BELL BUCKLE, Tenn. – As the year draws to a close, walking horse enthusiasts travel from near and far to mix and mingle at the annual Walking Horse Trainers' Association Banquet. For the past several years the event has been held at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall, which this year was beautifully decorated in gorgeous holiday flare sponsored by the Keith McSwain family and Honors. Normally the first weekend in December, this year the banquet and annual meets was moved back to the 16th of December.
Mark Farrar once again was happy to serve as emcee for the night and handle all the announcing duties, and in his usual fashion, he kept the crowd fully entertained. Starting out the evening, Farrar took a moment to recognize several organizations that play major roles in the walking horse industry.
TWHBEA President David Williams and WHTA President Billy Young joined forces to present Beth and Ronnie Reed with a “Friends of the Walking Horse” honor for their contributions to those affected by the fires in Gatlinburg. Beth and Ronnie took it upon themselves to organize feed, hay and other equine necessities for those in need. They have made several trips to the area already with the donations, and in fact were leaving right after the banquet to take another load.
Marcia Allison, WHTA Secretary, was presented with a token of appreciation for her 25 years of service to the association.
For the second ever Living Legend Achievement Award, Bill and Dee Cantrell were brought to the stage for a great presentation for their contributions to the industry and the Walking Horse Trainers Association.
The 2016 Scholarship winners were acknowledged next. The Glenn C. Dowell Jr. family proudly sponsors the scholarships and this year marked their sixth year in doing so. This year’s recipients were Tanner Burks, Rebekah Kellett, Ashley Latham and Brian Barnes, Jr.
Larry Edwards was called to the stage next to be presented with his green blazer this is embroidered with the Celebration logo and the two years he has won the world grand championship. The blazer is donated by Frank and Shirley Neal in honor of 1992 World Grand Champion Dark Spirit’s Rebel. This tradition was started in 1995.
The auxiliary awards were the next presentations to be made by Susan Coleman.
The auxiliary equitation awards were first. Topping the Equitation 11 & Under category was Corbin Parker earning the gold award, followed by Taylor Williams with the silver award and Addie Harris with the bronze. Mia Thomas topped the next category and earned the Equitation Youth 12-14 gold award, with Anna Rosati picking up the silver award and Sammie Duray earning the bronze award. The gold award in the Equitation Youth 15-17 category went to Kaitlyn Rippy. The silver award was earned by Kallie Attig, followed by Langstone Harvey earning the bronze award. Allison Thorson claimed the Adult Equitation gold award, followed by Carmen Vaughn with the silver award and Morgan Murphy with the bronze.
The High Point Member of the Year honors go to an individual member who has accumulated the most points throughout the year in Auxiliary classes. The first place, gold honor, went to Christy Mauney. Second place with the silver award went to Candy Green. Kelly Mills and Dru McCormick tied for third with the bronze award.
Kelly Mills was presented with the Celebration award for capturing the world championship title aboard Mr. Heisman for the second year in a row.
The auxiliary Rookie of the Year honor went to Billie Shelton. Sarah Smith was voted as the Auxiliary Member of the Year.
Next, Edgar Abernathy and Hannah Myatt were separately called to the stage where John Allan Callaway presented them each with an award to recognize their 2016 Performance and Pleasure Trainer of the Year honor.
The Assistant Trainer of the Year category was also split this year into performance and pleasure. R.M. Kellett of Spencer Benedict Stables was honored as this year’s performance assistant trainer of the year recipient. The pleasure assistant trainer of the year title for 2016 was presented to Crystal Deputy of Dickie Gardner Stables.
Bill Callaway, chairman of the Riders’ Cup board, was next to come to the stage to present the Riders' Cup awards to both winning trainers and horses. Since it's inception in 2005, the Riders' Cup program has paid out close to $840,000 to dedicated trainers who continue to bring top horses to shows all across the country.
For the first time ever, the Riders’ Cup Performance Championship goes to a woman. That woman is none other than Blaise Broccard! At the start of this year, Blaise and the Abernathy Stables team made the decision to push hard all season long and land at the top of the performance division. Close to the top of the leader board right at the beginning of the year, Blaise topped the charts the first part of May and never looked back. Blaise showed in 158 classes at shows all across the Southeast. For her hard work, determination and dedication to the Walking Horse industry, we are pleased to present Blaise with a check in the amount of $13,485.29.
For the third year in a row, the 2016 Riders’ Cup Pleasure Division Overall honor goes to Jeff Laughlin. He snagged the top spot on the list right out of the gates this season and has never let go. He entered the ring a total of 60 times traveling to shows in five different states to claim the title. For his efforts, determination and persistence, we are pleased to present Jeff with a check in the amount of $4,794.20.
Next the Riders’ Cup divisional sponsors were brought to the stage for a presentation where they were presented with a plaque as a token of appreciation, as well as to applaud them for their generous support. Without each and them, this program would not have been possible. The Two-Year-Old Open division was sponsored by the Andrew Waites family for the seventh year in a row. Quality Exteriors pledged their sponsorship of the Three-Year-Old Open division for the fourth year. Once again the Molly Walters family sponsored both the Four-Year-Old Mare & Gelding division and the Four-Year-Old Open division. They have been a consistent part of the program since 2008. Once again the 15.2 & Under division was sponsored by the Walking Horse Association of Alabama, while the Celebration was the sponsor for the Stake division for the seventh year. Keith & Lorraine Rosbury/Gen’s Black Maverick are in their sixth year as sponsors of the Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding division. Sponsoring the Three-Year-Old Mare & Gelding division for their third year was the Mississippi Charity Horse Show, which allowed the Mississippi Charity to be a triple-point show. The Christmas In July and Walking For The Angels Horse Shows were back for their second year sponsoring the Aged Mare & Gelding division. Winner’s Circle was happy to again sponsor the Open Specialty division. The Columbia Spring Jubilee Horse Show was happy aid with the Open Show Pleasure division for their second year. The Park Performance division was again sponsored by Windermere Farms & Dirty Sexy Money. Along with our many long-standing division sponsors, we added The Harold Roberts family as a new sponsor for the year in the performance division. They graciously sponsored the Young Trainers/Experienced Trainers division. Circle T Stables once again pledged their sponsorship of the Lite-Shod division. The Anthony Joseph family was back as the sponsor of the Park Pleasure division. The Four & Under Trail Pleasure division was sponsored Kyle Bush, while Blackwater Stables stepped in with the sponsorship for a new Model division. Joe Lester Stables and Maggie Moore joined together to sponsor the new Four & Under Lite-Shod division, while the Western Park Pleasure was happily sponsored by Rise To Fame.
Next, awards were presented to the winners in each Riders' Cup category. French Gin won the Two-Year-Old Open title. He was shown by Ernest Upton in nine Riders' Cup classes this season for owners Tommy McGee and Carol Dickerson. The pair captured seven wins, including a world championship to amass their point total. It’s High Maintenance, owned by Sister Milligan, won the Three-Year-Old Open division. He was shown in Riders' Cup classes by Charlie Green seven times this season. They walked away with a win to close out the season at the Walking For The Angels show. Last season Starting Lineman won the Three-Year-Old Open title. This year, along with Brad Beard, Starting Lineman captured the Four-Year-Old Open title for Mark Walling. He was shown in 11 Riders' Cup classes netting four wins. Crowd favorite, Mr. Heisman topped the 15.2 & Under division this year. Brandye Mills and Mr. Heisman showed four times in Riders' Cup classes and earned four victory passes for an undefeated season. Highlighting their season was their 15.2 & Under World Championship for proud owners Randall and Sadie Baskin. Reservation On Line won the Stake division. He was shown in a total of 12 Riders’ Cup classes this season by Winky Groover. Grand championship wins for the pair came at the Belfast-TWHBEA Lions Club and FAST Spring Showcase shows. Aruba Skyline topped the Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding division for owner Erin O’Callaghan. Philip Trimble and Aruba Skyline showed seven times in Riders' Cup classes in 2016, walking away with a reserve world championship and a win at the Tunica Fall Classic. Last season Gin And Salsa won the Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding title. This year, along with Blaise Broccard, Gin And Salsa captured the Four-Year-Old Open title for Sherry Roberts. Broccard showed in Riders' Cup classes this year a total of 13 times netting wins at the Savannah Lions Club and Cajun Classic shows. Color Coded CF topped the Four-Year-Old Mare & Gelding division. Casey Wright and Color Coded showed three times in Riders' Cup classes in 2016. Their season was highlighted with a win at the Spring Fun Show for owners Mr. and Mrs. Eric Lackey. Last season Nevermore won the Four-Year-Old Mare & Gelding title. Moving into the aged ranks, she has now topped the Aged Mare & Gelding division for owner Dr. Barbara Moersch. John Allan Callaway showed the mare in Riders’ Cup classes this year a total of five times ending in a Tunica Fall Classic win. Once again Nino’s Category Five won the Open Specialty division. He was shown in Riders’ Cup classes by John Allan Callaway five times, earning one world championship, one reserve world grand championship and two other top victories for Dr. Barbara Moersch. Santana’s Storm topped the Show Pleasure division for owners Richard and Sarah Mitch. Blaise Broccard and Santana’s Storm showed 10 times in Riders' Cup classes in 2016 garnering three top wins. He’s Made In The USA once again won the Young Trainers/Experienced Trainers title. She was shown by Bill Callaway in three Riders' Cup classes this season. Wins were earned at the Spring Fun Show and North Carolina Championship for Sheryl Jordan and Roy Wierenga. Moonshine Man won the Park Performance division for Amy Trimble. Moonshine Man and Philip Trimble showed in Riders' Cup classes this year a total of 10 times. Five wins at prestigious industry shows made for successful year for the team. Lil Wayne topped the Lite-Shod division for Jeff Gillespie. Jeff Laughlin and Lil Wayne showed nine times in Riders' Cup classes in 2016. They ended their season with one world championship, one reserve world grand championship and three other blue ribbon victory passes. He’s A Dixieland Delight won the Park Pleasure title. He was shown in 11 Riders' Cup for owner Vickie Penick. Jeff Laughlin was in the irons for 10 of those performances, while Bobby Hugh took to the reins to capture the Two & Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure World Championship. Gen’s Star Of Danger P. won the Classic Park Pleasure division. Patrick Thomas showed Gen’s Star Of Danger P. in Riders' Cup classes three times this year for owner Tony Brewer. Their undefeated season results in wins at the National Trainers’ Show, Spring Fun Show and a world championship victory at The Celebration. Labeled A Parolee won the Miscellaneous Pleasure division for proud owner Lindy Holt. He was undefeated in Riders’ Cup competition this year with two win with Jessica Hlebak. Rockin At The Ritz topped the Four & Under Trail Pleasure division with owner Shelli MeHaffey. The team took to the ring 11 times in Riders’ Cup competition and netted many top ribbons. Mystic Jazz, owned by Rushing Creek Walkers, won the new Model division. She was shown in Riders' Cup classes by Robert Nelms seven times this season. They walked away with three blue ribbon victories and a reserve world championship. Another new division, Four & Under Lite-Shod, was topped by Big Time Bandit. Patrick Thomas and Howard Hamilton shared the reins aboard Big Time Bandit three times in Riders' Cup classes garnering two wins which included the Four & Under Western Lite-Shod World Championship title for Scott and Kim Leonard. Boston Bay topped the new Western Park Pleasure division for owner Jannie Chapman. Jeff Laughlin and Boston Bay showed three times in Riders' Cup classes in 2016, walking away with a win at the Gulf Coast Trainers Show.
2016 WHTA Horse of the Year Winners
Lead Line
Winner: Shake’s Little Midnight
Reserve: Rattle N Snap
Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding
Winner: Airborne Hero
Reserve: Molly Lou Melon
Weanling
Winner: Miss Belle Starr W.
Reserve: Win Lose Or Draw
Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion
Winner: A Classic Action
Reserve: Knock Down Drag Out
Yearling
Winner: Marcus Mariota
Reserve: US Polamalu
Two-Year-Old Mare or Gelding
Winner: Hey Good Looking
Reserve: Airborne Hero
Lite-Shod Specialty
Winner: Roscoe Jenkins
Reserve: La Patrona
Two-Year-Old Stallion
Winner: Jimmy Choo
Reserve: French Gin
Youth Show Pleasure
Winner: Blues For Santana
Reserve: Admission Is A Dollar
Youth Pony
Winner: Rammer Jammer
Reserve: Ricky Ricardo
Trail Pleasure
Winner: Etta James By TJB
Reserve: Honey Badger
Adult Pony
Winner: He’s The Lady’s Man
Reserve: The Dixie Lineman
Country Pleasure
Winner: Eye On The Title
Reserve: Designer Champagne
Novice
Winner: Joe Pa
Reserve: All About That Jose’
Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding
Winner: Miss Dixie Carter
Reserve: Hello Bombshell
Elite (50 Yrs. & Over)
Winner: Unreal
Reserve: Command On Parole
Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion
Winner: Maroon 5
Reserve: Hey Tomcat
Western Lite-Shod
Winner: Double Shot Of Cash
Reserve: Lucky Daze
Three-Year-Old Mare or Gelding
Winner: She’s Busted In Tijuana
Reserve: Extra Special Jose
Western Park Pleasure
Winner: Rise To Fame
Reserve: The Red Falcon
Three-Year-Old Stallion
Winner: A Pink Floyd
Reserve: Hey Tomcat
Fine Harness
Winner: In Ted’s Image
Reserve: Masati
Model
Winner: Ritz Entourage
Reserve: Braddock
Ladies Amateur Specialty
Winner: Jose’ Miss Dolly
Reserve: Gin Toddy
Men’s Amateur Specialty
Winner: Unreal
Reserve: I Am Biscayne Bay
Amateur Canter
Winner: I’m Mayhem
Reserve: Led Zeppelin
Juvenile Park Pleasure
Winner: B B King’s Jazz
Reserve: High Headed Lady Y.F.
Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding
Winner: Be My Baby
Reserve: This Is Jazz
Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion
Winner: Mr. Trump
Reserve: A King Thing
Amateur Park Pleasure
Winner: Lined Up At The Ritz
Reserve: B B King’s Jazz
Four-Year-Old Mare or Gelding
Winner: Godiva
Reserve: Be My Baby
Professional Park Pleasure
Winner: B B King’s Jazz
Reserve: Top Recruit
Four-Year-Old Stallion
Winner: Marty McFly
Reserve: Jose Cold Chills
Amateur Park Performance
Winner: Ain’t He Grande
Reserve: Drop A Line
Amateur Show Pleasure
Winner: He’s Starbucks
Reserve: I’m Moonlighting
Professional Park Performance
Winner: We’re Jammin The Blues
Reserve: Moonshine Man
Five-Year-Old Amateur Stallion
Winner: Mr. Country Gentleman
Reserve: Popcorn Sutton
Juvenile 11 & Under
Winner: Blue Ray
Reserve: Inception
Professional Show Pleasure
Winner: He’s Starbucks
Reserve: Turnbow
Five-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding
Winner: The Semper Fi
Reserve: Wired And Lined
15.2 & Under Amateur Mare or Gelding
Winner: Gin Toddy
Reserve: I’m Stan The Man
Juvenile 12-17
Winner: Zeta
Reserve: Jose’s Delightful Pusher
15.2 & Under Amateur Stallion
Winner: Pro V 1
Reserve: Lined Walkin’
Amateur Specialty
Winner: A Bruce Pearl
Reserve: Led Zeppelin
Versatility
Winner: Victory Trip
Reserve: Honey Badger
15.2 & Under Mare or Gelding
Winner: An American Threat
Reserve: A Bit Of Change
15.2 & Under Stallion
Winner: Mr. Heisman
Reserve: A Strong Need For Cash
One-Night Horse Show
Winner: Money Tree Classic
Reserve: Marshall County Horseman’s Association
Multi-Night Horse Show
Winner: North Carolina Championship
Reserve: Tunica Fall Classic
15.2 & Over Mare or Gelding
Winner: Nevermore
Reserve: I’m Deuce
15.2 & Over Stallion
Winner: Honors
Reserve: Gen’s Black Maverick