Honorary Lifetime Member Award Winners

The WHC would like to thank and congratulate the individuals shown below for being awarded WHC Honorary Lifetime Member Awards. The WHC Board of Directors nominate, vote and approve those that have given much of their time and talents to bettering the equine industry in the State of Wisconsin.

Ray Antoniewicz

(As shown at 4h.extension.wisc.edu)

Ray Antoniewicz should be known as the “Father of the 4-H Horse Project.” Serving as an Extension Specialist from 1967 to 1998, Ray organized the first State 4-H Horse Show in 1969 and initiated the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association in 1971. This was just the beginning. The project and its curriculum grew by leaps and bounds.

Ray encouraged volunteer leader training and in 1980 organized the first 4-H Horse Project Leader Conference at Upham Woods. Workshops included a mixture of horse related and leadership development topics for adult and youth leaders. This remains an annual event today, sometimes with over 200 in attendance.

Antoniewicz worked to expand learning opportunities for youth beyond the state borders. He served on the planning committee for the Eastern National 4-H Roundup. Working with other State Extension Specialists, he served on committees to develop Horse Bowl materials, criteria for public speaking events, horse judging and Hippology.

Ray served as an author of the National 4-H Horse Project curriculum and did a major update after his retirement. Ray’s emphasis was to strengthen and broaden the project and help more youth find ways to develop their life skills through their interest in horses.

Ray summarized his feelings about 4-H by stating, “4-H is a great way of developing youth in so many aspects of personal growth and especially their skills and abilities to work with groups and individuals. The time we spent in the project wasn’t about training horses, but rather developing young people.”

Dean Johanningmeier

Farrier, Dean Johanningmeier, started trimming hooves when he was 13, at his family’s home in Iowa. He became a full-time farrier in 1970 and in 1985 became the farrier for the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medicine School.

Dean is one of three Wisconsin farriers who have been nominated and accepted into the International Farriers Hall of Fame.

Dean is certified in Equine Lameness and Natural Balance Trimming and Shoeing. His philosophy is what he does affects the whole horse.

What stands out about Dean Johanningmeier is his strong beliefs in education and mentoring. When he was starting out, he made frequent trips to Elkador, Iowa to learn from Vernell Thiese. He in turn had a standing offer for young horse shoers to watch him when he was working at the UW Vet School.
In a post by Jeremy McGovern, “Therapeutic Shoeing”, McGovern stated that Dean Johanningmeier has two passions in foot care; therapeutic work and passing on what he’s learned.

Even though Dean is now “retired”, as late as last fall when I spoke to him; he was in the midst of preparing a clinic for farriers. Throughout his career he has gone to great lengths to not only educate and mentor farriers and shoers, but to educate UW Vet School students, and just as importantly, horse owners.

*Published sources: “Ancient Art,” George Hesselberg, WSJ and “Therapeutic Shoeing” Jeremy McGovern, American Farriers Journal

Anne Murphy, WHC Vice President

Dean Meyer

(As shown at lodivet.com)

Dr. Dean Meyer began his veterinary career at Lodi Veterinary Care in 1969, after receiving his BS and DVM degree from Michigan State University. He later owned and operated Riverdale Veterinary Clinic in Muscoda, WI and in 1984 he established Madison Equine Clinic. In 2007, a decision was made to merge Madison Equine Clinic with Lodi Veterinary Care, bringing his career full circle. Dr. Meyer has been involved with horses and their owners on many different levels during his career. He helped establish the Wisconsin State Horse Council and was their first President. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Meyer’s interest in equine nutrition led to the formation of Doctor’s Choice Supplements, the makers of Equi-Shine. His other professional interests include reproduction, lameness, and all aspects of dental care. Dr. Meyer also enjoys raising and showing Morgan horses with his wife, Wendy, and daughter, Nicole.