SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association held a general membership meeting at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds March 23 following the WHTA Board of Directors meeting.

Following snacks and refreshments provided by World Champion Horse Equipment and the Walking Horse Report, president David Landrum called the meeting to order. World Champion general manager Donnie Corley welcomed everyone and spoke about the new line of Wranglers that World Champion will carry. After Corley wished everyone a successful Trainers' Show, Landrum handed the floor to Wayne Dean.

Wayne Dean gave the treasurer’s report. The budget was approved by the membership with the operating account containing $18,149, the horse show account containing $23,923 and two CDs totaling $21,960 and $140,191.

David Landrum reported on the operating plan. A meeting has been scheduled for March 29 to sign the new plan. According to Landrum the new plan is very similar to the current operating plan which expires March 31. If the new plan is approved, the industry will have operated under the same basic standards for seven years.

Landrum related that Russ Walther sent him a document stating the MASCUP program will offer a minimum of $30,000 in prize money as opposed to last year's amount of $50,000. Also,money awarded will be based on points rather than dollars. The membership voted to continue their endorsement of the MASCUP program.

Landrum announced the new USDA veterinarian as Jill Johnson. He also added to be sure all horses had a Coggins test available.

Landrum clarified several items to the membership. In regards to the WHTA Youth points, Landrum stated all youth classes will count toward yearend points, and that WHOA will keep up with the totals.

In a report regarding the Trainers' Show Landrum mentioned that an Amateur Pony Specialty Class for riders 18 years and over had been added to the line up. He also reported the WHTA had 20 corporate sponsors for this year's show. The WHTA plans to hold a 50/50 drawing at the Trainers’ Show. Fifty percent of the proceeds will benefit the Appalachian Outreach Program, and the other 50 percent will be given to the winner of the drawing. The drawing will be held before the final class Saturday night.