WHOA Dispatch
2018 WHOA Convention
WHOA JUDGES CLINIC
The Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA)
Judges clinic was held February 9, 2018 at Middle
Tennessee State University. A total of 45 individuals
attended to renew or establish themselves as WHOA
judges. Attendees were treated a a number of infor-
mative presentations, both in the classroom and in the
arena.
ed that WHOA held 61 shows with 11,868 entries
in 2017. She also stated that over a 10 year period,
WHOA had put on 583 shows with 107,970 entries.
Reporting for the WHOA HIO, David Pruett ex-
plained that they had recently attended a join VMO/
DQP training session that included a shoeing clinic.
Turning to the rules, he stated that flat shod horses
no longer have to have their saddles removed before
inspection. The stirrups must be pulled up or tied up
WHOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
and DQPs can still request to have them removed.
WHOA held its annual board of directors meeting
All first-place horses must return to inspection in-
on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Miller Coliseum
in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Much of the meeting was cluding in lead line classes. If every rider in a lead line
class gets a blue, every horse must return for inspec-
devoted to discussing the 2017 Interntaional Grand
Championship Pleasure and Colt Show, which remains tion.
Finally, the WHOA rules concerning Trainers’
a significant source of revenue for WHOA.
kids
were reviewed. Trainers’ kids 11 and u nder may
In her financial report, Maggie Moore revealed that
the 2017 show netted the association $86,330, up 16% show in All Day Pleasure Youth classes if they own
over 2016. Revenue from the show was $203,220 while the horse. Trainers’ kids between 12 and 17 may show
customers’ horses in amateur and open classes but not
expences totalled $116,889.
youth classes.
Overall, WHOA generated $388,000 in revenue for
2017, down from $428,026 in 2016. Expenses for 2017 WHOA MEMBERSHIP MEETING
came in at $389,275, down just over $33,000 from the
The WHOA membership meeting was held follow-
previous year.
ing the board of directors meeting. Several show dates
As of December 31, 2017, WHOA’s balance sheet
were announced and new board members were wel-
showed total assets of $43,207.24, including current
comed. Reports on the finances and the WHOA HIO
assets of $2,557.24.
were also given.
It was related that the largest drops in revenue came WHOA AWARDS BANQUET
from the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive, which dropped
Following Saturday’s meetings, WHOA hosted its
$22,168 from 2016 to 2017 and WHOA office income, annual awards banquet at the James Union Building
which includes a drop of $34,017 in memberships and on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.
sponsorships.
Impressively, this year’s banquet was completely sold
A profit and loss sheet showed a net income reduc- out.
tion of $6,900.68 from 2016. Several reasons for this
The evening began with cocktail hour. This was
reduction were discussed. First, the Smokey Moun-
followed by the presentation of Versaitlity, Register of
tain Classic horse show netted $1,352.96 but a $1,250
Merit, and Kentucky Incentive Program Awards. Next
deposit for the 2018 show was paid out of that profit.
up was a delicious dinner and then it was time for the
Second, the show at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennes-
National High Point Awards.
see, was canceled in 2017 and the deposit of $1666.08
Additionally, the evening featured a silent auction,
was carried over to 2018. Lastly, it was stated that past 50/50 giveaway drawing. a drawing for a Dale Chavez
membership money had been used to pay off debts
saddle to benefit the WHOA youth association, and
from the previous year and this year’s memberships
the WHOA Gives Back drawing.
were held for the 2018 budget.
For a complete list of award recipients please turn to
In her Horse Show Report, Peggy Moore relat-
page 10 of this issue.
4 • Walking On