MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA) met on Friday October 30, 2009 at 4:00PM at the Miller Coliseum.  The meeting was called at an odd time but was necessary according to President Frank Neal.  “We have many issues that have to be settled by November 1 and that is why we had to have this meeting at this awkward time,” said Neal.  He continued, “We have a lot of issues facing us.”

At that point Neal said because of time the agenda would be skipped around somewhat.  The roll was called and the previous meeting’s minutes were approved.  Many of the board members were not present at the meeting.

Dee Dee Sale gave the Youth Committee report.  Sale informed the group that coverage of the Celebration was made available to Matthew Dick during his stay in the hospital.  Sale also informed that a gift basket was being sent to Nathan Oliver, who was undergoing heart surgery.  Neal commended the committee, “I encourage you to serve and help Dee Dee on this youth committee.  We all know the significant part the youth play in this industry.”

Sis Osborne then gave the Pleasure Horse committee report.  She informed the group in attendance that 2,413 entries had participated in the 17 versatility horse shows in 2009.  During her report Denise Rowland made the suggestion that all Horse Industry Organizations’ (HIO) rulebooks be published on the WHOA web site.

Tommy Hall then gave the horse show report.  Hall reported WHOA had concluded 26 horse shows with 4,984 entries.  There are two remaining horse shows to be held.  Overall WHOA will have had 28 horse shows in eight states at the end of 2009.  Entries were broken down into several categories.  The academy shows had 590 entries in seven shows.  The versatility shows had 2,413 entries in 17 shows.  The International had 1,981 entries broken down with 1,402 entries at the Pleasure International and 579 at the Performance International.

At this point Neal called on the group for any old business.  No old business was discussed.  With the Nominating Committee, Financial, and New Business left on the agenda Neal informed the group that the remainder of the agenda would be conducted under executive session.  Under new business was the WHOA Outlook in 2010 and Memberships.