Trainers' show will stay at Calsonic Arena

WHTA Trainer of the Year Jeff Green, First Vice President Mickey McCormick and President Link Webb, from left, join Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows in announcing the extension of the agreement to bring the National Trainers' Show back to Calsonic Arena. (Submitted photo)

The Walking Horse Trainers' Association has extended its agreement to hold the annual National Walking Horse Trainers' Show in Calsonic Arena, rejecting proposals to move the event elsewhere.

WHTA and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced the renewal, which has a term of 10 years, over the weekend.

The trainers' show moved into the 4,300-seat indoor arena in 1990, following the facility's opening in December 1989. The current agreement to hold the show in Calsonic Arena expired following this year's show in March.

WHTA "received and reviewed several proposals to move their event," according to a Celebration news release, "but eventually wanted to continue the relationship that has been beneficial for both parties for so long."

"The Celebration and its staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make our show a successful one and we are excited to continue that working relationship," said WHTA director and show manager Benny Johnson.

"Our show has been successful for several years," said WHTA President Link Webb, "and part of that is due to the working relationship the trainers have with The Celebration. We appreciate The Celebration stepping up again to offer their facility for our show and we look forward to continuing our relationship."

Mickey McCormick, first vice president of the group, echoed Webb's comments, saying, "Calsonic Arena is centrally located for our industry. That, coupled with fact that several owners have homes here and trainers have their barns in this area, add to the success of our show."

"We are fortunate to be able to continue the wonderful working relationship we have with the trainers," said Celebration Board Chairman David Howard. "We are proud to host the WHTA and the Trainers' Show each year. The trainers are the ones who continue to develop great horses and help make (The Celebration) the world's greatest horse show."

Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright announced that the city would continue as a sponsor of the four-day event.

"The City of Shelbyville is delighted that the Walking Horse Trainers' Association has decided to continue to call our fair city home of its showcase event," he said, "and we are proud to show our support by continuing to partner with The Celebration as a corporate sponsor of the National Trainers' Show."

The 41st Annual National Walking Horse Trainers Show will take place March 18--21, 2009.