The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has named 12 new members of the TWHNC Hall of Fame. These individuals will be inducted at a dinner in their honor on February 25, 2006 at Calsonic Arena at The Historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, TN.
The Class of 2006 includes industry professionals and contributors to The World's Greatest Horse Show. They join a select group previously inducted.
“We are very happy to make honor this group for their participation and contributions to The Celebration,” said board chairman John T Bobo. “Each one of these individuals is very deserving of the honor and we are proud to have them join our Hall of Fame.”
The new members include three individuals that will be honored posthumously. They include long-time Celebration ringmaster and two-time judge Jimmy Cole of Jackson, TN, center ring staffer Dave Spence of Nashville, and long-time trainer Charlie Martin of Murfreesboro.
Other members of the induction class include:
Joe Cotten, rider of 2005 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Main Power.
Janie Webb Fostek will be honored following a lifelong career as an exhibitor and supporter of The Celebration.
Jack Greene of Christiana, TN is an official Celebration photographer and one of the leading equine photographers in the world.
Howard Hamilton, highly successful trainer and rider. Hamilton has also served as a Celebration judge.
Rhonda Martocci of Franklin, TN has been a visible force within the walking horse industry for many years. In addition, she has been a successful owner and exhibitor
Former Celebration Administrative Assistant Linda Matthews will be honored for her many years of service to The Celebration, its staff, and board of directors.
Bob Medina has been one of the most successful owners and amateur exhibitors in the history of the industry. He has also been a leader in moving the industry forward on numerous fronts.
Dick Peebles, noted Shelbyville-based trainer, has enjoyed a long, successful career in the showring and with his many customers
Bob Pollack has been a long-time supporter of The Celebration and an owner of many fine Tennessee Walking horses. He is one of the people responsible for the tremendous growth of the breed in the Western United States.
“This class of inductees comes from all areas of the industry,” said Bobo. “It just shows the diversity of individuals that mean so much to our wonderful event.”
Tickets for the black-tie event will be on sale through The Celebration office after the new year. They can be contacted at 931-684-5915 or twhnc@twhnc.com.