SSHBEA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet was held in Franklin, TN at the Marriott-Cool Springs.

The Friday Board of Directors Luncheon kicked off the fun-filled two day event, with SSHBEA hosting a Friday night reception. Filled with out of staters and locals as well, it gave everyone a chance to get together at the semi-casual affair, talk spots, meet new friends and renew old friendships. Twelve states were represented at this year's event - Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Indiana, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

The Ladies Auxiliary again hosted a continental breakfast just prior to the Annual Membership meeting. Always on hand to lend a helping hand, this is a hard working group that always gets the job done.

Due to illness and a short hospital stay, 2001 President Mack Motes was unable to attend the weekend festivities. In his place the first vice president, Roger Malone, called the annual membership meeting to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday January 13. Following a reading of the 2000 Annual Meeting minutes by Janice Higgins, Committee reports were given by the following:

The newly-elected Officers & Directors were then presented to the membership: President - Mack Motes, Eagleville, TN; First Vice President - Roger Malone, Pulaski, TN; Second Vice President - Marion Savage, Shelbyville, TN; Secretary - Janice Higgins, Bradyville, TN; Treasurer - Peggy Moore, Shelbyville, TN. The newly elected Directors to join the 2001 Board are Travis Kelly, Columbia, TN; John Mohon, Covington, TN; Janie Rowland, Nashville, TN; Ronald Sapp, Pikeville, TN & Keith Smith, Lewisburg, TN.

Following the morning meeting, Boyd Melton, Chairperson of the Judges Committee, conducted a judges clinic to inform the group of judges about new rules and rule changes for 2001. In addition, judges from 2000 had the opportunity to renew their licenses for 2001.

Illinois member Dan Meyer and his lovely wife Marilyn handled this year's awards banquet and meeting arrangements. This personable couple went all out to see that the 2001 event was the best. This was the first time that the awards weekend was held at the Marriott Cool Springs facility. There was ample room for all events, from the viewing of the 2000 Grand Championship video in the lobby of the Concierge Lounge to the silent auction, meetings, and banquets. Hotel amenities were second to none, with spacious rooms, a relaxing lounge, a Bistro-style restaurant, and an indoor pool & health club. The Marriott's Shannan Phelps, Service Manager, and Juanita Neely, Sales Manager, went above and beyond to see that the association's and members' every wish was achieved.

The semi-formal awards banquet was set for three hundred and eight people, and records show there were three hundred in attendance, by far the largest group to date. For the first time in a long time, everyone had ample room to enjoy dinner and the awards.

Following the dinner, the awards ceremony was opened with a "welcome" from the tuxedo-clad Master of Ceremonies Dan Meyer. Awards were given for Supreme Champions, High Point winners, and Horse of the Year winners. The most prestigious award of the evening, Horse of the Year, went to current World Grand Champion Pride of Alen Again. The popular stallion, owned by the Carl Price family of Tuscaloosa, AL, also picked up the 4 Year Old and Over Open Shod High Point title. Click here for Horse of the Year Awards, High Point Awards, and Supreme Champion  Awards.

Arlie Weddington, long time horse show announcer of SSHBEA horse shows, was named the Hall of Fame inductee for 2000. "I've won a few awards before for various things, but I must say this was the last honor I ever expected to receive. I was just floored and I am ever so grateful" stated Mr. Weddington.  Click here for additional information about the newest member of SSHBEA's Hall of Fame.

Recognition was also give for ad sales for the Spring Show and Fall Show, Breeders Sweepstakes participation, amateur sportsmanship, and the most outstanding one night horse show.

Recognized for sales of $1000 or more in the Spring & Fall programs were:

Sis Osborne, Peggy Moore, Pam Robertson, Ronnie Sapp, Roger Malone, Hugh Wassom, Freda Wassom, Angie Wassom, Phil Dunivan, Bob Wright, Deedy Decker, Amy Kelley, Travis Kelley, Linda Bedwell, Ronny Summers, Hubert Perry, Julia Cole, Marion Savage.

Awards recognized by the Breeders Sweepstakes included the Breeders Choice Award, won by Janie Rowland; the Incentive Award, won by  Ronnie Sapp; and the Amateur Trainer Incentive Award won by Phillip Russell.  Click here for information regarding nominating your sire or dam or weanling, yearling, or two year old for the 2001 Breeders' Cup Sweepstakes!

Kelly Summers was elected SSHBEA's Amateur of the Year.

The hard working Ladies Auxiliary members were rewarded for the first time with the One Night Horse Show of the Year award.