by Harolene Willis

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Although there was no Trainers’ Show in the Calsonic Arena on Saturday, March 21, there were definitely the sounds and cheers of a horse show – the 2009 WHOA-TWHBEA Academy Championship. The familiar voice of Mark Farrar called the classes to the ring and announced the winners. Connie Dunlap entertained on her organ and Jack Greene was the official photographer. Charles Thomas from the National Horse Show Commission served as the DQP. The invocation was given by Bill Reed and Carl Johnson sang the country’s national anthem.

Leah Boyd from Murfreesboro, Jamie Hankins from Paris, Ky., and Holly Sanders from Shelbyville rotated the judging responsibilities. Ninety-six entries made the gate call. Nicole Carswell was the paddock master and manned the entry gate.

 WHOA and TWHBEA are grateful for the loyal supporters and volunteers who so generously contributed their time and who worked so hard to make the Academy shows successful. Those helping at the championship show included Harolene Willis, WHOA Academy Committee chairperson, Marcy Wilson, Denise Rowland, Patsy Newberry, Diane McMurtrey, Kathy Zeis and Christy Lantis. Others who worked hard to make this show a success were Tommy Hall, WHOA executive director; Mark Taylor, WHOA director of sales and marketing; Chris Coffey, TWHBEA director of marketing and programs; Paulette Ewing, THWBEA youth coordinator; and Kristen Stegall, TWHBEA marketing and programs coordinator.

 During the intermission, each participant was presented a complimentary WHOA-TWHBEA Academy tote bag and the book “The Fantasy Horse” by Jennie Hughes. Following the group photo was the exciting drawing held to determine the winner of a Barnsby “Stryder” show saddle donated by World Champion Horse Equipment. The saddle had been on display at all Academy shows throughout the season and all participants and instructors were eligible for the saddle giveaway. The lucky recipient of the saddle was nine-year-old Olivia Hayes from Murfreesboro, Tenn.

WHOA-TWHBEA would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the 2009 Academy sponsors, Manna Pro and Waterfall Farms, and to Dr. Doyle Meadows and the Celebration for the use of Calsonic Arena for this event. Also a special thanks to David Williams and his staff at Waterfall Farms for setting up their ring panels in order to reduce the size of the arena for Academy competition.

Thanks to all participants and instructors for making the 2009 Academy program successful. The Academy program is a strong part of the walking horse industry and has proven to be a great way to introduce new riders and owners to the breed. Watch for Academy classes at certain shows throughout the 2009 show season.

Complete results can be viewed, searched and printed by clicking here.

For more information contact www.walkinghorseownres.com or www.twhbea.com.