WHOA Introduces New Academy Program

by Linda Scrivner

Posted February 19, 2002

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Seminars and luncheons with noted speakers were a new aspect at the 2002 Walking Horse Owners’ Association National Convention. This was in addition to the usual meetings, the Pleasure Banquet and Awards on Friday evening, February 8 and the National High Point Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 9, 2002.

Whatever the reason, the people came! On Friday evening there were 120 in attendance, compared to 60 in 2001 and 320 attended Saturday evening’s festivities, up from 240 in 2001. Once again Tommy Hall, executive director, and his staff did a wonderful job. The banquets were held at the James Union Building on the campus of MTSU with the Convention at the Holiday Inn in Murfreesboro.

Friday Morning

The WHOA Convention had a new look this year with more activities planned for the membership including both Friday and Saturday activities. The Friday schedule included the Pleasure Committee Meeting at 10:30, followed by a Luncheon Buffet with Mike Keith, the Voice of the Tennessee Titans speaking. At 1:30 participants could chose one of two seminars: “Versatility Beginners Course” with Dr. Doyle Meadows speaking or “Dress for Success” with Ann Stafford. At 3 p.m. “Equitation and Academy Round Table Discussion” was well attended.

Pleasure Committee Meeting

The WHOA Pleasure Horse Committee met next with Chairman Martha Child in charge. Roll was taken and a token of appreciation was given for serving on the committee. Tommy Hall discussed the upcoming WHOA shows and dates. He stated that the profits from the luncheons were to go to the Versatility programs and Youth programs. Hall stated that a survey was taken after the international concerning whether Park classes should be added. The survey came back two to one to included Park classes. He stated that the show would include 16-17 parks classes with about the same number of one inch shoe classes. Country and trail classes, which have grown by leaps and bounds, will be broken down into younger classes. Hall appointed a committee to work on the International Plantation classes consisting of Tommy Hall, Kathy Owen, Mary Beth Pruett and Wendy Shaw.

Rhonda Martocci spoke next giving a report on the Commission since she was one of three WHOA representatives on the Commission. She stated that the NHSC had quite a discussion on the 1” shoes. (In 2001, the WHOA Pleasure Horse Committee voted unanimously to adopt the 1” X 1/2” shoe.) The Pleasure Committee recommends that the Plantation Class be changed to a 1” shoe. The Commission expressed a concern because some people would show in both park and plantation classes at different shows and this could not be done if the shoeing was different.

The committee voted 16-1 that the 1” x 1/2” shoe be included in the Whoa Versatility program and at the August show. Toby Scarborough spoke also, as a member of the NHSC for WHOA.

Tommy Hall stated that this year they would not have the Mare and Colt show and that they would probably go back to the three judge system for the International. They will not have the Spring WHOA/Kiwanis Show. It would be held this fall at MTSU on November 30, 2002. Hall also stated he was extremely pleased that our high point winners were coming from everywhere to attend. He stated, while speaking, “Bad publicity includes BOTH divisions, we need to be positive.” Everyone gave Hall a hand for his hard work. He stated that there would be a couple of new classes-for special needs persons- and that WHOA has voted for academy classes. Four sets of ribbons will be given to any show. Plans include academy championship classes at the International and perhaps a high point to be added.

Hall also stated that he was pleased that the NHSC has decided that Open Junior classes will canter. Meeting was adjourned.

Equitation and Academy Seminar

In an informal discussion concerning WHOA’s new academy program, it was decided that WHOA would provide ribbons for four classes at any show. The program is designed to give new riders a chance to hone their show ring skills without the expense of a riding suit or horse. The academy program also strives to enhance the business of equitation and riding instruction in the TWH industry. Most felt that it would be a great way to get more people interested in Walking Horses as well as a new market for older broke horses. It was decided at the meeting that the four classes for 2002 would be: Academy Equitation 11 and under, two gait; Academy Equitation 12-17, two gait; Adult Academy Equitation, two gait; and Academy Equitation Open with Canter. Clothing was discussed with guidelines suggested. These classes will also be included at all WHOA Versatility Shows. Everyone was encouraged to promote these classes wherever possible.

Friday evening . . .
Register of Merit and Versatility High Point Awards Banquet

Tommy Hall, Executive Director of WHOA, was very pleased with this year’s Register of Merit and Versatility High Point Awards Banquet which had 120 in attendance, compared to 60 the previous year. He also was very pleased with the number of youth that attended the banquet and the Walking Horse Owners’ Youth Association (WHOYA) Youth Dance afterward while the grown ups had their own “Family Feud”.

The buffet dinner served on Friday received rave reviews from everyone in attendance. Mark Farrar, Hr. announced the presentations; the first of which were Appreciation awards. Martha Child, Pleasure Committee Chairperson was honored for her efforts to the association. Mary Beth Pruett was presented with an appreciation award for her efforts with the High Point Programs.

All of the youth who were present received a special award and recognition from the organization for their efforts. At this time Mark Farrar spoke concerning WHOA endorsing and supporting the Youth and especially the new academy classes during the 2002 season.

Twenty-nine high point categories were recognized next starting with the Model Class won by Palomino President for Dr. and Mrs. Jack Bailey. Reserve went to Mac’s Rising Rebel and Ida Marie Panella. The Yearling Halter Champion was Victory Trip for Linda Starnes. First place received a WHOA jacket with the reserve receiving a tee shirt as well as ribbons.

Double Springs Farm won the first of several awards with The Ghost Dancer as he claimed the Country Pleasure Championship while Martha Child’s Generator’s Fire Dancer received the reserve. Dan Starnes received a rousing ovation from the young ladies each time he went forth to receive an award. He won the Showmanship title, followed by Alex Bumpus receiving reserve.

Prime Time Cotton did Double Springs Farm proud when they captured the Driving High Point award. Babe’s Gemini II won reserve for Vestle Jaquess. In the Plantation Two Gait it was an Incoming Storm for Jean Hansen with three horses tieing for reserve. They were Adonis Red Reflection for Sheldon Grove, Delight Of Professor for Hal Bowden and Brandy Blue for Kim Davis.

It was a Gold Coin Hero that walked away with the Amateur Owned-Trained Lite Shod for Kim Leonard. Regina McElroy’s Rebelation came next. Cheering time for Dan Starnes again as he and Traveling Time capture the Trail Pleasure-Youth. Vestle Jaquess and Babe’s Gemini II were reserve once more.

Doc’s Last Chance earned the Lite Shod Two Gait title for Jeff and Kim Dean with Gold Coin Hero trailing a little for reserve for Kim Leonard. The Trail Pleasure-English title went to Honey Bear for Mr. and Mrs. John Wright. Jim and Jackie Singleton’s Mr. Reach captured the reserve award.

Catherine Simpson captured the first Equitation High Point before winning the National High Point award on Saturday evening also. Kristian McElroy received the red streamer proudly. Jennifer Berry received the first spot in the Adult Equitation with Tracy Pinson capturing reserve.

Gen’s Final Masterpiece won the first of two awards for the evening as he took the Owner-Amateur Trained Two Gait title for Christie Gray Scrivner. Gold Coin Hero again made Kim Leonard pleased with reserve. Razzle Me Dazzle Me dazzled her competitors to win the Junior Plantation for Sandy Harris. Glenn and Cynthia Duvall’s Generator’s Daydreamer earned the red.

In the Lite Shod Open it was Hal Bowden and Delight Of Professor that tied for first with Lee and Linda Ritter and their Allen All Around. Gold Coin Hero to the rescue for Kim Leonard for reserve. Dangerous Beauty charmed the judges’ enough to win the Trail Pleasure No Canter for Double Spring Farm. Gen’s Rich And Famous spread her fame to garner reserve for Moore-Foust Farm.

Karen Laney and Pattern’s Magic claimed the Youth Lite Shod while the reserve spot was a tie between Beams Best Bette and Michelle Hodne and Rebelation and Regina McElroy. Doc’s Last Advice was crown Junior Lite Shod for Jeff and Kim Dean. A Daring Affair with Faye Lynn Coffey had them talking as they received the red streamer.

Allen All Around earned the round as they walked away with the jacket and the Lite Shod Western for Lee and Linda Ritter. Ideal’s Carbon Gray won reserve for Lynne and Gary Levy. Christie Gray Scrivner rode her Gen’s Final Masterpiece to the Western Plantation Championship with a tie for reserve going to Allen All Around for Lee and Linda Ritter and Ideal’s Carbon Gray for Lynne and Gary Levy.

Mr. Reach wore the Trail Pleasure Western title for Jim ante Jackie Singleton. Traveling Time and Dan Starnes took time to garner the reserve placing. Fancy Wolf and Double Springs Farm won the Spotted Plantation Championship while Rainbow’s Gunsmoke and Cleo Tapscott won reserve.

Dangerous Beauty won another blue for Double Springs Farm in the Junior Trail Pleasure division. Vic Gernt and Wise Impact won second.

Water Glass champions were Ideal’s Carbon Gray and Lynne Levy. Wise Impact and Mary Helen Martin tied reserve with Power And Glory and Carol Smithson.

Traveling Time and Linda Starnes won the Reining and Western Riding Championships and reserve in the Trail Class. In the Reining division, reserve went to Ideal’s Carbon Gray and Lynne Levy. In the Trail Class it was Traveling Time and Dan Starnes that beat mom. Honey Bear and Ada “Kitty” Keen were reserve in the Western Riding class.

Barrel Race champions were Go Boy’s Carbon Dust and Danielle Gernt while Dancing Spirit and Martha Ann Huck raced to reserve. Total Eclipse Of The Sky and Tracy Pinson earned the Pole Bending Championship, followed by Rebelation and Dan Starnes in the reserve spot.

Three horses received the 2001 Certificate of Merit, which included Roustabout’s Pride ‘N Joy and Bridget Ward, Youth; Mark’s Painted Lady, Stephanie Parham, Youth; and Traveling Time, Kristian McElroy, Youth.

There were seven horses recognized in the 2001 Certificate of Achievement in the Youth Division and 16 in the adult division.

Following the awards, Martha Child presented Tommy Hall a gift certificate in appreciation for his efforts. There were many in attendance from all areas of the USA including the West Coast, Florida and North Carolina.

Following the awards ceremony, the crowd kicked back and relaxed while various teams made by drawing numbers played Family Feud while others visited and started the bidding on the silent auction items.

Saturday morning

Saturday’s schedule began at 10 a.m. with a General Membership Meeting as well as a WHOYA Membership Meeting in another room. At noon, a luncheon buffet was planned with Congressman Bart Gordon speaking. This benefited the WHOYA group. Gordon spoke concerning current issues and gave a first hand report of the meeting with the USDA earlier in the week. Following lunch a seminar began at 1:30 called “Owners 101” with Linda Motes Hill and Holly Liddell speaking concerning horse insurance, liability under the Horse Protection Ace, as well as services and programs available to owners.

At 3:00 Lonnie Messick spoke in a seminar called “National Horse Show Commission Update”. He discussed rule changes for 2002, the uses of hoof testers and a question and answer session.

General Membership Meeting

The General Membership Meeting was held at the Holiday Inn. President Frank Neal was away so Vice President Toby Scarbrough conducted the meeting and welcomed everyone in attendance. Following approval of the minutes and financial report, the Miller Horse Coliseum was discussed with photos of the construction passed out. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2003 but could be earlier if the weather cooperates. Tommy Hall reported that it would have 350 permanent stalls and that the WHOA office will be moved there free of charge. WHOA will get first shot on dates at Miller Coliseum. Hall reported that the Versatility Shows have been cut back due to lack of entries from 17 to 10. WHOA is now working on brochures on WHOA, the Versatility program and the Youth Program.

The Youth organization is growing. David Pruett has worked hard. They sponsored the VA Show with 11 classes. Between 1500-1800 youth belong to WHOYA. They are working hard to get more involved. They are discussing a drill team, participated in judging at the Celebration and Ron Thomas gave a pizza party for them.

The WHOYA show made $4000 in 2001. Hall announced that the newsletter and directory will be mailed together. Hall also stated that they were pushing the academy program this year. It has been very successful in Saddlebreds and should be very positive for the Walking Horse industry also.

Toby Scarbrough made a report from the commission. he started that all four year old trainers’ classes must canter. Show management can change that only if the track is too wet. Scarbrough stated that they were impressed with the meeting in Washington and that the attitude was one of cooperation. Scarbrough also discussed owner’s exemption of liability. He stressed that owners won’t go on suspension if they do the five things they should do. WHOA has copies available and Scarbrough said these were also in David Howard’s editorial in the February 11, 2002 Walking Horse Report. He also stated that in 2003 all open classes will canter.

Hall ended the meeting with the statement, “It’s you that’s the organization this 26th year” Hall was thanked for being the leader that he is and was applauded.

Saturday evening . . .
National High Point Awards Banquet

The highlight of the two day event was the celebrated 2001 WHOA National High Point Awards on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the James Union Building. Following the welcome by Master of Ceremonies, Mark Farrar, Jr. and the invocation, a meal was enjoyed to the music of the San Rafael Band. Appreciation awards were given to Flip Cook for gathering the stud fees for the auction, to Lindy Holt for donating a colt for 4-H programs, to Cathy Owen for gathering the silent auction items that went for premium prices and to Charles Brantley as the first person inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame representing the Walking Horse industry.

Appreciation awards were given to those that exhibited at the Fall Performance International including Two-Year Old World Grand Champion The Super Bowl, Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion Out On Parole, 15.2 and Under World Grand Champion Cash In My Stock, 2000 International Grand Champion Black Vengeance and World Grand Champion Pride’s Jubilee Encore. Encore was also honored for being the 2001 World Grand Champion at the banquet.

Presentations were then made to the 2001 International Diamond, Gold and Silver Sponsors. Next trainer Ronnie Spears and wife Irene and Glen and Virgie Crutchfield each accepted framed pictures of Pushover’s Powerstroke for being the 2001 International Grand Champion.

Moving on to the National High Point Awards, Mark Farrar announced this year’s winners while Jack Greene captured the moments on film. Crystal wine coolers and ribbons were presented to the owners who came from all over the nation to commemorate their win. There were twenty states represented.

Laugh Out Loud was the first to receive a National High Point Award as she captured the Weanling Fillies division for Danlon Farms. Reserve went to Xtreme Command and Kim Bailey. Jesse Dotson received the award for the Weanling Colt champion, It’s Law And Justice while the reserve placing had a tie between A Tennessee Jazz owned by Robby Biggs and Genius Buddy Boy owned by Tony Prince of Prince Farm.

The Two-Year-Old Fillies award went Texas-way as Beamin Dollar was awarded the championship for owner Susie Lavender. Russell and Barbara Pate’s Kennedy was reserve. One Touch was the Two-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings Champion for Jim Wolf and Donna Everett. Dr. and Mrs. Rafael Rigual owned the reserve champion, Don Rafa.

In the Two-Year-Old Amateur division, Kennedy was first for Russell and Barbara Pate followed by Liz Claiborne for Don and Lucky Collins of Florida. Elegance Of Design carried home to Utah the Two-Year-Old Plantation Title for Enchanted Gait Stables while Fearless and JoAnn Davis earned the reserve placing.

The Three-Year-Old Mares was a tie between The Paper Rose and North Dakotaites John and Susie Harmon and Miracle At The Ritz for former owner Denise Smith and new owners William and Sandra Johnson. Sweetie Sky earned the reserve title for Mississippi and James and Peggy Vernon. Another tie was in the Three-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings. The tie was between Kat Man Duke owned by Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Gaines of Arkansas and Cut A Rug and Mary Medina of New Jersey. Arms Dealer earned the reserve spot for owner Ben Moss.

Pam Ingraham was proud once more of her Summer Passion as she captured the Three-Year-Old Amateur crystal while Cut A Rug was reserve for Mary Medina. Double Java for Mark and Marcy Drummon won the Two and Three-Year-Old Lite Shod Plantation championship. Wise Fantasy won the red streamer for Mag Ranft.

The Three-Year-Old Plantation title was earned by Final’s Olympic Gold and Terry and Carol Clark. Kim Leonard accepted reserve for The Silver Bandid. Mary Medina’s Grandy’s Rhythm Lady wears the title of Junior Mares, followed by Shout for Keith and Sandy Baker.

A Twist Of Gen earned the most points in the Junior Stallions and Geldings for Gail McConnell with Skywatcher and owner Doug Estes receiving reserve. Repeating a win from last year, I’m Hammerin Hank captured the Four-Year-Old title for Larry and Pam Russel while The Summit earned reserve for Dr. and Mrs. Rosser Wall.

The award for the Junior Plantation Lite Shod went to California with Push N For Pleasure and owners Bill and Betsy Marzinzik. Pusher’s Beamin Pride made Jim and Debbie Nichols proud with reserve. Docs Lady In Red took the Junior Plantation title home for owners Jay and Barbara Kenehan, Wisconsin way. There was a four-way tie for reserve. Oklahoma claimed one reserve with Paris Rain belonging to Darwin and Linda James while Utah’s Enchanted Gait Stables claimed another with Image Of 24 Karat. Generator’s Coal Dust and Dillon Schulz and Master’s Royal Ambassador and Mike and Karen Jordan claimed the other two red ribbons.

Winning the most points in the Yearling Fillies was A Classic Heart Throb owned by Harlindale Farm while Dillon Potter’s Indestructable claimed reserve. The Yearling Colt champion was A Major Win for Sam, AJ and Lucinda Jamison, followed by Your Wish My Command for former owner Dr. Roger Richards and new owner Florence Hall of Georgia.

The Ladies Amateur title went to Merging Into One for Charlene Gibson. An Ideal Evening was ideal to gain reserve for Tammy Carter.

He Keeps On Giving just keeps on winning for James and Betty Corlew, capturing the Ladies Auxiliary Championship with Samantha Green’s Springs Starmaker claiming reserve.

Earning the most points nation wide in the Equitation 17 and Under was Catherine Simpson with Sara Womack claiming the reserve spot. Jaclyn Harney earned the Adult Equitation award, followed by Megan Allen.

Earning the most Plantation Driving points was Fashions Ole Style for Connie Waldo while Bob Medina’s Silver Sundance Lady won the reserve championship. Owner-Amateur Trained champion was Stormy’s Black Rain and Jim Sullivan with reserve going to Coin’s Storm Warning and Jeff Sanderson.

The Owner-Amateur Trained-Plantation champion was Gold Coin Hero for Kim Leonard and the reserve championship went to Fash’s Main Main and Scott and Renee Stasiewicz. Genius Gold Spirit was crowned Fine Harness champion for Robert Keenan while Double Springs Farm were proud of reserve champion On The Money.

Beam’s Best Bette won the first of two national championships in the Lite Shod Specialty for Michelle Hodne and Silver Sundance Lady was again in the running for Bob Medina. Stormy’s Steppin Out and Joyce Allyn were thrilled to win the Plantation Specialty title with reserve awarded to Gen’s I Love Lucy for John and Nancy Clements.

The big gray, Silver Express roared to the Amateur Specialty championship for Robert and Lisa Marbry with reserve placing to A Specialist and the Arthur Gordon Family. Traveling Time and Dan Starne had the most point in the Trail Class Obstacle division followed by Honey Bear for Mr. and Mrs. John Wright.

Coin Maker earned the Show Pleasure championship for Bud Moore and Susanne Littell of Alabama with reserve heading Texas way with Slippin Around & Score for Jim and Sheron Richmond. Mr. Reach received the Trail Pleasure - No Canter championship award for Jim and Jackie Singleton and Darren Gray. Reserve was To Die For and owner Janis Brown. Beam’s Best Bette won her second high point award in the Lite Shod Youth 17 and Under for Michele Hodne with reserve awarded to Mama’s Hands and owner Janis Brown. The Plantation Youth title went to Patterns Magic and Karen Laney with the red streamer doing to Generator’s Black Velvet for Katie Young.

Youth 11 and Under Champions were Ceclynn Fielder and My Midnight Caller while Total Control and Ron Kidd took control of the reserve spot. Last year’s Overall High Point Performance winners, I’m Cruella De Vil and Joel Johnson won the Youth 12-17 Championship with Our First Impression winning reserve for the John Harney Family.

The Junior Park Pleasure Championship was headed for Oklahoma as Stuart and Pam Gibbs collected the crystal for The Beaming Skywatch. Gen’s Major Coin for the Silver Spur Ranch sent the reserve award to California. Hit And Run took the Lite Shod Western title for Bill and Betsy Marzinzik while Kathleen Hetherman’s Henrys Walking Tall carried a big stick and received reserve.

Karen Laney and Pattern’s Magic claimed the Western Plantation High Point with reserve going to Gen’s Final Masterpiece and Christie Gray Scrivner. The Walking Pony champion was The Skywatch for the Bill Stanfill Family with reserve to Buford Pusher for Susy Johnson.

Pride’s Sundance Star has taken all the Amateur 50 & Over titles back to Mississippi for Dr. and Mrs. Jim Green. Cut The Smoke earned the reserve title for Russell and Barbar Pate. Mr. Reach earned his second championship title of the evening in the Trail Pleasure for Jim and Jackie Singleton and Darren Gray. Pay At The Pump and Bill and Betsy Marzinzik earned reserve in this division.

Armed With Beauty won the Amateur Lite Shod for Terry Vaught while Jose Quervo Gold earned reserve for Bob Lawrence and Carroll Hutto. Mikeishas Jazz Delight delighted Dr. Debra Claycomb by winning the Amateur Plantation title. Coins Time Out took time to earn reserve for Sandra Howland.

Impressive Rising Sun impressed enough people to earn the Open Amateur championship for Charles Gavin while Texans Mr. MD and Floyd Sherman earned the reserve spot. Amateur 15.2 and Under honors went to Generator’s Man Of Magic for Mr. and Mrs. William B. Johnson. Black Hawk Farm’s Look Who’s In Command command the reserve title.

Aged Mare champion Gen’s Burning Rage continues to win for Jeff Mitchell while reserve position was Magic Sweet Victory and Poplar Creek Farm. Mary Medina’s Barracuda ate them up in the Aged Stallions and Geldings division with Ginger Houchins picking up reserve for Beam’s Rapid Express.

Juke Walkin walked to the 15.2 and Under title for Autumn Crest Farm while Charles Gleghorn and Cash In My Stock’s points garner the reserve championship. Jan Anderson took Bad News Royal Rapture’s Lite Shod Plantation award back to Florida while Stripper’s Finale’s reserve went to the opposite coast to Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch.

A Gen Rummy played his hand right to win the Park Pleasure Specialty title for Larry and Joanna Stewart while Fully Armed captured reserve for Randall and Gloria Dixon of Georgia. The Plantation Championship High Point Championship was awarded to Hard As Cash Surprise and Teresa Dietz while Theresa Carpinito’s An Olympic Dream won the silver award.

Senor Generator won the Park Pleasure Championship for Stuart and Pam Gibbs while reserve went to Dan and Donna DeMedio’s Generator’s High Noon. The Championship Stake winners were Pushover’s Powerstroke and Glenn Crutchfield. This was Crutchfield’s first outing since his heart surgery and he seemed to enjoy his evening. Pushover’s Infiniti earned the reserve championship for Bob Medina.

The awards concluded with three coveted awards. The 2001 Overall Horse High Point Awards were given in three categories. The High Point Halter Overall was won by A Major Win and Sam, A.J. and Lucinda Jamison; the Overall High Point Plantation was won by Mr. Reach and Jim and Jackie Singleton and Darren Gray; and the Overall High Point Performance winners were Coin Maker and Bud Moore and Susanne Littell.

Following the awards, the silent auction was concluded, and a dance and 50/50 drawing concluded the evening. The cash giveaway drawing kept everyone on the edge of their seat, hoping that they would not hear their name called out since the last ticket in the hopper would claim the cash. The final two tickets belonged to Pat Rigual and Tommy Hamenteller. Everyone awaited the outcome and Rigual’s name was called out and this year’s cash giveaway was awarded to Hamenteller.