The Tennessee Walking Horse world lost an icon June 4, 2010 when Harold White, 83, passed away following a lengthy illness. White was a gentleman, a Tennessee Walking Horse historian, an excellent judge of both horses and humans, a trainer to be admired, and a true friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Cora Spencer White.
           
Born in Nashville, Tenn., White attended David Lipscomb College prior to serving in World War II as an instructor in the United Stated Navy. Upon his completion of active duty, he was assigned to Arnold Engineering Base in Tullahoma, Tenn., where he worked as an engineer until his retirement.
           
White also enjoyed working in the sports department at Vanderbilt University and was an avid supporter of all Vanderbilt athletic programs. He regularly attended various events but was an especially enthusiastic football and basketball fan.
           
A founding member of the Walking Horse Owners' Association, White was instrumental in the creation and production of WHOA's newspaper, The Walking Horse Times. One of the first licensed judges and DQPs, White's knowledge of the breed was unparalleled. He not only knew the rules and procedures well, he had a reputation for extreme fairness in application of these rules.  A popular judge and clinician for decades, he marked the cards at the Celebration and International on multiple occasions and also officiated at every other major show in the United States, as well as several in Canada and Europe. He was known to judge the horse front of him, ignoring the rider and horse's reputation.
           
White was also an avid supporter of the versatility horse, often judging for little or no remuneration to help fledging shows across the country get started.
           
In addition to judging, White owned and trained several world champions including but not limited too Plantation World Grand Champion Girl Of Distinction, 1992 Mare & Foal World Champion Pride’s June Bride and Baby Love (led by Sarah Dunn and trained by White), Ebony’s Cat Belau, World Champion Show Pleasure Horse, Shadow’s Gypsy Boy (owned by Sis Osborne) and Winston’s Gypsy.
           
Facts that are not so well known are White was a gourmet cook, an animal lover who would take in a stray and love it as though it was the best pedigreed animal in the world, and he had a wicked sense of humor.
           
The entire walking horse world mourns the death of this extraordinary man and recognizes the cavernous void left by his passing.