Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson (L to R), dam owners Raymond and Diana Popp of Knoxville, sire owners Cena and Joe Martin of Shelbyville and State Representative Pat Marsh pose with a portrait of “The Coach,” the reigning World Grand Champion Walking Horse.
4/12/11
State Honors 2010 Walking Horse World Grand Champion
-Portrait of horse on display at Ellington Agricultural Center-
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson, recently honored 2010 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Robert Kilgore of Tuscaloosa, Ala. , Neal Holland Jr. of Decatur, Ala. and Joe Barnes of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Also honored was trainer Billy Gray of Shelbyville, Tenn.
Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) President Marty Irby addresses those assembled for the portrait presentation while Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Julius Johnson looks on.
Johnson recognized the owners and trainer during a reception of industry leaders and supporters at Ellington Agricultural Center. Johnson represented Governor Bill Haslam at the event which has become a tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to the state.
TWHBEA Marketing Director Chris Coffey, President Marty Irby and Member At Large By Laws Loyd Hall ‘Buster’ Black presented Commissioner Johnson with a copy of TWHBEA’s book Tennessee Walking Horse: An American Tradition.
“The Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration is a wonderful event that draws thousands to the state each year and has a significant impact to the local economy,” said Johnson. “Tennessee is fortunate to have this event and industry in our state.”
Marty Irby, President of the Tennessee Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, presented the official portrait of World Grand Champion “The Coach” to Johnson. The portrait, by photographer Jack Greene will be on display in the Moss Administration Building at Ellington Agricultural Center.
Tennessee State Representative Pat Marsh was presented with a copy of Tennessee Walking Horse: An American Tradition by TWHBEA Marketing Director Chris Coffey and President Marty Irby.
“I am honored on behalf of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association to present this portrait of the 2010 World Grand Champion “The Coach,” said Irby at the event.
Representatives of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association and the National Celebration joined Johnson in recognizing the guests of honor.
TWHBEA Marketing Director Chris Coffey and President Marty Irby (L to R), dam owners Raymond and Diana Popp, sire owners Cena and Joe Martin and TWHBEA Member At Large By Laws Loyd Hall ‘Buster’ Black with the portrait of 2010 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse “The Coach.”
The 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® is slated for Aug. 24 – Sept. 3. The Celebration® is the longest continuously-running event in the state of Tennessee. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association.
For more information on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, visit www.twhbea.com. For more information on the National Celebration®, visit www.twhnc.com.
For further details or information, please contact (931) 359-1574.
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