White Horse Award to Dorrian for Rescuing Loose Horse
Image:
Description:
Photo: Courtesy of Race Track Chaplaincy of America
Victoria Don Dorrian
Race Track Chaplaincy of America has named Victoria Don Dorrian its White Horse Award winner for exhibiting courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities in rescuing a loose horse on an interstate.
She was honored for her efforts to catch a horse that had gotten loose from the backstretch of Prairie Meadows on Sept. 28, 2019. The horse ran through the immediate area, into parking lots of local restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, while Dorrian pursued in her truck.
The horse eventually made its way onto the eastbound I-80 interstate, running towards the oncoming traffic. Dorrian eventually caught up to the horse in the westbound traffic lane, leaped out of the truck, jumped over a concrete median—never once looking at the traffic coming from behind her—waived the horse down, and eventually captured the horse.
"Victoria showed poise and dedication like all true horsemen in such a situation by being calm and ready to act", said Jon Moss, Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association executive director, "even in a dangerous situation. The Iowa HBPA who nominated her for the award are immensely proud of her actions and how it demonstrated that horsemen are dedicated to not only their own, but to everyone's horses at the track."
Video
RTCA also issued its Community Service Award to Erin Crady, executive director of the Thoroughbred Charities of America for her continual support to racetrack Chaplaincies nationwide and beyond.
"TCA helps so many non-profit organizations in the Thoroughbred industry to improve the lives of horses and those who take care of them," RTCA executive director Dan Waits said. "Erin has always been an advocate of the Chaplaincy and partners with our national office and several local Chaplaincies to get backstretch and farm employees the help they need. RTCA is privileged to honor her in this way."
Due to COVID-19, this year's traditional White Horse Awards ceremony is not possible. RTCA will be honoring this year's recipients through various channels of communications, including social media.