United States Congressman Ben Chandler (D-Kentucky) received the American Horse Council’s 2009 Rolapp Award on June 16 for his outstanding support of the horse industry. The award was presented at a congressional reception during the American Horse Council’s National Issues forum in Washington, D.C.
 
Each year the American Horse Council presents the Rolapp award to a member of Congress who has done the most for the horse industry. The award is presented in honor of Rich Rolapp, the former president of the American Horse Council who died in 1993.
 
“The horse industry very much appreciates Mr. Chandler’s support, hard work, and tenacity and is pleased to present him with the Rolapp Award,” said Jay Hickey, American Horse Council president.
 
Chandler received his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Kentucky. Prior to this election to Congress he served two terms as Kentucky’s attorney general. In 1995, he became the youngest attorney general in the nation and was reelected without opposition in 1999.

“Congressman Chandler understands the importance of the $102-billion horse industry not only to Kentucky but to the nation,” Hickey said. 

Hickey said Chandler has been very supportive of bringing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to Lexington, and has worked overtime to secure federal assistance for the infrastructure needed to host the games and make them run smoothly.