SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST) is proud to announce it will sponsor the 2010 WHOA/TWHBEA Academy Program. FAST gave $9,500 to the program and will be its premier sponsor in 2010.
Formed midway through 2009, FAST has been hard at work over the second half of the year and has given $38,200 to industry efforts in 2009. FAST has already committed to award grants totaling $13,500 in January 2010. The foundation’s President Mike Inman summarized 2009 this way, “We are extremely excited about the progress FAST has made in such short period of time. Attaining our 501 (c)(3) status was a major objective and we received it quicker than any of us thought possible. We never started the foundation to stockpile a reserve of money, rather to get money in and get money out to industry needs. We are focused on education and preserving our great Tennessee Walking Show Horse.”
“Sponsorship of the Academy Program was something everyone on our board felt strongly about. There are few facets of our industry that are more important than youth and introducing our great animal to new parties. The Academy Program does both and we are excited to help WHOA and TWHBEA continue this important program,” said Treasurer Kathy Zeis.
The 2010 Academy Program kicks off January 23, 2010 at Clearview Farms in Shelbyville, Tenn. A new aspect of the program in 2010 will include Performance Preview classes that will allow existing owners to practice with their horse prior to going in the show ring in 2010. Canter classes will be included in order for amateurs and professionals to practice and introduce the canter to their 2010 teams.
FAST’s board of directors include Inman, Zeis, Vice-President Kasey Kesselring, Lee McGartland, David Landrum, Bruce Vaughn, Brenda Carlon, and Jeffrey Howard.
FAST’s mission statement is to engage in fundraising initiatives to provide financial support via tax deductable donations for the advancement and support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse in the areas of education, equine welfare, the promotion and preservation of the Tennessee Walking Horse shows and exhibitions, preservation of the breed and scientific research and development.
FAST is a 501 (C) 3 charitable organization and donations are tax deductible. You can visit the FAST web site at www.FASTWalkingShowHorse.org. If you would like to assist in the goals of FAST contact a director or go online and make a donation to help the advancement of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse.