Each year, the Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary celebrates Auxiliary Night at the Celebration with the presentation of The Merit Award. This honor is given to an individual who is dedicated to and works tirelessly for the betterment of the walking horse industry as a whole. This year’s recipient was chosen by a unanimous decision of the Auxiliary nearly a year ago. 

This lady has earned not only the Mudslide Slim Lifetime Achievement Award and Member of the Year, but tonight is our Merit Award. She has served the industry for many years, not only as president of the Walking Horse Auxiliary, but also as a trainer’s wife and has involved her children in the breed we all know and love. 
She’s not afraid of hard work, the late nights and early mornings the Auxiliary sometimes endures, and her loyalty to the Auxiliary and Walking Horse Trainers’ Association is fierce. Her tireless efforts to keep the Auxiliary running smoothly are unmatched. 

She’s been a shoulder to cry on and an ear to bend for many members of the Auxiliary during her tenure. The Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary is forever indebted to her for carrying the torch of Auxiliary President the past 12 years. 

Tonight, on behalf of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary, Second Vice President Jennifer Barr (right), along with past presidents Dee Cantrell and Freda Dean as well as Heather Beard (left) and Allison Becknell (center) were honored to present Sarah Smith with the 2019 Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary Merit Award.