Emma Rothlein Honored as First Recipient of Dr. Robie Herman Sportsmanship Award
Two families whose impact will continue to benefit the horse industry. Pro photos courtesy of Rachel Griffin Photography.
By Delores Kuhlwein
Dr. Robie Herman, a friend to all in the industry, passed away in February, and it’s such a fresh, painful loss for so many, it’s still hard to wrap our heads around the fact that he won’t come around the corner and greet us with a smile.
His influence on the horse community and beyond is so great, the Dr. Robert “Robie” Herman Sportsmanship Award was recently established by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association. The inscription on the perpetual award reads:
Dr. Robert “Robie” Herman Sportsmanship Award
In Loving Memory
February 6, 1977 – February 6, 2025
A man of unwavering honor, Robie’s passion for horses and the sport was only matched by the strength of his character. He loved deeply, competed with integrity, and exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship both in and out of the arena.
Robie’s dedication, kindness, and respect for others leave a lasting legacy, and his example will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Emma Rothlein
The first winner of the award, a youth special enough to have her name placed at the top of the perpetual trophy, was set to be honored the evening of April 4, 2025, at the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show.
That person had to be someone who emulated the same spirit as Robie, and that young lady is Emma Rothlein, who had been enjoying her pizza during the pizza party, and was caught by surprise, as was her beloved aunt and trainer Megan Vanderslice.
“Thank you to everyone at the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and the Herman family for recognizing Emma’s hard work, positive attitude, and loving heart,” says Megan. “I know her Dad is smiling down from heaven. This means the world to my family.”
Emma’s own father, Bryan Rothlein, passed away in November 2021 due to complications from his congenital heart defects, and though the blow still resonates with the family, Emma somehow continues to spread light throughout the industry.
Ella Kate Herman, Robie’s daugther.
Case in point: Emma and I had played a little phone tag to talk about this meaningful award – she was at school during the week, we live in different time zones, and I was working plus showing my miniature horses that day. While she was waiting for my call, I sent Emma a photo of the miniature horse I was driving in a cart that day, who I would be showing the following day, with the message, “Almost done!”
We had a lovely conversation afterward, with Emma saying she knew the importance of “being kind to everyone, and congratulating others.” She also explain she knows Ella Kate Herman, Robie’s daughter, and she’s thankful for her support team. “I want to thank Megan, my aunt, for helping me, and I want to thank my parents,” says Emma.
As we finished up our call, I hadn’t completely learned the entire essence of Emma – all the reasons this child was the recipient of the award. I’d found she was sweet, considerate, respectful, and supportive and thoughtful of others, but as we said our goodbyes, she said, “Good luck with your show tomorrow!”
The maturity and the kindness of that gesture she didn’t have to extend knocked my socks off, and then I understood who Emma Rothlein was – a recipient completely deserving of the first Robie Herman Sportsmanship Award.
This year’s trophy was donated by Dr. Kimberly Carr, one of Robie’s vets and dear friends, explains Leigh Berryhill, Robie’s trainer and cherished friend. “The gift card Emma received was from money gathered in lieu of flowers for Robie. We also had a youth Pizza party with these funds,” she explains. “We hope to continue honoring Robie for years to come with this award thru the funds given in his name.”
When the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association announced Emma Rothlein as the first recipient of the award, they proclaimed the world needed more Robie Hermans, and with youth like Emma in our world, there’s no doubt we are in good hands for the future.
Read the words of trainer Kelley Wainscott, dedicated to Robie at the time of his passing:
In Loving Memory of Robie Herman, 1977-2025 | Equine Chronicle
