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2007 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse Master of Jazz, owners Lee Wall and Mike McGartland, and trainer Jimmy McConnell were honored with the presentation of the of the official portrait of the champion to the State of Tennessee on Tuesday. Taking part in the ceremony were (front row, from left) Celebration Administrative Assistant Connie Nixon, Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows, Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens, Trainer Jimmy McConnell, Gail McConnell, Sharon Brandon of TWHBEA, Celebration Vice-Chairman Charles McDonald, (back row) TWHBEA President David Pruett, and TWHBEA Interim Executive Director Stan Butt. (State of Tennessee photo) |
State Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens recently honored 2007 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Lee Wall and Mike McGartland and trainer Jimmy McConnell.
Givens recognized Wall, McGarland and McConnell during a luncheon of industry leaders and supporters at the Ellington Agricultural Center. Givens represented Gov. Phil Bredesen at the event, which has become a tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to the state.
"People throughout the world recognize and embrace the beauty, versatility and mild temperament of Tennessee Walkers," said Givens. "The Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration is a wonderful event that draws thousands to the state each year and has a significant impact to the local economy. Tennessee is fortunate to have this event and industry in our state."
Stan Butt, Executive Director of the Tennessee Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association, presented the official portrait of World Grand Champion Master of Jazz to Givens. The portrait, by photographer Debbie Keough will be on display in the Moss Administration Building at the Ellington Agricultural Center.
"As has been the tradition in past, I am honored as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association to present this portrait of the 2007 World Grand Champion Master of Jazz," said Butt at the event.
State Rep. Stratton Bone and State Rep. Curt Cobb; representatives of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association; and representatives of the TWHNC joined Givens in recognizing the guests of honor.
The 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is slated for Aug. 20-30.
I hope this portrait does not end up in the basement floor, 4 ft from the floor, hanging crooked with fingerprints all over it, under the stairs, next to the janitorial closet at the Nashville Airport like the portrait of the 2005 WGC presently is. I was/am still so appalled I can't park on that side of the airport anymore so I don't get angry. And no one I complained to at the TWHBEA seemed to care. What, it wasn't your horse (now a dead one) so who cares? I hope this picture hangs somewhere proud and nice.