Bowling Green, KY – The 2009 WHOA-TWHBEA Academy show season kicked off in Bowling Green at Western Kentucky University on Saturday, January 17. Dedicated instructors and enthusiastic students braved the very cold weather to “strut their stuff” and compete for the favor of the Honorable Robbie Casteel from Clark Range, TN, who judged the 72 entries. The show opened with the singing of our National Anthem by Steve Barbour. Tommy Hall, WHOA Executive Director, served as the announcer. Harolene Willis, WHOA Academy Committee chairperson, Marcy Wilson, and Denise Rowland handled the entries and awards presentations. They were assisted by Mark
Taylor, WHOA Sales and Marketing Director, and Chris Coffey, TWHBEA Director of Marketing and Programs. Chris also served as the show’s photographer.
The Academy program is an excellent way to introduce newcomers to the Tennessee Walking Horse without having to make a sizeable investment. No rider is eligible to participate in an Academy class who has shown in a riding suit at an affiliated horse show with the exception of the country pleasure division. Participants are required to wear helmets. There are no braced tails or braided ribbons. Most Academy horses are provided by the certified riding instructors. The horses must earn their living as a school or lesson horse. Only mares or geldings are permitted. NHSC rules prevail.
WHOA and TWHBEA sincerely thank Manna Pro for their Premier sponsorship of this year’s Academy program and Waterfall Farms for their Silver Sponsorship again for 2009. World Champion Horse Equipment is the sponsor of the 2009 Academy Give Away Contest. The Winner will receive a Barnsby “Stryder” show saddle following the Academy Program Championships in March. Please join us for great competition and fun at the following WHOA-TWHBEA Academy Program Shows for 2009.
January 31, 2009 10:00AM
Clearview Farm
Shelbyville, TN
February 28, 2009 10:00AM
Tennessee Miller Coliseum
Murfreesboro, TN
March 7, 2009 10:00AM
Waterfall Farm
Shelbyville, TN
March 21, 2009 10:00AM
Academy Championship
Calsonic Arena
Shelbyville, TN
For further information, visit WHOA’s website at www.walkinghorseowners.com or TWHBEA’s website at www.twhbea.com .