The Roye Meis Trail Championship Award
This class was started in the year 2003 to honor and remember Roye Meis, a beloved man, whose enthusiasm for trail competition continues to inspire those competitors who knew him and bring back many fond memories. He always encouraged others to just try competing in trail, especially our BHAM youth.
A traveling trophy, as well as a plaque is presented to the winner of the Roye Meis Trail Ride Off held at the All American Buckskin Congress. The exhibitor from each trail division who earns the highest point total for the year will be eligible to show in the Roye Meis Trail Ride Off. The Secretary will calculate the points and notify the exhibitor with the highest number of points with a letter to invite them to participate in the Ride Off. Each qualifying exhibitor will be awarded a medal sponsored by BHAM.
Roye began riding when his daughter finished showing. He was only 50 years young at the time! The first and only horse he rode was Dutch Bar Bandit, affectionately known as “Bandit”. They began showing on the BHAM Circuit in 1988. Together they received many ABRA and BHAM awards. Particular to trail were ABRA Champion Amateur Trail (1992, 1993, 1995, 1999, & 2000); ABRA Top Five Amateur Trail (1994, 1996); ABRA Top Five Trail All Ages (1994, 1995, 1996, 1998). The “Roye and Bandit” team received their ABRA Bronze Medallions in ABRA Amateur Trail and ABRA Trail All Ages! Their BHAM awards were too many to list however, BHAM was very proud to honor Roye’s memory by making he and Bandit the first recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Roye’s wife, Lorna, comments “I think one of the reasons Bandit and Roye were so successful in trail was that Roye enjoyed the challenge of doing something different in every class. Bandit, being as lazy as he was, just liked not having to expend any more energy than he had to!!! They were such a team! Roye used to say that to ‘work Bandit down’, he had to ride him from the stall to the ring!”
Bandit was ridden by 3 generations. First, Roye’s daughter, who trained him, then Roye, and finally granddaughter, Maureen, who began riding him at 1 ½ years of age in Pee Wee Lead Line! Sadly, Bandit passed on to greener pastures March 8, 2008 at the ripe old age of 27. Until the eve of his death he was very happy and healthy, leading the good life on the farm. He was such a special horse and brought so much enjoyment and fun to the Meis family that loved him!
Roye served on the BHAM Board for many years and was instrumental in establishing the budget for awards and the current rule book. Roye had begun to develop the idea of our Lifetime Achievement Award before he passed away. BHAM was very fortunate to have a man like Roye Meis help mold it into the association it has become today.
Roye Meis Champions
2018 Molly O’Reilly and Tivio Bandito
2017 Heather Zeerip and Good And Dun
2016 Audra Levitte and Keep Me In The Dark
2015 Audra Levitte and Keep Me In The Dark
2014 Jennifer Kursinsky and Dun In Zippo
2013 Audra Levitte and Keep Me In The Dark
Life Time Achievement Award
In 2002 our Board of Directors recognized the fact there were many who came before us. Individuals, and families who were instrumental developing the Buckskin Horse Association of Michigan were selfless people with foresight, and conviction, determined to promote the Buckskin horse as an individual. These are people that worked tirelessly, as families, and individuals, to develop the foundation of this organization. The goal of the Lifetime Achievement committee is to recognize and appreciate their effort, and to show our appreciation of their contribution to this organization.
At the same time, it was recognized that there were some very grand old horses that carried some of these people and their children. Geldings, which were tried and true warriors of the show pen. Horses, that carried child and adult through the endless hours of training and exhibition without complaint, family horses. Mares, that not only performed well, but also passed success to their offspring, continuing the lineage. Of course the Stallions, which passed on their winning traits, abilities, and demeanors, which would allow yet another generation of young people the pleasure of knowing the feeling of good horses under control and willing to perform.
It is for these reasons that the Lifetime Achievement Award may be given each year, rewarding excellence in effort and success.