Horse Person of the Year 2004 - Ron Levesque

Each year the New Hampshire Horse Council, Inc. awards the "Horse Person of the Year’ distinction to a hard working member of the NH horse community. We’re excited and pleased to announce this year’s recipient is Ron Levesque of Epping, NH., co-founder of E.P.O.N.A.

Ron has had horses for most of his life or close to 30 years with the exception of 10-12 years when he founded, operated and managed The Epping Flower Shop & Gallery and R. Management, LLC., a landscaping company. Most of his horse experience involved the show circuit. Early on in his life, he was exposed to a rescue situation that ended with one horse being euthanized and the other having permanent physical limitations. Through the show community, he was exposed to many horses that were often discarded, because they could no longer compete on a certain level. These were horses that had given so much to their owners. Their inability to compete was often the result of their show career and handling, and then the horses were cast off and sent "down the road" to some undetermined fate. This began Ron’s inspiration to have a small retirement community for such horses when he retired.

As fate would have it, circumstances led to the opportunity to bring his idea to fruition sooner than planned. E.P.O.N.A. was established. The name EPONA was chosen because she is the Celtic Goddess of horses. Coincidentally, E.P.O.N.A. also stands for Equine Protection of North America. That is one of many coincidences. The first three rescues that came to E.P.O.N.A. were pre-named…Blessed, Unexpected Miracle, and Magic. Ron took that as an omen that "we were doing the right thing and that we were destined to be here." Ron states, "We researched equine rescue extensively before we began, and we attempted to create a program that would be unique in the rescue and rehabilitation of horses in need. I think that we have accomplished that." E.P.O.N.A. is highly regarded not only within New Hampshire and New England, but also nationally. E.P.O.N.A. has strong affiliations with other reputable organizations across the country, i.e. United Animal Nations and The Exceller Fund in CA; High Road Farm and Tiffany Trust in VA; The American Horse Defense Organization in Wash, DC; and the ASPCA in New York. In state E.P.O.N.A. is proud of its strong relationship and high regard that Rochester Equine and the State Veterinarian office have expressed in its programs.

E.P.O.N.A. has gained a great deal of recognition for its successes in rehabilitating horses with behavioral issues and also for its Premarin Rescue program. E.P.O.N.A. was the first to bring Premarin Rescue to the State of New Hampshire and the second organization in New England. Ron is proud to say, "We were the first rescue organization nationally that began the policy of actually working with the rescued Premarin mares and foals before they were adopted. We are still one of the few, if not the only, organization that maintains that program today." The Premarin mares and foals are haltered, taught to lead, receive their vaccinations, begin a worming program, are introduced to grain and, for the most part, have had their feet picked up before they can be adopted. It is this kind of care and handling that has caught the attention of other rescues nationally. So much so, in fact, that the ASPCA in New York recommended E.P.O.N.A. to Dr. Robert Levine that he adopt two foals from E.P.O.N.A. when he was looking to adopt Premarin foals for his wife, Mary Tyler Moore. Yes, Mary Tyler Moore and her husband adopted two Premarin foals from E.P.O.N.A. a few years ago. In addition to the rescue part of the program, E.P.O.N.A. has a limited number of retirees. E.P.O.N.A. also has a very active volunteer program and will soon begin its Therapeutic Riding Program.

E.P.O.N.A. is not a facility that accepts surrender cases. There has to be a physical or emotional need on the part of a horse for a horse to come into our program. Each horse is evaluated. An individualized personal program is created for each horse for successful placement into an appropriate home at a later date.

E.P.O.N.A. receives no state or federal funding. It is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization and is certified with the State of New Hampshire. E.P.O.N.A. is very big on education with several educational programs being offered throughout the year. In addition, staff members of E.P.O.N.A. attend offsite events to educate people about equine care, rescue/slaughter and, of course, to bring about an awareness of Premarin foal rescue.

We find people often underestimate the value of a relationship with the horse. It is not just about riding. This animal can be your best friend. The medical and psychological communities have long recognized the benefits of relationships with those with physical and emotional limitations, and these benefits often go unrecognized within the horse communities themselves. This recognition plays a large part in the overall philosophy at E.P.O.N.A.

Other accolades that Ron has been honored with over the years go as far back as his teenage years where he won several 4-H trips to Wash., DC and Chicago. These were awarded not for his horse accomplishments, but for his "leadership." He was the President of one of the largest 4-H groups in Maine - the 4-H Hoofbeats, and was awarded Citizen of the Year in Bangor, Maine, and more recently Worker of the Year for the State of New Hampshire by the Dickie Corp.

Ron has resided in Epping, NH for approx 15 years and owns three horses with all but one being rescue horses. To say Ron has a true love for horses and people is an understatement. Ron’s life long inspiration of creating a special place for horses has no doubt impacted the lives of many horses and people. It is with great pride that the New Hampshire Horse Council honors Ron Levesque with our 2004 Horse Person of the Year award. Congratulations, Ron!

Respectfully submitted,

Jill Lorenz