The Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary met Saturday, March 25, 2017 in Shelbyville, Tenn. President Sarah Smith was pleased with the number present at the meeting, one of the larger auxiliary meetings held during the Trainers’ show. There were several new members present. Many notes and letters were read from several persons thanking the Auxiliary for their donations to organizations or various gifts for trainers and family members that were ill or passed away.

Project reports were given and The Money Tree Classic, to be held on June 30 at the Bedford County Ag Center, was discussed and new members were able present judges’ name to add to the list given by members present at the December 2016 meeting. Judges ballots for the show will soon be sent out. Kim Wick reported that the Trainers’ Show silent auction had several new items and donators. The proceeds from this will be donated to the FAST legal fund.

Project reports from the WHOO (Walking Horses Overcoming Obstacles) announced that the Auxiliary presented Great Strides Handicapped Riding Program $1500 and gave $1000 each to five other riding programs.
 
Smith said if there was anyone that knew of an illness or death of members or family members to call either Susan Coleman or herself so that flowers may be sent.
The 2017 Scholarship deadline will be July 15th and applications will be placed in the WHR. Recipients are informed of their accomplishment and presented on the last Friday night of the Celebration along with the Auxiliary Merit Award.
Smith gave a rundown of all the Awards the Auxiliary gives at the Trainer’s Banquet each year. The Auxiliary gives three high point awards, gold, silver and bronze. Other awards were mentioned as well as the Equitation classes sponsored by the Ladies’ Auxiliary. 
Everyone was reminded that dues are due on March 1st each year for points to be counted as well as attendance of at least one meeting and doing one project per year. The Youth Council has been very active and has established a points system to allow members a chance at winning the honor of member of the Year.
The Auxiliary remains dedicated to the industry and helping in any way they can. Along with donating proceeds from the Trainers’ Show Silent Auction, it was announced that last year the auxiliary donated $4000 to the legal fund.
One of the projects coming up on April 15 is the Footloose for Kids 5K in Shelbyville. This project benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund and Handicapped Riding Programs. T-Shirts are available for pre-purchase and are asked to assist the day of for a project. For any information, contact Sarah Smith as 931-580-5085 or email: [email protected].