Gone but not forgotten. The Hinz family's passion for horses is helping them heal after the death of their 16-year-old daughter Jodeen Hinz.
Parents Kelvin and Jackie are continuing their daughter's legacy and love of horses through the Jodeen Hinz Memorial Youth Draft Horse Hitch Driver Award at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Kelvin and Jackie say their daughter was a true equestrian. She wasn't afraid of the horse and was known to outdrive her father during competitions. They say every summer the family was known to go to at least eight horse shows throughout the Midwest.
"I was often behind the camera and they were in the ring together," said Jackie.
"We'd bicker back and forth on the wagon or on the cart," said Kelvin. "Then we'd come out and still all smiling and everything was all good."
The Hinz lost their daughter in a car crash last January. Jackie says they keep her memory alive through the award. Both parents say practically everyone knew Jodeen because she was such a lively girl.
This year's winner of the Jodeen Award is 17-year-old Makenna Hart from Minnesota. The award is a plaque and a small cash prize to continue encouraging youth riders. The family says they'll continue giving out her award for as long as they can.
