Walking On Volume 6, Issue 2, February 2019 | Page 12
WHOA Gala Celebrates 40 Years
The Walking Horse Owners Association started
the year off with a very successful awards and yearly
banquet. This being the 40th year of the Walking
Horse Owners Association existence; WHOA made
the decision to feature a “40th GALA” at the beau-
tiful Sycamore Farm venue in Franklin, Tennessee.
Sycamore Farm features a most interesting Mens
Lounge/Room and Ladies Room. The Men’s’ domain
consisted of “facilities” PLUS a large TV, Poker Table,
Pool Table, Skittles Table, and other desired manly
amenities. The Ladies Room was adorned in femi-
nine décor PLUS several well - lit vanities and make
up stools so we “ladies” could freshen up, several at
a time, while we exchanged bits of gossip. There was
also a large TV as well as two well-lit dressing rooms
in case a lady wanted to change clothes. Both were
well designed and very accommodating.
This lovely venue gave the women a chance to
dress up and show off their finery. Very, very elegant
women were squired by handsome men dashingly
dressed. These transformations made it difficult
for me to recognize some of the so very attractive
couples as I most often see them in jeans, t shirts,
limp hair and sweaty horse hair attire. The brilliant
people were fashionably attired and looked terrific as
was fitting in the charming Sycamore Farms. Truly a
GALA AFFAIR and a fitting celebration of WHOA’S
40th year.
A sold out affair, 300 people attended the event
and enjoyed the pleasing food catered by Carolyn’s
Creations of Christiana, TN.
The Versatility Awards launched the program;
after they were completed we ate a tasty dinner. The
Kentucky High Point Awards preceded the National
High Point Awards. Winners were recognized along
with several International Champions and WHOA
Special Awards. A complete listing of the night’s
winners are listed later in this issue..
A special award that was the brain child of
WHOA is the Quest Incentive Award. In May
of 2007 The Walking Horse Owners’ Association
(WHOA) and the Walking Horse Report announced
a program that would honor the achievements of
Youth and Amateur Riders. The Quest is a high
point Incentive program. Amateur and Youth Riders
who are members of WHOA may compete in The
Quest Riders’ Program. Points from any show will
count provided the show sends the results to Walk-
ing Horse Report within 30 days of the completion
of that show. The Quest awards the overall top
riders in the Walking Horse industry. The Quest
gives WHOA a chance to salute the most successful
riders. In The Quest the points follow the rider, no
matter which class or division they are showing in,
as long as the class is designated as youth or amateur.
The Quest will award the top riders in four differ-
Honoring Labeled A Parolee, International Best of
Show Canter horse.
12 • Walking On