Bob Medina receives the Reese L. Smith, Jr. Distinguished Service Award
from TWHBEA President, Marty Irby.

Lewisburg, Tenn. - The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA)  was proud to present the 2011 Reese L. Smith, Jr., Distinguished Service Award to Bob Medina of Skillman, N.J. The Reese L. Smith, Jr., Distinguished Service Award was created to honor the memory of Mr. Smith, a longtime Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast and philanthropist of the industry.

Bob Medina was introduced to the breed in 1980 and, since that time, he has done his utmost to secure its longevity. He has also worked to better the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, serving on countless industry boards and committees. A well-respected and knowledgeable leader, his input is eagerly sought by his fellow horsemen. Over the years, he and his wife, Mary, riding out of Jimmy McConnell’s barn, have saddled over 20 world champions.

Tom Kakassy presents David Landrum with the Performance Horse Ambassador Award.

David Landrum of Franklin, Tenn., was recently honored with the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) Performance Horse Ambassador Award.

A lifelong Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast and top trainer of Tennessee Walking Horses, David has gone above and beyond in his efforts to promote and support the Performance division of the breed. Over the years he has participated in clinics, appeared in educational videos and served in a variety of leadership capacities within the industry.

He is a former President of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and former member of the TWHBEA Executive Committee. His achievements include being selected Walking Horse Trainer of the Year, being inducted into the Celebration Hall of Fame and directing Pride’s Sundance Star to the ultimate show ring title of World Grand Champion.

 

Marty Irby presents Bobby Beech with the TWHBEA Member of the Year Award.

Bobby Beech of Lewisburg, Tenn., was recently honored as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) Member of the Year. Bobby is a lifetime member of TWHBEA and an avid supporter and promoter of the Tennessee Walking Horse.

The proprietor of National Bridle Shop, he has been a generous sponsor of TWHBEA activities and events for many years including the World Versatility Show, membership drives and social media efforts. Bobby has also always been willing to share his insight into the industry and make suggestions for the betterment of TWHBEA and the breed.

 

 

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) recently named Kevin Gilliam, of Oxford, N.C., its Pleasure Horse Ambassador of the year. A longtime Tennessee Walking Horse owner, exhibitor and trainer, Kevin is also an accomplished riding instructor with a talent form matching horse and rider teams. Horses that he has trained have excelled in both versatility and rail competition at top shows throughout the southeast.

Those he has taught to ride have also found success at our industry’s most prestigious events. Additionally, Kevin has worked hard to promote the pleasure horse through 4-H and open shows and he has never hesitated to volunteer his time to support local, state and national equine associations, including TWHBEA.
 

Paulette Ewing presents Sherry White with the TWHBEA Youth Ambassador Award.

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) was proud to present its 2011 Youth Ambassador Award to Sherry White of South Lyon, Mich. A longtime dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer for the Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association (TWHYA), Sherry has also supported her daughter, Maggie Mae White, every step of the way as she has achieved numerous honors and served in several positions of leadership within the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Sherry has also been active promoting youth horsemanship on the Michigan Horse Council and with local equine organizations in Michigan.

TWHBEA President Marty Irby presents Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture
Julius Johnson with the TWHBEA Friendship Award.

Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson was recently honored with the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) Friendship Award. The presentation was made at the Annual TWHBEA Awards Banquet held December 2, 2011. The TWHBEA Friendship Award recognizes those that have played a valuable role in supporting TWHBEA over the past year.

Commissioner Johnson was chosen as the recipient for this award because he has been there time and again lending his encouragement and the support of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to TWHBEA and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. TWHBEA values its relationship with Commissioner Johnson and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and was proud to present this award as a symbol of its appreciation.

Marty Irby presents Manna Pro's Vice President of Sales, Jason Bachert,
with the TWHBEA Corporate Sponsor Award.

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) was proud to recognize Manna Pro with a Corporate Sponsor Award at its Annual Awards Banquet. Over the past year, Manna Pro has supported a number of TWHBEA endeavors including the World Versatility Show, Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association and TWHBEA’s marketing efforts at events such as Equine Affaire and Road To The Horse. Accepting the award on Manna Pro’s behalf was Vice President of Sales, Jason Bachert.