A PAKENHAM woman was recognised for her work with the Australian Appaloosa Association (AAA) when she become the first person to be inducted into the organisation’s hall of fame last month.

The prestigious award acknowledges Helen Cook’s work with the association that she formed in 1971 and for her work with stallion Colida’s Lad.

After importing the Appaloosa in 1973, Ms Cook trained and showed Colida’s Lad all over Australia. The horse won multiple events at national and state level including three national High-point Performance Horse titles.

Friend Karen Rath said it was fitting that Ms Cook was the first to be inducted into the association’s hall of fame.

“There are very few people around today who would know how much of her blood, sweat and tears went into the establishing of the association,” she said.