On October 30, 2020, the WHTA Board of Directors met and voted to cancel the annual banquet and awards dinner originally scheduled for December 11 & 12, 2020, at the Marriott Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. The board felt that at this time it was the right thing to do in light of the increasing number of the COVID-19 cases. In addition, other major associations have also made the decision to cancel their awards ceremonies.

The WHTA Board voted to have their Annual General Membership Meeting as regularly scheduled. This will be a meeting that trainers will not want to miss! The meeting will be on Friday, December 11, 2020, beginning at 9:30AM, at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Awards that are usually given to trainers at the banquet will now be given during the general membership meeting. Please note that masks will be required at the general membership meeting.

Horse of the Year Honorees with be released on the Walking Horse Report website and Facebook page on Friday, December 11.

Below is a detailed schedule on the meeting:
Date:  December 11, 2020

Time: 9:30AM: Renewal of Memberships
10:00AM: General Membership Meeting with election of Officers and other business
11:00AM: Presentation of Trainers awards
12:00PM: Luncheon for all trainers attending
• Sponsored by Walking In The Smokies Horse Show
• Catered by Rowdy Ranch
1:00PM: Adjournment
Awards presentation will include the following:
• Presentation of Green Jacket
• Recognition of WGC Rider
• Recognition of 2020 Rider of Trainers’ Show Champion
• Recognition of 2020 Trainers of the Year
a. Performance
b. Pleasure
• Recognition of 2020 Assistant Trainers of the Year
a. Performance
b. Pleasure
• Riders’ Cup Recognition 
(Plaques will be given to designated trainers to be distributed to owners)
• Horse of the Year Awards 
(will be given to designated trainers to be distributed to owners)