WHOA Hosts Virtual Awards Ceremony
The Walking Horse Owners ’ Association ( WHOA ) hosted “ The Horseys ,” a virtual awards ceremony , on the evening of February 20 . This first of it ’ s kind ceremony for the Association was well produced and proved to be an evening to remember . Special thanks to all those involved in producing “ The Horseys ,” including Emcee Mark Farrar , Producer Rocky Moreno , Live Production Manager Andy Stooksberry , Advertising Lead Amanda Manis , Voice Over Artist Jennifer Barr , WHOA Executive Director Tommy Hall , and WHOA Secretary Teresa Owen .
The ceremony kicked off with a special recognition of the 2020 International Diamond Sponsors - Walking Horse Report , Maggie Moore and Jim Leek , Frank E . Neal , Co-Op ,
FarmPaint . com , Manna Pro , David Pruett , Rhonda Martocci , Tenda , and Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau . Following the International sponsor recognitions , three big winners at the 2020 International were honored including , Best In Show Canter winner Annie ’ s Silver Dream owned by Dr . Ann Johnson and shown by B . J . Richards , Best In Show No Canter
Ceremony sponsors were able to run 30 second commercials during the presentations .
16 • Walking On winner I ’ m Thunderstruck NDR , owned by Wayne & Debbie Simons and shown by David Mast , and American National Insurance Maiden winner Jose ’ s Twist of Gin , owned by Patti Pollack and shown by B . J . Richards .
Next up was the presentation of the Bob and Elizabeth Womack Presidential Award . This year ’ s recipient was former WHOA President and longtime breed enthusiast and supporter Rhonda Martocci .
Prior to the recognition of the bulk of the evening ’ s award winners , Sis Osborne provided
Viewers were able to compete for prizes by answering WHOA related trivia questions . a breakdown of WHOA ’ s Register of Merit program and
the wide-ranging versatility of our breed . Sis ’ informative presentation was recorded in Wartrace , Tennessee , the “ Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse .”
For the presentations of the National High Point , WHOA Quest , and Register of Merit awards , the recipients were recognized in alphebetical order . Each had the opportunity to join the virtual ceremony via Zoom or to have a photo posted during the presentation of their awards . Those watching the ceremony on Facebook were able to post comments congratulating the winners .
Throughout the ceremony , those watching had the opportunity to win various prizes by correctly answering trivia questions . Prizes included a beautiful set of tumblers , a package of dog care products , and a package of horse care products . The winners were Kim Richwine and Cindy Richards .
Of course , like any event , the success of “ The Horseys ” depended on generous sponsors .
These sponsors were recognized with 30 Sis Osborne provided an explanation of second commercials the Register of Merit Program and an overview of the versatility of our breed . during the ceremony . Kudos to Coolest Girl In Town and Campbell Johnson , Five Star Farms , Daddy ’ s Cash , Golden Oaks Equestrian Center , It ’ s A Knight To Remember with Caylin and Lisa Fisher , and Manna Pro for their sponsorships .
Congratualtions to everyone involved in “ The Horseys ” and to all of our winners !
– Sarah Gee