AWARDS
Lenux Stables Receives Community Barn Award
February 23, 2026: Lexington, KY – The American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA) proudly recognized Lenux Stables as the recipient of the 2025 Community Barn Award, presented at the Saddlebred Celebrations Luncheon during the 2026 ASHBA Annual Convention.
The Community Barn Award recognizes a barn that goes beyond training horses to build people, relationships, and a thriving Saddlebred community. This honor celebrates organizations that create environments where riders, families, and supporters feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to stay involved in the breed.
Lenux Stables was selected for exemplifying what it means to be a true community barn. They are home to an exceptional youth club, Lenux Legends, recognized this year as Youth Club of the Year. Their large and active academy program brings constant energy to the barn, with young riders learning, growing, and enjoying the experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Lenux consistently shows up for the industry, offering support to both large and small horse shows and encouraging participation at every level. Their youth and families are engaged, enthusiastic, and deeply connected, creating a culture that welcomes newcomers while sustaining long-term involvement.
Through meaningful fundraising efforts and a clear commitment to building community, Lenux has created a model that strengthens the Saddlebred industry in North Carolina and beyond.
“For their commitment to youth, community, and the future of the breed, it is our honor to present the Community Barn Award to Lenux Stables,” said Smith Lilly, immediate past president of ASHBA, who presented the award.
Lenux & Lakeside Legends Youth Receive Additional ASHBA Awards
In addition to receiving the 2025 Community Barn Award, the Lenux & Lakeside Legends Youth Club was recognized with two other awards. The Legends are honored to have been awarded the 2025 Youth Club of the Year Award and the Youth Club Fundraising Award for 2025, as well. We are honored and are extremely proud of our Lenux & Lakeside Legends Youth Club members for their efforts throughout the year.
ASAC Honors Bestowed Upon Lenux & Lenux Riders
"We are so incredibly grateful," Brooke VanderSpuy said. "Being named ASAC High Point Barn of the Year for 2025, the second year in a row, still takes my breath a little. From starting this barn from scratch with big dreams, late nights, and a lot of 'figuring it out as we went,' to now placing another plaque on the wall, this journey has always been about the people who make Lenux what it is."
"I've always said we have the best instructors — and now the proof really is out there . You all give so much of yourselves — countless hours on the road, early mornings, long days, and everything in between — all because you truly care about our our riders and our horses. We are so lucky that you didn't just find your passion, but turned it into your purpose and chose to live it with us," she added. "The long drives, the rollercoaster of highs and lows that come with horses, and the unpredictable ups and downs of horse shows are challenging — but you make every bit of it worth it. More than any ribbon or award, the best part of all this is getting to do this alongside this incredible group of instructors. I'm not always one for big emotions, but my heart is truly full of gratitude for each of you."
Anna Loney & Lyla VanderSpuy Earn National Horseman All-American Awards
VanderSpuy Adds SEHA High Point Reserve Award
Congratulations to WCC WC CH Nobody Knows and Anna Loney (above) on being named a 2025 National Horseman Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 14-17 All-American and ASAC Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure High Point Grand Champions for 2025. Congratulations also go to The Way I Am and Lyla VanderSpuy (below) on being named a 2025 National Horseman Five-Gaited Pony All-American and ASAC Five-Gatied Pony High Point Grand Champions for 2025.
