The year came to a close with the usual meetings and award banquets. The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association wound up the year with their annual meeting where past president Charles Gleghorn
passed the gavel to in-coming president Walt Chism. The other elected
association officials for the new year were as follows; Steve Smith, first
vice-president; Carroll Benedict, administrative/fiscal; Clay Harlin, Breeders; Grover Blaylock, enforcement; Tom Bohl, Horse Show; Bob
Hunnicutt, owners/exhibitors; Steve Wirts, pleasure; Bob Parks, sales/
promotion; Bill Bobo, training; Betty Freeman and Ben Downing, members
at large; and Sharon Brandon, secretary/treasurer.
Chism discussed the two blood typing proposals and it was decided that,
beginning on January 1, 1993, that all new foals must be blood typed.
Director Ronnie Spears voiced an opinion, shared by many, regarding
the oversized registration certificate, that was currently in use. Consideration
was made on this matter and later the idea was adapted resulting in the registration certificates in use today.
Bill Cantrell took the position as Walking Horse Trainers' Association
(WHTA) president, while Ronnie Spears stepped down from the job. Other positions were filled as follows; Jimmy McConnell, first vice-president; Russ Thompson, second vice-president. Appointed to fill Cantrell's vacancy on the
Board of Directors was Dick Peebles. Four new Board members were elected to a 3
year term; Wink Groover, Jamie Hankins, Benny Johnson and David Landrum.
The WHTA had every reason to be excited about their successful 1991 season. Their 1991 Money Tree Classic Horse Show was voted Reserve One Night
Show of the year by the members of the WHTA. Kathy Dunn was reelected for
a second term as president, Beth Thomas, first vice-president; Beverly Hickman,
second vice-president; Michelle Lambert, secretary; Benita Caldwell, secretary/
treasurer.
The WHTA kicked off their banquet "Academy Awards" style! With a crowd
of over 500 in attendance it was truly a night to remember, as they came together to honor the outstanding horses and dedicated people who had worked so
hard that year.
As they presented the well-deserved awards Bill Carrington and Dr. Cliff Gillespie read a brief essay about each proud recipient in honor of their achievements.
Everyone's favorite, Bud Dunn, was named Trainer Of The Year. Accepting the award as Assistant Trainer Of The Year, for all of his consistent
hard work was Danny Wooten. Art and Frances Barnes along with Vicki Self accepted the award for Aged Horse Of The Year for reining World Grand Champion, Flashy Pride.
Russ Thompson Stables walked away with the most honors with two winners and five reserves. Gen's Fire And Ice and Generator's Elegance were among their winners.
Netting the most winners for the evening was Ramsey Bullington Stables.
Top honors went to Jubilee's Rising Star, Spirit Of Darkness and Pride's Mr. Stride Away all from Bullington Stables'.