SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - The TWHBEAsm National Futurity has had a long-running relationship with Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebrationsm since the very first Celebration in 1939. For many years now, that relationship has included a management agreement and the ability for classes in the TWHBEAsm National Futurity to serve as qualifying classes for World Grand Championship classes. The Celebrationsm and Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors Association reached an agreement that the TWHBEAsm National Futurity, affiliated with the TWHBEAsm HIO (Horse Industry Organization), will be held at Calsonic Arena on Wednesday, August 22, 2007.
The Celebrationsm hopes a further agreement can be reached (between the TWHBEAsm and National Horse Show Commission) that will allow classes in the TWHBEAsm National Futurity to quality for Celebration World Grand Championshipssm . An agreement of this type would allow trainers and owners to show their horses in the richest one-night showcase in the walking horse industry while also qualifying for Celebration World Grand Championshipssm.
“Our main goal has always been to put on a world-class event,” said Celebration CEO Ron Thomas. “The TWHBEAsm National Futurity has been a part of The Celebrationsm since the very beginning. Keeping the date within the window of dates for The Celebrationsm , we will be doing a service to our customers that want to be part of both events.”
The Celebrationsm feels there is an opportunity to build on the encouraging results of the 2007 show season as we all work toward the Celebrationsm and putting the dark clouds of 2006 in the past. The trainers of this industry have worked extremely hard to improve the overall health, safety, and image of the horse and the results of their diligence have been noticeable in the ring and in the inspection results at many of our early season showcases.
“The TWHBEAsm National Futurity puts $125,000 on the line and we wanted to do our part so that the nominated horses can compete for the purses,” continued Thomas. “We wish the leadership at TWHBEAsm and NHSC wisdom and sound judgment as they attempt to work out the other details.”
The Celebrationsm hopes that the many hours of yeoman’s work put in by numerous individuals and groups to reach an agreement that appears to accomplish virtually all of the goals important to our industry does not go to waste.
The Tennessee Walking Horse National CelebrationSM takes place each year during the 11-days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed’s World Grand ChampionSM and some 32 World Grand Champions are named. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $750,000 in prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. For more information, visit www.twhnc.com.