The Dianne Eppers Cowgirls ROC Award
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.
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
2025 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.
Brynne Bassler
Brynne is a trainer at Diamond Acres, a full-service equine facility in Niles, Michigan. She offers training, riding lessons and leads summer horse camps where youth of all ages and experience levels gain hands-on experience with horses. Many of her students have gone on to compete successfully, with several becoming World Champions under her guidance. Diamond Acres events bring the joy of horses to the local community by offering opportunities to ride, meet horses or celebrate special occasions. Brynne also gives back by creating instructional videos on HorseTrainerChannel.com, helping exhibitors across the country learn Showmanship, Horsemanship and how to be smart, prepared competitors.
Chris Lagerblade
Chris is a lifelong champion for animals and their welfare. She consistently supports the NSBA Foundation through programs like the Silent Auction and Heroes on Horses, along with broader outreach including Adopt a Horse Rescue, Texas Hurricane Relief, animal shelters and charitable elder initiatives. Chris has also been involved in programs supporting rescue horses, burros and racehorses. As a business owner and mortgage lender, she advocates for gender equality in the workplace and supports women in leadership roles.
Diane Helgeland
Diane’s passion for serving others began with her brother, who has Down Syndrome, and led her to pursue a Special Education degree. In 2005, she became a certified therapeutic riding instructor and founded Partners for Progress, where she now serves as Executive Director. Her program integrates occupational and physical therapy with carefully trained horses. Diane has pioneered the inclusion of Equestrians With Disabilities classes in NSBA competition, led the creation of the first national traveling EWD horse show and serves on multiple committees to advance competition opportunities for EWD and Veteran riders. Her dedication has opened doors in organizations like NSBA, AQHA, APHA, Congress and YEDA.
Erin Boatwright
A passionate equine enthusiast, Erin supports the horse industry with both time and treasure. She is actively engaged in efforts that benefit riders in the EWD community and inspires others to get involved by leading through example. Erin also advocates for horse health and welfare, often bringing forward new ideas to strengthen the community. Her philanthropic support extends to the Special Olympics, Heroes on Horses and other Veteran-related causes.
Jennifer Hulcher
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.
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.
Leann Rhodes
Leann began supporting the NSBA Foundation more than a decade ago by donating a show pad from her business to the Silent Auction—and has continued to contribute each year. She steps up when her customers or community ask for help, and her kindness and empathy shine through in all she does. Leann is a positive voice in the horse show community, promoting its benefits to newcomers and veterans alike. Her professionalism and passion make her a valued advocate for all things good in the industry.
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.
Nikki Schultz
Nikki is the first to lend a hand or step into a leadership role when needed, especially within the horse community. A proud supporter of horse shows from grassroots to the national level, she previously served as President of the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association and remains involved by helping organize state-level competitions. Nikki promotes riding and showing in her local community, answering questions from newcomers and encouraging others to get involved. Her enthusiasm and energy are unmatched.
Suzy Jeane
Suzy is an icon in the horse industry, known for her leadership and service to NSBA, AQHA and the collegiate equine community. A respected trainer, breeding manager and judge, Suzy has broken barriers for women across the equine world. She was the first woman named AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year in 2004, the first female president of NSBA in 2000 and was inducted into the NSBA Hall of Fame in 2012. Her legacy of leadership, mentorship and integrity continues to inspire generations of horsewomen.
Join us at the 2025 Cowgirls ROC Luncheon
Join the NSBA Foundation in recognizing the works of the women in the horse show community at a celebratory luncheon during the NSBA World Championship Show in Tulsa, OK. Presented by 5M Ranch and Mabrey Bank, attendees will hear from a guest speaker as well as the women being honored.
Friday, August 8 | 11:00 AM | Fair Meadows
To give without reward, without being noticed, is a sign of greatness.
