Signs show support for horse industry

Friday, July 24, 2009
By Mary Reeves

Janet Farrar, left, president of the Great Strides Therapeutic Riding program, helps Dru McCormick and Jeffrey McGee place a yard sign showing support for the walking horse industry. The signs also serve to raise money for Great Strides, with all proceeds being donated to the nonprofit organization.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)
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The Tennessee walking horse industry has take some hard hits in recent years, but many people and businesses have continued to support it. Now, those people and businesses who want to say "Thank you" to the industry that brings an estimated $50 million a year to Middle Tennessee can do so with special yard signs.

"It's been a hard year for trainers and owners and the new horse industry organization, SHOW," said Dru McCormick, wife of trainer Mickey McCormick. "We just want to show them we appreciate their hard work."

"We were sitting around after church one day talking about how we need to get the city of Shelbyville more involved," said Jeffrey McGee, whose family shows. In the past, he said, the town would deck itself out in red, white and blue bunting and banners, all saying "Welcome visitors!"

"They really supported the horse industry," he said. "So we decided to do something about it. "

The something was a two-sided yard sign with the familiar silhouette of a Tennessee walking horse and the words, "Proud Supporter of the TN Walking Horse Industry!"

"The yard signs are real popular now," said McGee.

"Bedford County benefits from the industry," sad McCormick. "We kind of lost the fire somewhere along the way and we're trying to revive some of that enthusiasm."

Besides showing support for the industry, the signs, which cost $30 each, serve another purpose.

"The proceeds go to Great Strides Therapeutic Riding Program," said Jeffrey. "They're double-sided, weatherproof -- and they're pretty!"

Several businesses and individuals have already ordered their signs, which should be here this week. One local dentist was the first to sign up, said McCormick, saying that people from California come to him for dental work when they are here for the Celebration. The financial impact of area horse shows -- not just The Celebration -- affects the community in many ways that most people don't realize, she said.

"All those Civic Club fundraisers, like the Lions Club Show and the 4-H Show, will be suffering," said McCormick. "Anyone who benefits from the horse industry should get a sign. It's a win-win situation.

So far, the two organizers said, there has been "zero" negative response.

"Most people we approached are glad we're coming to them with something positive," said McGee.

Those interested in ordering a sign for their yard can call Dru McCormick at (931) 224-5858 or Jeffrey McGee at (931) 703-2098.

Comments

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As a daughter of a walking horse trainer and seeing the impact is has made on him and on all of his fellow trainers I hope everyone steps up and helps out. Like they stated this is just not showing your support for the walking horse industry but for the Great Stides as well and that helps so many children in our community. Good luck and that's a very good idea Dru and Jeffrey!

-- Posted by MominDooLittle on Fri, Jul 24, 2009, at 11:15 AM

The industry has had a lot of problems but the core has always been made up of good people who appreciate their animals and their fans.

If we've made our disapproval of abuse and inconvenience evident,we ought to be just as obvious in showing our respect for the good side of the Walking Horse world.

For all the scandals,the Walking Horse world has an honorable heritage that dovetails with the history of this community.

If we offer one another mutual support,the partnership forged in the past will only strengthen and provide the industry and our town with a great future.

-- Posted by quantumcat on Fri, Jul 24, 2009, at 1:32 PM