Golden Reins Award

The most recent edition (February - March 2008) of The Morgan Horse magazine announced that Lyle and Colleen were awarded the prestigious Golden Reins Award by the American Morgan Horse Association. Here is the description and background from the magazine:

These nominees have spent the past 30 years teaching and training. Along the sidelines of their story, you will find legions of champions and young riders who will go on to represent the best of the Morgan world. Connected by their educational backgrounds, they have formed a partnership that exemplifies the best qualities of a team. They have harnessed the raw talents of horses into the substance of champions and turned the dreams of riders into reality.

At Bonnie Lee Farm, owned by Mona Bonham, Lyle and Colleen Wick were introduced and developed the beginnings of longstanding devotion to the Morgan breed. The partnership with Mrs. Bonham launched the opening of LW Training Stables, a part-time endeavor while Lyle and Colleen balanced a rigorous schedule managing their fleet of training and lesson horses, clients, and Lyle's demanding career as the Director of Equine Science at the University of Minnesota Crookston. An impressive feat, all aspects of management of the farm to family were balanced seamlesly. These years wer fortuitous and immensely gratifying with great wins at the Grand Nationals to Lyle's recognition as Outstanding Alumni at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

In 1993 the Wicks left Crookston to pursue horse training full time in a partnership with Nan Wille, owner of the Crocus Hill Farm. The Wicks tenure at Crocus Hill thrived ith an active youth program, breeding, and training. After four years with Crocus Hill, Lyle and Colleen were able at long last to make their own dreams come true with the opening of Hardwood Creek Fram, the Wicks' own full-time training facility.

Today Hardwood Creek is the home to many Grand National and wordl championship winning Morgans, clinics, judging seminars, and various volunteer efforts organized to benefit 4-H, Morgan Youth, and the promotion of the Morgan Breed.

Each talented in his or her wn right, yet immensely complementary as a team, this pair has been invaluable to the Morgan Community.