NWHA National News March 2016 | Page 20

2016 Annual Meeting & High Point Banquet NWHA kicks off 2016 and Celebrates 2015 Written By: Kim Richwine These committee meetings gave time for planning for 2016 and allowed members to learn more about how each committee functions. This allowed members more exposure to each area of the National Walking Horse Association such as High Point Awards, Rules, or the National Show Committee. The National Walking Horse Association Annual meeting and High Point awards banquet for 2016 took place in Nashville, Tennessee the final weekend in January of 2016.  The Music City Sheraton hosted this weekend full of wrap ups for 2015 as well as preparation for the year 2016. The event began with a retreat for the NWHA board of directors to meet and discuss plans for the organization this next year. From there the event opened up to committee meetings on Friday evening.  NWHA National News 20 After enjoying a catered meal, members of the National Walking Horse Association TRIP and CHIP programs were honored. Thank you to all who signed up for these popular programs! Congratulations to all the winners of the trail awards for 2015!  On Saturday morning the head of the NWHA judges committee, Ruth Ann Spinelli, began the 2016 NWHA judges’ clinic. This comprehensive clinic saw great numbers at approximately 30 in attendance that day. Clinic attendance included judges renewing their licenses, new applicants, and several auditors learning more about the NWHA judges program. Many thanks go to Ruth Ann for all her hard work on the clinic!  On Saturday afternoon the official NWHA annual meeting began. Here NWHA members heard reports from every committee within the organization, and also saw the new 2016 board of directors sworn in. At the end of the annual meeting the floor was open to discussing issues that any NWHA member had at that time. That evening the festivities really began in celebration of those competing in the NWHA High Point program for the year 2015 as well as honoring those who took to the trails all year.   The award ceremony continued with High Point competition for 2015. NWHA awarded 58 High point champions that evening. Many congratulations and thanks go to all those who nominated their horse for the high point program in 2015!   The banquet evening ended with the most exciting and highly honorable Awards being presented. Each year the NWHA honors 3 overall High