By Christy Coon

ONTARIO, Calif. - The West Coast Walking Horse Trainers’ Association hosted their 2003 Horse of the Year Awards luncheon Sunday, Feb. 22, 2004. This year’s awards luncheon was held at the very popular Dave & Buster’s in Ontario.

Prior to the buffet luncheon, the WCWHTA opened their Silent Auction, with many horse related and non-horse related items up for bid. The most popular and highest bid item was a breeding to World Grand Champion A Specialist, donated by Arthur and Susan Gordon’s Stone Gait Farm.

Following lunch and the closing of the Silent Auction, current WCWHTA President Russ Thompson called the meeting to order. Assisted by secretary/treasurer Christy Coon, Thompson began to announce the 2003 Horse of the Year Awards. A putty colored jacket with navy trim was given for each first place award winner. A beautiful navy fleece blanket was awarded to each reserve winner. Both the jacket and the blanket were embroidered with the year and the WCWHTA logo.

Following all of the horse of the year awards, Thompson expressed the gratitude of the WCWHTA to Susan Gordon, Sheila Kyle (posthumously) and Christy Coon. Each year, Susan Gordon donates her time, material and talent to decorate the center ring for the Trainers' Show. Prior to her passing, Sheila Kyle ordered trophies and ribbons for the Trainers' Show, often donating all championship trophies. Christy Coon serves as the association’s secretary/treasurer.

At the conclusion of the Horse of the Year Awards, many of the participants spent the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the large arcade and game area of Dave & Buster’s.

Results can be found in the March 15, 2004, issue of The Report.