LEWISBURG, TN - A portrait of the reigning World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Pride's Jubilee Encore, was unveiled during a recent presentation at the Tennessee governor's residence.
Each year the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) displays its official World Grand Champion portrait at Ellington Center, home of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). For the sixth straight year, photographer Stuart Vesty of Aurora, Ohio was commissioned by the TWHBEA to take the photograph.
Again this year, the Association had the good fortune of formally unveiling the portrait before Governor Don Sundquist, Agriculture Commissioner Dan Wheeler and other state and walking horse representatives at a luncheon at the governor's residence in Nashville.
Bob Cherry, TWHBEA Executive Director, made the presentation to the governor and commissioner. On hand for the ceremony were George and Kay Dennis, Jerrold Pedigo and Charles and Florence Terry, owners of Pride's Jubilee Encore. Also in attendance was Allen Callaway, the trainer and rider of the champion horse, and his wife, Karen.
Joining them at the presentation were Tennessee's First Lady Martha Sundquist, Department of Agriculture Public Information Officer Tom Womack, Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Louis Buck, State Senator Larry Trail and his wife, Sandra. Also representing TDA were Margie Baker, marketing specialist, and administrative assistants Marie Sullivan and Rose Wright.
Representing the Celebration were Chairman Virgil Johnson and his wife, Pat, CEO Ron Thomas and administrative assistant Connie Nixon.
After the luncheon, the group traveled to Ellington Center to formally hang the portrait, which creates an awareness of this great state treasure to many visitors to Ellington Center.