WALKING HORSE TRAINERS ASSOCIATION
marks progress
With the 30th Annual Tennessee J^future '° 5p National Celebration looming in the n ® ate ( j ' Walking Horse Trainers Association Incorporated can take much pride in the progress that they hace made since this time last year . Officially chartered in early 1968 , the association was the outgrowth o - les of events and the dedication of a few individuals who were interested in the future of this business . The events which led to this organization were many , but specific attention can be given to the Humane Association of America , which had been campaigning for several years against alleged abuses to Walking Horses , and to the Celebration , which made a maximum effort last year to abide by rulings having to do with Two-Year-Olds in the showring . These events , plus a variety of others in the area of training techniques , showring practices , following the rules and judging led to the idea of organizing a professional trainers ' association .
In outlining the progress of the Association in its first year , Mr . Vic Thompson , President of the Association , related the following as a clear indication of their progress : " The interest showm by professional trainers and others at our initial meeting clearly indicated that there was a need for such an organization . The large number of trainers , over two hundred , who initially joined the association , point out their understanding of our mutual problems . In electing officers , the association members showed a genuine
interest in giving ample representation to every area and every phase of professional activity . The association , once chartered , made every effort to obtain the finest legal and organizational assistance possible . The commitments made by other national organizations who ar interested in the welfare of the professional trainer ? and the Walking Horse business clearly indicate that progress is being made for our breed
through this association .” ( He was referring to the American Horse Show Association , Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders ' Association , The National Humane
Association , the American Walking Horse Association and the Celebration , Incorporated .) He further related the emphasis that has been put on the condition of show horses , especially in the deep south , by association members who , both as judges and as exhibitors , have made every effort to follow the rules . Also , the acceptance of the general public with regard to the part that the professional trainer plays in the Walking Horse business has been excellent since the organization was established .
We sincerely believe that this organization can do much to foster improvements in the showring activities of our breed from coast to coast as well as being a moving force in horse activities in general . Since this organization was established we understand that a similar association has been started for trainers in the gaited horse business . This ... is progress !
The following letter was recently received from Mrs . Marie D . Crosland which is typical of the response and cooperation that has been showed our breed since the Walking Horse Trainers Association was formed . We feel it is significant .
" Dear Mr . Thompson :
For some time , the Montgomery Humane Society has been concerned with the soreing of the feet of
Tennessee Walking Horses , and I have exchanged letters about this with Mr . R . T . Phillips , Executive Director of the American Humane Association of Denver ( Colorado ).
On July 22nd , Mrs . William S . Brewbaker , Victor Ballard and I met with Mr . H . O . Davis to see how we could help him and your group towards ending it .
Mr . Davis assured us that your group is working at eliminating this cruel practice and that much progress has been made since he met with some of you here about three year ’ s ago .
We want you to know we appreciate your efforts and hope that no maimed horses will be allowed to participate in the Southern Championship Horse Show to be held here in the fall .
We assure you that we will be glad to help you in seeing that the rules of your association are complied with and that any horse showing evidence of sored feet in violation of those rules be disqualified . Our Humane Officer and certain members will attend the show and be available to you in making any inspections that you may desire .
We are quite proud of Mr . Davis for helping to make the Southern Championship Horse Show in Montgomery the success that it is , and also his humane interest in the horses that participate .”
Most sincerely ,
MARIE D . CROSLAND The Montgomery Humane Society Montgomery , Alabama ”
FLORIDA HORSEMEN ’ S ASSOCIATION SCHEDULES ANNUAL TRAIL RIDE
March 12-16 , 1969 are the dates that have been selected by the Florida Horsemen ’ s Association for the 19th Annual 100-Mile Ride , as announced by the president , Mr . Jack Freeman of Jacksonville , Florida . Entries are limited to sixty horses for this three-day regulation event , riding 40 miles the first and second days and 20 miles the third day . There are three divisions for riders : Heavyweight ( rider and tack over 180 lbs .), Lightweight ( rider and tack 155-179
lbs .), and Juniors , ages 11 through 15 . The ride is open to stallions , mares and geldings of all breeds and crossbreeds , ages 3 and up .
The trails are laid out through Ocala National Forest near Umatilla , Florida . Each day ’ s trail begins and ends at Sewell ’ s Ranch where stabling for the horses is provided .
Some entries have already been received . The Association anticipates the limit to be filled by December 1 again . For information and brochures , rules and application blanks write Mrs . Fay McLean , Box 428 , Babson Park , Florida 33827 . There will be a clinic for those seeking more information on September 28 and 29 at the Association headquarters at Sewell ’ s Ranch , Umatilla . Miss Edith
Whiting of Holly Hill , Florida and Mrs . Barbara Le- Fevre of St . Cloud , Florida are co-chairmen for the clinic . A complete list of subjects to be covered and the speakers will be announced in the next few weeks .
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Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse