by Patti Reynolds

BEREA, Ky. - The Bluegrass Pleasure Walking Horse Association held their very first annual awards banquet Jan. 29, 2011, at the Smokehouse Restaurant with approximately 60 members present. All in attendance enjoyed a wonderful meal, a business meeting for member input, a silent auction and presentation of awards.

For additional coverage of this event, check out this week's print edition and more photos on our Facebook Fan Page.

Jaylon Ponder proudly accepted the Lead Line award.

Topping the Trail Pleasure Specialty category was I'm Clean & Sober and Melissa Marcum.

Cass Ponder was honored for the first place victory of Lady Firewalker in the 17 & Under Trail Pleasure division.

Nicole Carswell was in attendance to accept the award earned by Ebony's Big Ticket in the Open Classic Plantation Pleasure Canter division.

Debbie Smothers was awarded with four top awards for the evening. Enchanted Wolf captured the Lite-Shod Pleasure Specialty title, She's A Bad Cat was honored with the Country Pleasure Walking honor, and Avenger's Foxxy Farrah earned the Spotted Trail and Spotted Lite-Shod awards.

VIP earned the Show Pleasure Walking Specialty honor and Cash's Last Deal captured the Three-Year-Old Walking title. Proud owner Steve Ponder graciously accepted the awards.