The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) is excited to announce a new initiative to support the “Pick Your Partner” classes at the upcoming United Walking Horse Fall Finale in Tunica, Mississippi. TWHBEA will match up to $5,000 of the donations raised for the "Pick Your Partner" classes, which will benefit the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST).

The “Pick Your Partner” classes are designed as a fun and inclusive way to engage youth, amateurs, and trainers alike. Teams of two, featuring any combination of riders, will compete in two divisions: Pleasure Horses and Performance Horses. One rider will start the class riding first way, with their partner following to ride second way. The classes will take place Friday night at the Fall Finale, a collaborative event hosted by FAST, TWHBEA, Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC), and Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA).

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for TWHBEA to directly support the Tennessee Walking Horse industry while encouraging fun, team-oriented competition,” said Amanda Wright,  President of TWHBEA. “By matching donations, we hope to inspire more support for FAST, a vital organization dedicated to the continued growth and success of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.”

The “Pick Your Partner” classes allow teams to raise funds in a way that mirrors a walk-a-thon, with participants encouraging their friends, family, and fans to sponsor them. All donations collected through the program will directly support FAST. Teams are encouraged to enter as soon as possible and begin soliciting donations online. Entries for the classes are open through 1 p.m. each day at the show office or online at EnterMyWalkingHorse.com.

Additionally, a Fan Favorite award will be given to the team that raises the most money by the end of the class. Fans and supporters can donate directly to their favorite team via the team’s dedicated page, which can be found at www.twhbea.com/partner.

“We’re thrilled to see this level of collaboration across the industry to raise funds for FAST,” said Kasey Kesselring, President of FAST. “The Pick Your Partner classes are a fantastic way to bring the community together while supporting the future of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.”

The United Walking Horse Fall Finale promises to be an exciting and impactful event, and with TWHBEA’s matching donation commitment, this year’s “Pick Your Partner” classes are set to make an even greater impact. We encourage all teams to sign up early, get creative with their fundraising efforts, and join in the fun!