Posted May 14, 2002

The TWHBEA and Jane Hardy Meredith are spearheading a new program designed to introduce the performance Tennessee Walking Horse to a new audience introducing beginning riders to the joys of showing at an affordable cost. The idea behind the academy program is to encourage riders to improve their riding ability and to eventually buy their own horse to show. This program is used in other breeds to introduce people to their horses and to the show horse world. Another benefit is to revive the $5000 to $15,000 performance horse market.

Nancy McConnell, a well respected American Saddlebred trainer and judge will be speaking about setting up an academy program. Trainers who are interested in attracting new customers or offering lessons, instructors and those interested in becoming instructors or interested parties are invited to attend Thursday, May 23, 2002, at 10:30 a.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle Club on the Celebration grounds.

Interested parties should attend to learn about TWHBEA's Academy Pilot Program and how they can participate and benefit. This seminar is sponsored by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association Performance Horse Committee.