2017 “A” Award Winners
John and Linda Whitt, JSW Farm
of West Liberty, Kentucky
By Joe Kahre
I
t is a beautiful thing when you come across people in your
world that are excellent, upstanding examples of just simply how
things should be and how things are to be done. It is no act, it
is no front. It is just their way of life, their standards, their ethics,
their heart and soul.
This year’s recipients of the A Award for lifetime achievement and
contributions to AMHA, Mr. and Mrs. John Whitt, fit right into
this strata of excellence.
I have observed over and over again their expression of humility.
How pleasant it is to see someone loose carrying the same dignity
as when they win in the show ring. They have humbly accepted
many rewards for their hard work and breeding program. Never
have I heard the words, “I’m never coming back again” in the
times of defeat, or any complaints about the judging of a show.
They quietly accept what has been dealt to them. Like any of
us, they may not always be happy about it, but they keep it to
themselves without any high drama. You can bet they will come
back all the stronger for it.
Their exceptionally dedicated and proficient support staff is also an
example of excellence. It tells much about the standards, ethics
and expectations on them and their devotion in return. They
have made their support staff be a part of “them” a part of their
successes, a part of their lives. Their boys respond with a very
positive outpouring setting yet another example for all of us.
Nixons Hill Farms
Time and time again, year after year there has been quiet financial
support offered to our association with no expectation or desire
for bravado or grandeur. Just simply an attitude of “we are
involved, we want to see success and here is something we can
do to help the association that we are dedicated to.” For many
years the youth program has benefited greatly from this display of
generosity. Never mind the constant involvement in the futurity
program, support of our Miniature Horse World Magazine and
countless efforts on the local front.
They are always there to reach out a hand to help newcomers
with a smile, suggestions, kindness. They are always in for a good
laugh, a good story, a fun sharing of an antidote to days gone
by. There is ALWAYS an empty spot at their table or setup for
absolutely anyone to sit down and talk awhile. There is always
a full cooler of soft drinks for anyone’s partaking. Mind you the
cooler is mostly full of diet Mountain Dew, but there are plenty
of other options in there as well. Of course, the conversations
are not always about horses, or the association, and certainly not
gossip. Conversations range widely from what is going on in life,
genetics, farming, cattle, family, etc. (oh, and maybe some politics
occasionally). Their welcome mat is always out!
They have raised one young man up to be an outstanding asset
with love and devotion to Miniature horses that matched their
dedication and mission of excellence. The third generation of
the Whitt family, a grandson, is now working his way through the
ranks, making the family proud with his
willingness to learn and successes. You
can’t help but sit back and smile as you
watch this unfold.
proudly raising AMHA horses
in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
e
Come see m
it
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when you vi
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!
white north
Jim and Gene Baynham
43007 Huron Rd, Seaforth, Ontario Canada, N0K 1W0
519. 522. 0738 - [email protected]
18 Miniature Horse World
WINTER 2017
They have the ability to make the
perfect blend of professionalism and
personalization. I see this as a rare and
difficult combination to manage, yet,
manage they do.
To John and Linda Whitt, I personally
say thank you for being all that you
are to each of us individually as well as
to our association. Thank you for all
that you are in word and deed to our
association and for sharing the beauties
of your life and abilities with those of
us in this Miniature Horse Family. I
feel honored and proud to call you dear
and special friends.