NWHA National News March 2018 | Page 56

Welcome 2018!
The National Walking Horse Association kicked-off the New Year at Embassy Suites in Nashville, TN during the last weekend of January. The 2017-2018 Board of Directors began their recap of 2017 leading into planning the year ahead, NWHA’ s 20 th anniversary of commitment to the Sound horse. The weekend was comprised of the Board of Director’ s Retreat, Annual Judge’ s Clinic and Membership Meeting. Numerous committees met to discuss plans for the year ahead throughout the weekend followed by the 2017 awards banquet which concluded the annual weekend event
January 25 th
The Board of Director’ s Retreat was led by President Amy Spinelli-Olson, who guided the Board through a deep agenda spanning many important topics. Reviews, discussions and votes closed out 2017 items – while new plans and ideas for 2018 followed. The Board was in session for a very long day during which lots of exciting plans were made for the NWHA’ s celebratory 20 year birthday.
After adjournment, the National Show committee met in the evening and discussed the 2018 National show planning process. Co-chairs, Katie Tanner and Mag Ranft started the meeting with reviewing the year prior, making notes of both negative and positives and how to navigate the planning process for the next 7 months until show time. The facility renovations, new DQP procedures and show bill flow were important areas of the meeting
January 26 th
Director of Judges, Honorable Ruth Ann Spinelli began the 2018 Judge’ s Clinic bright and early in the Carolina Room of the hotel. Judges, new judge applicants and guests were welcomed with pastries and coffees provided by NWHA as the clinic got underway. The meeting room was at capacity with eager attendees that began with introductions, followed by the plan of the day. Spinelli covered topics within the rulebook, rule clarifications and changes,