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Presents The
Tennessee Walking Horse becomes a Recognized Breed 1930's - reprint from "The
Horse and Its Heritage in Tennessee" Tennessee's Own Contribution to the Horse-Loving World For more than a hundred years prior to the spring of 1935 Tennesseans had been riding a horse which had easy gaits under the saddle. Tennesseans had always loved horses. At the turn of the century horses with good gaits were exhibited at County Fairs. Completion was healthy and each breeder tried to produce and developed a horse which would excel at easy gaits under the saddle. These horses were known to oldsters as "Saddle" horses. They were later called Plantation Horses, or Plantation Walking Horses. Today they are known as Tennessee Walking Horses. The Tennessee Walking Horse Becomes a Recognized Breed Interest in these horses had been growing for half a century. There were breeders who believed their produce had true gaits that were distinct from those of other horses. They believed that these horses which they had developed had become a breed. They further believed that something should be done to establish this type of horse as a breed. It had been noted that these horses were attracting the interest of persons outside of the state of Tennessee, and that their gaits - the Flat-Foot Walk, the Running Walk, and the Canter - were being paid more and more attention and were becoming distinctive at County Fairs and other placed of exhibition. Consequently, after much thought and talk for many years, a meeting of persons interested in this Tennessee horse was called. The first meeting was held in Lewisburg, Tennessee, April 27, 1935. A number of leading breeders of these horses were present at this meeting and participated in the proceedings. A group composed of: At this April 27, 1935 meeting it was decided that a registry society should be established for those horses of distinctive gaits which were abundant in Tennessee, especially in Middle Division of the State. This was duly done & a charter was granted according to the laws of Tennessee on May 11, 1935 The organization was named "The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association of America". Its object, according to Article II of the Constitution and By-Laws adopted, was "to collect, record & preserve the pedigrees of walking horses, and the publication of a Register of Stud Book in such form as shall be adopted by the Association, and such other matters pertaining to the breeding, exhibiting, and sale of walking horses as may be deemed advisable. The First Elected Board Members for the Association Mr. E. Burt Hunter was named as first President of the Association, Hon. Tim McCord, Governor of Tennessee, was the first Secretary-Treasurer. These two gentleman, both of whom had taken an active part in the organization of the Association, also served the 2nd year as both President & Sec/Treasurer, respectively. They were both citizens of Marshall County and residents of Lewisburg, which city had been chosen as the principal place of business of the newly-formed Association. D.H. Brock, Lawrenceburg, TN, was President of 1937, and the late A.M. Dement of Wartrace, TN, served as President until 1938. During the terms of both of these gentleman Mr. E. Burt Hunter served as Sec/Treasurer. Mr. Dement was President in 1939. Upon his death that year, Dr. W.F. Fessey of Nashville, TN, was elevated to the Presidency and also served in 1940. W.P. Murray of Lewisburg, TN was Sec/Treasurer during the years of 1939-40. A new home for the Association was started in 1941 and completed in 1942. It was an impressive Kentucky Crab Orchard stone building located just off the public square in Lewisburg. W.H Davis of Wartrace, Tennessee, was President of the Association during 1941-42. Mr. Murrey resigned his office after 1941 and Miss Syd Houston of Lewisburg was named to the position. To J. French Brantley of Manchester, TN was given the honor of serving as President during 1943-44. Miss Houston was Sec/Treasurer during these terms. Frank D. Rambo, Oakwood Acres, Fayetteville, Tennessee was elected in 1945 A board of forty directors is named each year from active members. An executive committee composed of the President, Sec/Treasure, ex-officio, and 5 other members are chosen by the Board of Directors. Registering Horses Horses were first registered which carried more than 50% of Walking Horse blood. This was later raised to 62 1/2% for registration. 1945 raised to 75% of Walking Horse blood to be eligible for registration. All stallions registered must be by a registered Sire and out of a registered dam. Now all both sire & dam must be blood-typed to be eligible to be registered with the TWHBEA. From 1935 to 1944 there were 15,718 horses registered:
1945 - Reprint the National Horseman as submitted by Gilbert M. Moore Note: The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association of America was the first official name before changing to the TWHBEA |
