The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announces that the 2010 TWHBEA National Futurity will be managed by The Celebration and judged by Celebration judges.  This move will honor expectations of all Futurity supporters.  This comes as a result of a TWHBEA Executive Committee vote to renew the partnership between TWHBEA and The Celebration.

In a teleconference on July 24 between Charles McDonald, Celebration Chairman and CEO, Dr. Doyle Meadows with TWHBEA President, David Pruett and Executive Director, Stan Butt, TWHBEA asked The Celebration to return to the management and judging of the Futurity.  The Celebration accepted the request during the teleconference. TWHBEA previously indicated to Meadows on July 8 that TWHBEA would assume all management and judging responsibilities for their futurity.  Under those circumstances and at that time, Meadows stated that futurity classes would not be preliminary to Celebration Championship classes.  Subsequently, both TWHBEA and The Celebration both understood the conditions and signed a document to that intent.

“I am very happy to have reached this agreement with the TWHBEA, which is in the best interest of exhibitors at both events” remarked McDonald.  Pruett concurred and said, “This is the best decision for our breeders and the industry as we move forward.”  Dr. Meadows indicated “There is no questions this decision will benefit our industry.  All Futurity expenses incurred by TWHBEA were direct costs paid to judges, ringmasters, center ring and support staff.  The Celebration does not receive any direct financial benefit as a result of the Futurity being held on The Celebration grounds.  In addition The Celebration provides the Calsonic Arena to TWHBEA for the Futurity at no charge.”