The Mississippi Walking Horse Association and Abernathy Stables Colt Preview was held January 21, 2017 in Byhalia, Miss.  In addition to the colt preview the MWHA held their annual banquet in conjunction with the Abernathy Stables Colt Preview. 

The Mississippi Walking Horse Association has seen a decline in membership over the last several years and some longstanding shows have shut down, yet the remaining members are passionate about the Tennessee Walking Horse.  That passion was on full display as $10,000 was raised by passing the hat during the colt preview to assist the legal fund at the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST).

Mike Davis, a board member of FAST, addressed the crowd at Abernathy Stables and gave an overview of the current status of the USDA rule and the industry’s strategy to preserve the future of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse.  “I just wanted to personally take a moment to thank the Abernathy crew and the MWHA. If everyone engaged their members and customers the way they do, we would have no fundraising challenges.  There is a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes from several organizations and people in the industry, but I will tell you this group in Mississippi is committed,” said Davis.

In addition to the fundraiser at the colt preview, Ron Carney, President of the Mississippi Walking Horse Association, said an additional $3,000 will be donated to FAST’s legal fund from proceeds from the silent auction and banquet.  That $3,000 brought the total raised for FAST’s legal fund to $13,000 on Saturday.