and character of the man , we should point out that all net proceeds from the publication of this book have gone toward developing a camp for underprivileged children near Clarksville , Arkansas . Camp Miles Sylvania began operation this summer , and a greatly expanded program is being planned for 1965 . ( Those desiring to honor Joe Webb in some particular way might consider sending a contribution to this non-profit camp in care of him at his home in Searcy , Arkansas .) The training book may be ordered directly from Joe Webb , Searcy , Arkansas ; for a price of $ 8.00 , and it is well worth the cost to anyone interested in any kind of Walking Horse activity . Even veteran trainers testify to its value . Amateurs will find it indispensable .
Sharing this moment of triumph with the popular young trainer was his lovely wife , Nell , and two of their five children — Sharon and Mike . Mr . Miles Webb , Joe ’ s father was also present . His mother was unable to attend . All of the excitement of a great moment was mirrored in the happy faces of this attractive family as they thanked the hundreds who came
by-
Joe is currently in the process of building a new barn adjacent to the extensive farm of Dr . Porter Rodgers . In this new barn ( 270 feet long with a 30-foot hallway ) there will be 34 stalls , 3 tack rooms , 3 cross ties and a double wash rack . Also a lounge with a 20-foot bay window opening into the hall will permit spectators to watch horses working in all kinds of weather . With the completion of these new facilities , the Porter Rodgers and Joe Webb operation will combine one of the most extensive breeding
operation with one of the really well-rounded and modern training operations in the nation . With the enlargement of his training facilities , Joe will be able to take a few outside horses , and will be no doubt besieged with requests from people wanting to place their best prospects with him . News of the formal opening of the new barn will appear in the VOICE as soon as it is finished .
As a Christian gentleman of honor and integrity , as a horseman of rare ability and accomplishment , as a philanthropist with the welfare of others at heart , Joe Webb is indeed a credit to the Tennessee Walking Horse world and is entirely worthy of our acclaim and salute as our 1964 TRAINER OF THE YEAR . To Joe Webb , Mr . Pete Raney , Mr . Howard Binns , Dr . T . J . Raney and Dr . Porter R . Rodgers , we extend our congratulations upon their victory in the 26th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and wish for them and PERFECTION ’ S CARBON COPY the great future to which we believe they are entitled .
EDITOR ' S COLUMN ( Continued from Page 3 ) slightly higher prices than before and the not-so-good stock was bringing lower prices . In our opinion this is a healthy sign . It will open the gate for more pleasure horse activity ( at a reasonable price ) and will stabilize the asking price of our better stock . Of course a horse will always be “ worth what a man is willing to pay ” but it is good to know that the market has leveled off . Another good point is that the newcomers to the breed who buy their first Walking Pleasure horse at a sensible price , will soon be in the market for something better .
THE FUTURITY
As usual , the Futurity , sponsored by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association , started the Celebration activities off with a good show . These horses , selected by their owners as a perfect cross between a specific mare and stallion , represented the finest blood lines and get . It was a fitting opening for the 1964 show and good crowds were present at this annual affair .
THE BIG SHOW
Mrs . Sam Gibbs , of Shelbyville , who was seated in Senator Albert Gore ’ s box , made one keen observation regarding the 1964 Celebration , that fairly well sums up the show for us all . She stated that “ this year there are more blonde women and more dark horses than ever before ”. True ! . . . The Celebration was more glamorous than ever and the absence of a single outstanding stake horse favorite added to the growing excitement . By Saturday night you could have gotten a bet in almost any direction .
From where we stood , and believe me this is important , it appeared that the judging at the Celebration this year was commendable . We heard a lot of comment regarding the inconsistancy of the judges cards . Perhaps this reflects one of two things : That each judge was firm in his own convictions as to what type of horse he liked and what type of horse he was tying or that the view from the different points inside the ring differed considerably . I do feel , however , that it is completely possible for a particular horse to make a spectacular pass in any of the three gaits while in front of any of the three judges and make a favorable impression on that particular judge . With this in mind it is understandable as to how all three judges could tie a different horse first in the same class and each have just reason for doing so . We noticed from the far-reaches of the grandstand , where the whole ring is visible that many horses work better in one direction or the other and that their positions in the ring varied from side to side . Remember that a judge can only rely on the performance of a particular horse while he is within sight . He cannot judge on what takes place behind his back . We have all heard comments such as “ the winning horse broke on the turns ”, or “ he only made one good pass all night ” or “ I watched him all the way around and he didn ’ t walk a step .” Well , perhaps these observations are true but one judge can ’ t see everything .
ACTION 70
One of the most talked about items in the August issue of the VOICE was the new ACTION 70 photographic technique that was introduced by Mr . Chuck Layton
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