WHTA Names Unity Committee Members
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Shelbyville, TN - At a meeting held Wednesday, November 30th, the boards of directors of four industry groups, the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), Walking Horse Owners’ Association and The Celebration, came together to discuss issues related to the future of the Tennessee Walking Horse in the show ring and to discuss unification within the performance horse division. At this meeting a decision was made to form a “Unity Committee” consisting of three representatives from each of the attending groups. The purpose of the Unity Committee will be to gather information and then report back to the groups. The Unity Committee will have no official decision making powers.
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association has selected their representatives for the Unity Committee. They are Jamie Hankins, Link Webb and Chris Bobo. Each of these individuals will bring a wealth of leadership experience and industry knowledge to the committee.
Jamie Hankins
A lifetime Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast, Jamie has been a leader in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry for several years. He is the current President of the WHTA and has been a multiple term director for both the WHTA and the TWHBEA. He has served a number of terms on the TWHBEA Executive Committee as Horse Shows Vice President, Trainers Vice President and Enforcement Vice President. Jamie is also an accomplished AAAA licensed judge who has judged nearly every major show in the industry including The Celebration, which he has adjudicated multiple times. A horse trainer by profession, Jamie resides in Paris, Kentucky, with his wife Jennifer and their two children.
Link Webb
The son of a Tennessee Walking Horse trainer, Link Webb grew up in the industry. He is a multiple term director for the WHTA and has also served as its 2nd Vice President and President for two years. Link is an AAAP licensed judge. In 2008, he directed Santanas El Nino to the World Grand Championship. The owner/operator of Webb Stables in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Link is married to Rhea Ellen Webb and has two sons.
Chris Bobo
A third generation Tennessee Walking Horse trainer, Chris Bobo is currently employed as a trainer and as the business manager for Bobo Farms in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Chris is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and he is an AAAPVE licensed judge. He has served as a director for both the WHTA and TWHBEA. He has also sat on the TWHBEA Executive Committee as Enforcement Vice President and Trainers Vice President. Chris and his wife Katybeth have just welcomed their second child.