Three National Awards Presented During Annual Evening at Wellington International
Welligton, Fla.–March 12, 2026—Absorbine®, Back on Track®, the Farrier Education Fund and Wellington International proudly sponsored the annual Kappy Kaplan Farrier Appreciation Event on March 7, 2026, honoring the dedication and craftsmanship of farriers across the nation. Held at Wellington International during Saturday Night Lights, featuring the $500,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* Grand Prix, the evening celebrated the professionals who keep horses performing at their best.
Farriers from the Kappy Kaplan Farrier Appreciation Event pose with Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Eddy Blue, winners of the $500,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* Grand Prix, who were presented with the
Herman “Kappy” Kaplan Perpetual Memorial Trophy. Photo © Snap Photography and Cinema
Named in honor of Kappy Kaplan, a legendary farrier whose career left an enduring mark on the equestrian world, the event is a signature evening during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). WEF hosts 12 weeks of FEI competition running through March 29 in Wellington, Florida.
The evening was hosted by Bryan Quinsey, who has served as executive director for the American Farriers Association, the American Association of Professional Farriers, the International Association of Professional Farriers, and the Hoofcare Essentials Foundation. Quinsey co-founded the Farrier Education Fund in 2024 alongside farriers Roy Bloom, Tim Cable, Dave Farley, Steve Prescott and Adam Wynbrandt. Wellington International Director of Sponsorship Lenore Brown led sponsor recognition and event introductions.
“Farriers are the unsung heroes of the equine world, and at Absorbine, we are incredibly proud to support an event that shines a well-deserved spotlight on their expertise, dedication and passion,” said W.F. Young/Absorbine Vice President of Marketing and Innovation Amy Cairy. “The Kappy Kaplan Farrier Appreciation Event embodies everything we believe in, honoring those who work tirelessly to keep horses healthy, sound, and performing at their best.”
James Ruder, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Back on Track, a 20+ year Master Farrier veteran, could not agree more with Ms. Cairy. “Farriers are the foundation of our industry,” he said. “The simplest of statements, ‘No Hoof. No Horse,’ is true at all levels of all equestrian sports and Back on Track is proud to play a small part in honoring the American farrier.
2026 Award Recipients
National Friend of the Farrier Award: Linda Hill and Dan Burke, Farrier Product Distribution
Now in its third year, the National Friend of the Farrier Award recognizes individuals who have advocated for and served the farrier and hoof care industry. Previous honorees include Jeremy McGovern of the American Farriers Journal (2024) and Bryan Quinsey (2025).
This year’s recipients, Linda Hill and Dan Burke, founded Farrier Product Distribution in 1990, a pioneering wholesale-only company dedicated to serving farrier supply retailers. Beginning with Bellota rasps and Capewell nails, the company has grown into the world’s largest wholesale supplier of horseshoes, nails, tools, and farrier accessories. Their commitment to quality, superior customer service and continuing education for farriers has strengthened the hoof care profession globally.
Tim Cable accepts the award for Linda Hill and Dan Burke from W.F. Young/Absorbine Vice President of Marketing and Innovation Amy Cairy, W.F. Young/Absorbine Marketing Coordinator Morgan Palmer, and Back on Track’s Sandra Pikulski and Michelle Spano. Photo © Snap Photography and Cinema
National Farrier Apprentice of the Year: Nico Kozakiewicz
The inaugural National Farrier Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Nico Kozakiewicz of South Florida. Since the age of 15, Kozakiewicz has immersed himself in the farrier trade, spending summers and weekends riding along with experienced farriers before transitioning to full-time work after high school. Known for his tireless dedication to refining his forging techniques and his collaborative approach to equine hoof care alongside both farriers and veterinarians, he has also developed a keen interest in tool making and regularly attends clinics to expand his expertise.
W.F. Young/Absorbine Vice President of Marketing Amy Cairy presents the National Farrier Apprentice of the Year award to Nico Kozakiewicz (with his family) with W.F. Young/Absorbine Marketing Coordinator Morgan Palmer, and Back on Track’s Sandra Pikulski and Michelle Spano. Photo © Snap Photography and Cinema
National Farrier of the Year: Yancy Russell
The second inaugural award of the evening, the National Farrier of the Year, was presented to Yancy Russell (Baptistown, New Jersey, and South Florida). Russell’s connection to horses began at just 2 years old, when he started showing horses alongside his father. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has worked with multi-million-dollar Olympic horses to donkeys, bringing the same level of care and dedication to every animal.
Russell credits legendary farrier Arnie Gervasio as his most influential mentor and is himself a dedicated mentor to young farriers entering the trade. Known for his generous spirit both in the barn and beyond, Russell is widely respected by his peers and celebrated by the horse owners whose animals have thrived under his care.
Farrier Education Fund Co-Founer Bryan Quinsey with Yancy Russell as he accepts the National Farrier of the Year award from W.F. Young/Absorbine Vice President of Marketing Amy Cairy, with W.F. Young/Absorbine Marketing Coordinator Morgan Palmer, and Back on Track’s Sandra Pikulski and Michelle Spano. Photo © Snap Photography and Cinema
Absorbine and Back on Track provided all attendees with generous gift bags and, along with the Farrier Education fund offered drawings and prizes.
After a brief program, the group enjoyed dinner and world-class show jumping. Irish Olympian Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue, owned by Carol A. Sollak, earned their first WEF Saturday night grand prix victory gallop. Marilyn Little (USA) aboard her own La Contessa and Australian Olympian Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B, owned by Erwin and Michael Smith, broke the beam in a rare second-place tie.
