Susie Johns To Receive NSBA’s Jack Benson Award
The National Snaffle Bit Association has announced that NSBA Past President Susie Johns, of Paradise Valley, Arizona, will receive the 2021 Jack Benson Award.
Named for the late NSBA member Jack Benson, the award is presented annually to an individual who unselfishly gives his or her time to promote NSBA and its mission, and create greater interest in the pleasure horse industry. This award has been presented since 1989.
An Arizona native, Susie has been involved with horses since she was five years old. She was raised in a family of horse and cattle ranchers, and her passion for horses has never faded.
After showing horses as a Small Fry, Youth and Amateur exhibitor, today Susie competes in Amateur Select All Around events. Susie’s three sons, Blake, Jeff and Trevor, have actively been involved in their mother’s horse operation and also compete.
Susie has always seen her service to NSBA as a way to give back to an industry that has given her and her family countless memories. She served as President of NSBA in 2018 and continues to serve as chair of NSBA’s Hall of Fame. Susie has served on numerous committees and has aided in the growth and further development of the All Around events including the expansion of trail divisions. With her support and guidance, NSBA has seen exponential growth in participation in these events.
"I have been and continue to be committed to NSBA and the horses and members it serves in all different areas and disciplines,” she said. “NSBA is a strong organization that I believe is steadily growing due to its beliefs and commitment to not only our horses but also our members.”
Susie will be recognized at the NSBA Honors during the NSBA Honors ceremony which will take place during the 2021 NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity at the Built Ford Tough Complex in Tulsa, Oklahoma, August 12-22, 2021.