Link Webb (T-G Photo by René A. Capley) [Click to enlarge]

The Tennessee Walking Horse industry is seeing signs of daylight following a weekend of elections for Lewisburg-based Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) and Shelbyville-based Walking Horse Trainers' Association (WHTA).

According to industry experts, the leadership has the potential to bring the three organizations that make up the international breed under one umbrella, as in the past, prior to TWHBEA forming its own horse industry organization (HIO). An HIO is an affiliation program for horse shows across the nation as well as a designated qualified person (DQP) program for the inspection of contenders.

Meanwhile, Virgil Johnson has been named interim CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Johnson, 75, is a retired former general manager of the Jostens plant in Shelbyville and also a former Bedford County commissioner. Although Johnson admits he thinks the Celebration CEO position will be a temporary one for him, Walking Horse industry members responding to the announcement were equally as positive that the opportunity provided a new and positive avenue for the TWHNC.

The weekend's long hours of board meetings for both WHTA and TWHBEA culminated with elections and banquets Friday and Saturday nights. Many openly voiced the belief prior to the WHTA Horse of the Year awards banquet at the Franklin Marriott on Saturday night that TWHBEA purposely delayed the voting for its board of directors in hopes those attending the WHTA banquet would attend the TWHBEA meeting to place votes.

John T. Bobo, a Shelbyville attorney who represents the legal interests of the TWHBEA, announced that no proxies would be allowed for the TWHBEA election and only those present for voting would count in the final outcome of the positions.

David Pruett of Nashville, a horse photographer and current president of the Murfreesboro-based Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA), ran against incumbent TWHBEA president Jerrold Pedigo of Murfreesboro. Pruett, who pledged to change the direction of the Breeders' organization to represent all aspects of the industry, was elected.

David Pruett (T-G Photo by René A. Capley) [Click to enlarge]

The announcement of his election spread quickly by cell phones in the reception area for waiting WHTA banquet guests. Cheers and even audible sighs of relief were heard among those receiving the calls. Upon Pruett's arrival at the banquet, he was greeted by a standing ovation.

"This is a turning point," said Pruett, "a turning point that takes us back to open organization and positive advancements. Now that all facets of the industry are represented, it's time to do our part. We need to start registering colts, transferring horses and buying ads in the [TWHBEA] Voice Magazine."

Later Pruett told the T-G, "This election unifies the industry and it's time to move forward. I am pleased to have a part in this and hope all people of this industry will participate. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are all ready to get down to the work."

Among the issues for Pruett and his board includes an audited review of the budget.

Several surprises during the election procedure in Lewisburg found recently retired Sharon Brandon nominated from the floor for the position of secretary/treasurer of the organization. Nancy Lynn Beech Green, who was hired for Brandon's position at her forced retirement in March of this year, also ran for the slot. Brandon was elected to return to her position.

Others elected for the TWHBEA board were Jamie Hankins (running unopposed), Mike Inman, Dee Dee Sale, Chris Bobo, Bill Strickland, Diane McMurtry, Connie Hess, Debra Jack, Joyce Moyer, Darren Gray, and Christy Lantis. Bob Ramsbottom was appointed to the position of vice president following the resignation of Dr. Donald Longest.

The WHTA board of directors was elected on Friday morning, following a round of appreciation for outgoing president Wink Groover of Texas. Link Webb of Lewisburg was elected president while rounding out the top positions of the organization were Mickey McCormick of Shelbyville and David Landrum of Franklin, each holding vice president positions.

The WHOA board elections and the High Point awards banquet are held annually in February.

According to the Celebration officials, the position will undergo an application process for the CEO position. It is hoped the vacancy left by Ron Thomas' departure will be filled by February, just prior to the opening of the Walking Horse show season and the WHTA National Trainers' Show in March.

A complete list of the winners of the WHTA Horse of the Year banquet will be available in Tuesday's edition of the T-G.