August 2023 Issue

Real Estate EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN August 2023 Page 27 Dr. Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University, received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award at the 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium in Grapevine, TX. The award is the most prestigious honor that the Equine Science Society can bestow upon one of its members. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of equine science. Award recipients must also have a record of significant accomplishments in teaching, research and extension or service as it relates to the ad- vancement of the equine sciences and horse industry. Dr. Malinowski has served as a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences since 1978 in various roles, including Extension Spe- cialist in Equine Sciences, Ani- mal Sciences Professor, Founding Director of the Equine Science Center, and the Director of Rut- gers Cooperative Extension. Her research and extension programs concentrate on improv- ing the equine athlete's well-be- ing and quality of life while ensuring the equine industry's vi- tality and viability, both statewide and nationally. After having the opportuni- ty to drive the famous Niatross, she was bitten by the bug and spent several summers learning how to drive harness horses. In 2001, Malinowski acquired her first Standardbred racehorse, Could Be Magic, who carried her to victory in her amateur debut in 2003 at Freehold Race- way. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from the Equine Science Society,” said Dr. Malinowski. “It has been my extreme pleasure to have worked for over four decades with top-notch young people and horses! Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Malinowski WeRideTogether Releases Misconduct Public Service Announcement #WeRideTogether, a non-profit whose mission is to prevent sexual misconduct in sport through education, aware- ness, and resources, is continu- ing to spark conversation around the subject of sexual abuse and develop its educational resources with the latest PSA, “Preventing Misconduct in Sports: The Win- dow Rule.” Using the simple analogy of being able to see clearly in and out of a window, this straightforward but high-im- pact PSA highlights the six stages of grooming and reminds viewers that boundaries can be crossed, even in broad daylight. By discussing the subtle ways grooming occurs, “The Window Rule” aims to stop unhealthy relationship dynamics and shares ways coaches, athletes, parents, and bystanders can promote transparency and accountability for all participants. “The Window Rule” also urges viewers to speak up for athletes and invites them to take the Coach Athlete Pledge. The Pledge, a commitment to main- taining healthy training envi- ronments, summarizes ten best practices to help ensure future generations of athletes have safe and positive experiences: "If we can’t talk about sex- ual abuse, we can’t change it,” says Carrie Kehring, Founder of #WeRideTogether. “It’s sur- prising how many people have never even heard of the word grooming as it relates to sexual abuse or know what it means. It’s clear that the educational component is necessary to start making a difference, and I am very proud of the work #WeR- ideTogether has done so far. Though we have a long way to go, we are committed to being the radical change to protect athletes and keep all sports safe." Founded in 2021, #WeRide- Together started as an aware- ness campaign and educational website designed to empower, inform and unite the equestrian community around sexual mis- conduct prevention and create healthy training environments for all sports. Showcasing powerful first-person interviews from sexual abuse survivors, #WeRideTogether promotes transparent dialogue around sexual misconduct, raises awareness for the many forms grooming and abuse can take, and helps diminish the stigma and fear of coming forward by giving survivors a safe plat- form to share their voices. The organization has since grown into a 501c3 and is creating a blueprint to help make all sports safer for youth, amateur, and professional athletes. Visit WeRideTogether.today to watch compelling PSAs, find educational tools and resources, and learn how you can help keep sports safe for everyone. Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!