SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) hosted several of the industry’s associations at its January 2011 board meeting held January 24, 2011 in Shelbyville, Tenn.  President Bill Cantrell initiated the meeting to allow the associations to address the WHTA Board of Directors and update them on their progress and goals.  Cantrell hopes to have future meetings with additional industry groups included.
 
“The WHTA felt that it was time that we open our doors and initiate the first step in allowing all organizations to come together and educate us as to their current condition as well as their future plans.  I hope the meeting is a first step in allowing better communication and can ultimately lead to more unity across our great industry,” said Cantrell.
 
Invited to attend the meeting were the Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary, Celebration, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association, Walking Horse Owners’ Association, PRIDE HIO, Kentucky Walking Horse Association, SHOW HIO, Heart of America HIO and the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association.
 
“We can’t predict the future of our great breed and we can’t unite everyone alone, however the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association knows that to reach our full potential we all will need to come together and unite toward a common goal.  Each organization has different goals and missions, but the Tennessee Walking Horse is what connects us all and its protection and promotion are at the heart of us all,” concluded Cantrell.