At the opening of the awards ceremony, Farley expressed his sincere gratitude and thanks to the Association for the support received during his time served as president. With that having been said, he introduced the officers and directors for 2003. They are as follows: Harlan Hatcher, President; Mike Farley, Vice President; Joy Smith, Secretary/Treasurer; and Larry Russell, Doug Estes, Tommy Vinson, Peyton Rice and Carol Smith as board of directors.

Each year the MWHA searches for an inductee into the Hall of Fame. Resumes are submitted by the membership and carefully considered by the officers, directors, and previous inductees. This year’s recipient was Dudley R. Moore, Jr. (See Sidbar).

Our guest speaker for the evening was David Landrum of Franklin, Tennessee. Well known as both trainer and judge, Landrum’s topic of discussion was judging. After highlighting on conformation, haltering the weanling and yearling, and showing the three-gaited performance horse, Landrum stressed six points a judge should know. 1) Complete knowledge of the rules; 2) thorough knowledge of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed; 3) ability to judge with dispatch (quick, clear cut decisions); 4) be honest (don’t give influence of bias); 5) sincere interest in each horse; and 6) judge should be appropriately dressed. In closing, Landrum strongly emphasized, “If we will all pull together, we will contribute substantially to the betterment of the breed.” A special announcement was given by Joy Smith on behalf of the Association to Mike Farley and Lois Hardy. Farley was presented a plaque in appreciation for his duties within the Association. Hardy was presented with a bronze horse vase for her twenty-five years of service to the Association.

Ninety-one high point awards were given for first, second and third place. The High Point Walking Horse Award was given to Ebony’s Coin Dream for proud owner Bob and Marilyn Scott. “Big Daddy” also claimed the Amateur Owned and Trained High Point Award which accompanied the Jim Swoope Challenge Trophy and the James Nichols Challenge Trophy. The High Point Plantation Horse was awarded to Precious Hallelujah, owned by Dr. and Mrs. John Dial. The High Point Racking Horse Award went to Slick Willie for owner Tommy Phillips.

Having won the High Point Amateur Award consecutively in 2000, 2001 and 2002, Pam Russell retired the Francis Broome Challenge Trophy. The High Point Amateur Racking Award was given to Le Reginelli. Mike Etheredge claimed the High Point Racking Trainer Award and the High Point Walking Trainer Award was presented to Rob Biggers. Horse Person of the year, voted on by the general membership, recognized and awarded Marilyn Scott with this honor.