NCHA News

JAN GANDY SELECTED AS THE 2022 RECIPIENT OF THE MARY KINGSBURY AMATEUR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

FORT WORTH – The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) would like to congratulate Jan Gandy of Frisco, Texas, on being selected as the 2022 recipient of the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award.

Each year, the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award is presented to an active NCHA Amateur who is dedicated to the sport of cutting, in good standing with NCHA, exhibits good sportsmanship, fairness, and a high moral character both in and out of the arena. Jan Gandy is known as “Mama Gandy” to many in the industry and is the epitome of an NCHA Amateur, according to many of those who nominated Gandy for this award.

“Jan’s cheering for all competitors can be heard throughout the coliseum or any facility where a cutting competition is being held,” said Janice Little, one of Gandy’s nominators. “She is the first to help in the show pen, barn, or wherever she is needed. If you happen to win, place, or just have a good run, she will be the first to congratulate you. Her support of all Amateurs confirms that there could not be any Amateur more deserving of the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award.”

Gandy has been an NCHA member since 1976, but she has been involved with horses throughout her life. Known as a fierce competitor, Gandy has earned numerous accolades in the arena, and she helped her son, Lee, earn Youth world championships as well. 

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen for the Mary Kingsbury award this year,” said Gandy. “To be selected by a group of my peers, because they felt I was worthy and demonstrated the characteristics that Mary Kingsbury exemplified, will always be one of the highlights of my 40 plus year relationship with the NCHA. I have served as a director, on the Amateur Committee, represented the Amateur division, and my Region 6. This experience has been educational and a pleasure. The friendships I have formed because of the NCHA are forever. I have been truly blessed. Thank you to the Lackey Family and Lackey Painting, Inc for sponsoring this award.” 

Gandy’s name will be added to the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award perpetual plaque at the NCHA office, and she will be presented with a bronze trophy sponsored by the Lackey Family during the upcoming 2022 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.