Shelbyville, Tenn. – What began almost twenty years ago with the opening of Calsonic Arena will continue into the foreseeable future, that being the National Walking Horse Trainers’ Show taking place in the 4,300 seat indoor facility. The Board of Directors of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and The Celebration® announced today that they have finalized the renewal of the agreement that brought the event to Calsonic Arena during its first year of operation back in 1990.
The current agreement between the two groups expired at the conclusion of the 2008 edition of the show. Since that time the Trainers’ group have received and reviewed several proposals to move their event, but eventually wanted to continue the relationship that has been beneficial for both parties for so long. “The Celebration® and its staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make our show a successful one and we are excited to continue that working relationship,” commented W.H.T.A. Director and Show Manager Benny Johnson.
Current WHTA President Link Webb stated “Our show has been successful for several years and part of that is due to the working relationship the trainers have with The Celebration®. We appreciate The Celebration® stepping up again to offer their facility for our show and we look forward to continuing our relationship.” Mickey McCormick, First Vice-President of the group echoed Webb’s comments and added “Calsonic Arena is centrally located for our industry. That coupled with fact that several owners have homes here and trainers have their barns in this area add to the success of our show.”
Celebration Board Chairman David Howard commented on the contract renewal by stating the consensus of Celebration’s Board of Directors “We are fortune to be able to continue the wonderful working relationship we have with the Trainers. We are proud to host the W.H.T.A. and the Trainers’ Show each year. The trainers are the ones who continue to develop great horses and help make our show (The Celebration®) the world’s greatest horse show.”
The City of Shelbyville recognizes the importance of the National Trainers’ Show and its’ positive impact on the local economy. Mayor Wallace Cartwright announced the city’s continuance as a sponsor of the four-day event by stating “The City of Shelbyville is delighted that the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association has decided to continue to call our fair city home of its showcase event and we are proud to show our support by continuing to partner with The Celebration® as a corporate sponsor of National Trainers’ Show.”
The 41st Annual National Walking Horse Trainers Show will take place in Calsonic Arena on March 18th – 21st, 2009.