LEWISBURG, Tenn. – The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association’s (TWHBEA) Horse Show Division is pleased to announce the renewal of the historic Manchester Lions Club Horse Show, to be held Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Coffee County Fairgrounds in Manchester, Tenn.
The show, which for 53 years was traditionally held the first Saturday in May, has not been held since 2008. The two year hiatus was primarily due to limited manpower, according to club members. The Lions Club met on Tuesday, March 8 and heard presentations from TWHBEA Horse Show Division Vice President Tracy Boyd and committee member Jerry Harris of What A Horse. Following the presentations, the Lions Club voted to renew the show for 2011.
“I would like to thank the entire Manchester Lions Club, particularly President Maurice Pittman, longtime show announcer and club member Thurman Walden, and legendary Coffee County breeders Charles and Nellie Brantley for extending the invitation to Jerry and me to meet with their club and renew this great showcase,” said Boyd. “Also, much credit goes to Jerry Harris for his drive and determination in seeing this through to fruition.”
“Horse shows are the lifeblood of our industry and it’s vital that we do everything we can to create new shows, resurrect old shows and support existing shows,” said Harris. “People like the Brantleys have put their hearts and souls into the Tennessee Walking Horse breed and I’m delighted they have rallied the support necessary to put the Manchester Lions Club Horse Show back on the calendar for the first Saturday in May.”
The show, which will be affiliated with the SHOW HIO, needs at least 200 entries to be successful, according to Lions Club members. TWHBEA asks the walking horse community to support this show through entries, sponsorships and attendance. Come enjoy the world famous barbecue chicken and support the many wonderful vision and scholarship programs supported by the Manchester Lions Club.