipient
Pat Clements has been a pillar of her local horse community, volunteering her time in positions from treasurer to chairing one of the largest state shows in the country. She is a stalwart supporter of both her state association and amateur association. At their shows you will always find her behind the scenes doing the hard work that makes the shows run well. She is the first to raise her hand to volunteer and the last to seek credit or praise for her incredible contributions. Her commitment to service and the betterment of her community make her the perfect recipient of the Cowgirls ROC Award. Her impact on the horse show world is enormous, even though many do not realize all that she does. The embodiment of servant leadership, she works tirelessly to provide positive horse show experiences for all. She and her late husband established a foundation that combined their love of outdoors, preservation, education and the equestrian world to provide grants for many needs including being a longstanding donor to the Equestrians With Disabilities program for the NSBA Foundation.
Nominees for the 2024 award included: Brynne Bassle, r
Erin Boatwright,
Mandy Cleveland
, Diane Helgeland,
Jennifer Hulcher
, Suzy Jeane,
Chris Lagerblade
, Leann Rhodes
, Nikki Schultz
, Jennifer Wheeler
Lynne Puthoff
2023 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC Award Recipient
Lynne Puthoff, of Milton, Ohio, was named the 2023 recipient of the Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC award. She went from competing as a non-professional to operating her own training business in Ohio and has long been a supporter of NSBA, the NSBA Foundation, and its programs. From coaching her riders to compete in NSBA Dual-Approved and standalone futurity classes to supporting her clients and other riders in Heroes on Horses classes to her work as a Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) coach, Lynn has played an active role in the industry in several roles. She is also active as a local clinician and has organized donations to local shelters.
Nominees for the 2023 award included: Dawn Baker, Karen Boxell, Hannah Casper, Pat Clements, Sandy Curl, Chris Darnell, Phyllis Harris, Susan Knapp, Mary Meneely, Vickie Oakley, Heidi Piper, Andrea Simons, Angela Wade, Carla Wennberg
Cindy Cosentino
2022 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC Award Recipient
Cindy Cosentino, of Omaha, Nebraska, was named the inaugural recipient of the Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC award. Cindy shares her husband Bill's passion for horses and serving the horse industry. Cindy first became involved in industry leadership roles as a youth advisor for the Nebraska Quarter Horse Association, and later shepherded NSBA's your association as its advisor, where she grew the program from scratch to recruit members from various breeds and parts of the industry.
Nominees for the 2022 award included: GiGi Bailey, Karen Boxell, Jennifer Burton, Ann Call, Pat Clements, Chris Darnell, Nancy Ditty, Amy Gumz, Carol Harris, Deborah Hearst, Connie Hill, Chris Lagerblade, Lynn Leady, Marijo Meredith, Melanie Mincey, Carrie Oakley, Candy Parrish, Lynne Puthoff, Mary Roberts, Joan Shroeder, Andrea Simons, Debbi Trubee, and Angela Wade
2026 Nominees
The following women epitomize the Cowgirl Who Reach Out into the Community (ROC). Each will be recognized as nominees for the Cowgirls ROC award at a brunch to be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the NSBA World Championship Show. The winner will be announced at that time.
Mandy Cleveland
Mandy is a powerful advocate for NSBA’s Equestrians With Disabilities and Heroes on Horses programs. With a Special Education degree and training in equine therapy from Europe, she now puts that knowledge into daily practice. Mandy connects riders with opportunities and finds new homes for retired horses in therapy programs. When others are in need, she’s quick to offer supplies, guidance and visibility. Her support and compassion make her a role model and true ambassador of our mission.
Jennifer Wheeler
Jenn is a devoted advocate for the show horse industry, always working to make space for anyone with an interest in horses. She gives generously of her time and talents to organizations like Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association and the California Open Show Association and serves as a mentor to many young horsemen. Jenn’s passion lies in sharing the joy horses bring to people. As past recipients of NSBA Foundation support, Jenn and her husband now give back to help ensure others can benefit from the same opportunities.
Natalie Fredenburg
Regardless of the activity or organization she is a part of, Natalie is a hand-raiser. She has worked over the last several years to bring awareness of NSBA, NSBYA and Foundation programs to the Pony of America community—working to get new shows approved and youth signed up for smart points. As a member of the NSBA Foundation Scholarship Committee, she has also worked closely with the NSBYA team to organize service projects and get new youth involved. Natalie has so much enthusiasm for our community and sets the example of women who work hard behind the scenes to grow our sport.
Susie Johns
A Past NSBA President and Board Member, Susie Johns will step up when there is a need. From leadership roles to philanthropic donations to handing out pizza at events, Susie is ready to support the continued growth of the equine community and NSBA programs. Susie has a willingness to speak out and use her voice to support causes and issues within the industry, but also encourages new voices to come to the table. Susie is a large proponent of the Tomorrows Horseman Program and other NSBA Foundation youth programs to develop the leadership of the next generation.
Megan Vanderslice
Megan is a dedicated horse trainer specializing in youth riders. Megan found a passion for volunteerism as a teenager in Oklahoma, volunteering at a handicapped riding stable. She founded the MVP Academy to provide reduced-cost lessons for families who may not own a horse. She also led a fundraiser for children with congenital heart defects, then turning to ‘Bryan’s Blessing Bags’, essential items given to families to make hospital stays more comfortable. What started as 50 bags has now expanded to giving at 2 hospitals in the Dallas Area. Megan also has work with the NSBA Foundation for the Mental Health Matters Campaign.
