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STATE HONORS 2007 WALKING HORSE WORLD GRAND
CHAMPION
-Portrait of horse on display at Ellington Agricultural Center-
 NASHVILLE,
Tenn. – State Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens, recently honored 2007
Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Lee Wall and Mike
McGartland and trainer Jimmy McConnell.
Givens recognized Wall, McGartland and McConnell during a luncheon
of industry leaders and supporters at the Ellington Agricultural Center. Givens
represented Governor Phil Bredesen at the event which has become a
tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to
the state.
“People throughout the world recognize and embrace the beauty,
versatility and mild temperament of Tennessee Walkers,” said Givens. “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. Tennessee is fortunate
to have this event and industry in our state.”
Stan Butt, Executive Director of the Tennessee Breeders’ and
Exhibitors’ Association, presented the official portrait of World Grand
Champion “Master of Jazz” to Givens. The portrait, by photographer Debbie
Keough will be on display in the Moss Administration Building at the Ellington Agricultural Center.
“As has been the tradition in past, I am honored as the Executive
Director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’
Association to present this portrait of the 2007 World Grand Champion
“Master of Jazz,” said Butt at the event.
State Representatives Stratton Bone and Curt Cobb, representatives
of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association and
the National Celebration joined Givens in recognizing the guests of honor.
The 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® is
slated for August
20-30, 2008. The Celebration® is the longest
continuously-running event in the state of Tennessee.
For more information on the Tennessee Walking Horse
Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, visit http://www.twhbea.com/.
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This and other news from
the Tennessee Department of Agriculture can be found
online at www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/news or http://picktnproducts.org/media.html
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