Board Candidates 2023
Alabama (2)
J.D. Evans
Wilson Blaylock
Deb Sims
McCalla, AL
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 15
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder, exhibitor, and owner.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - President of Superior Wall & Paver, Tuscaloosa, AL
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - While I am a relatively new face at shows (3 years), I have owned horses for over forty years, and Tennessee Walking Horses for the last fifteen. Many people know me from the Alabama Walking Horse shows because I am easy to “spot” with my horse, WGC I’m General Jackson. We also have many solid horses (by Charlie, Jazz Man, and José, to name a few).
I am passionate about this fantastic breed, and am energetic and enthusiastic about promoting it. I also strongly believe our youth should be nurtured and encouraged, so that in the future Walking horses won’t just survive, but will thrive. I am equally happy in the show ring or on the trail, and believe both types of riders can and should be TWHBEA’s focus. These fantastic horses truly CAN do it all.
I understand the business side of the registry, as well. I have a BA In Management, and am the owner/broker of Superior Realty Group and President of Superior Wall and Paver, a commercial retaining wall company based in Tuscaloosa.
All that to say, I would greatly appreciate your vote if you live in Alabama. I would dearly love to serve the people and horses in our state. Thanks so much!
Dee Cantrell
Nathan Clark
Jay Mitchell
Albertville, AL
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - Around the breed all my life. Showing for 38 years.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner, Exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - I supervise our family’s chain of retail grocery stores.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I love this breed and the people associated with it. My dad was devoted to this industry for decades. My sister and I are both deeply committed to the continued advancement of the breed and of the performance horse. My daughters and niece are the 5th generation of our family that are passionate about the Tennessee Walking Horse. It would be an honor to serve.
Florida (1)
LeAnn Werner-Osborn
Clermont, FL
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - I was introduced to the TWH in 2005 through Monteverde Academy
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - I own and show my TWH horses in Tennessee and surrounding states
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Retired
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I have owned and shown horses since I was 9 years old. I also have served on a few Boards over the years.
Indiana (1)
Beth Levi
Connersville, IN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 25 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder, Exhibitor and owner
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Self employed horse mom
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I believe the TWH is the most versatile breed in the world. We once again are fighting for our rights to show our horses & I'm ready to raise a fist! United we can win the battle.
Kentucky (4)
Kentucky will elect three directors for a full term and one to fill the unexpired term of Spencer Benedict.
Dale Steinmetz
David Bullock
Martin Cox
London, KY
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 50 Years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder, Owner, Exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Grocery Store Owner & Farmer
Dr. Leslie Perry Collins
Maysville, KY
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 35 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Exhibitor, owner, breeder, instructor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bruce Butler
KY
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 40 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder and owner
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Owner operator of butler's excavating
Q - I have been involved in this great breed for 40 plus years. It's future is very important for us.
Joe Fraley
Plummers Landing, KY
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - I have been involved in the TWH industry for over 40 Years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - I am currently own, raise, and show TWH's. I also judge.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - I am retired from Morehead State University. I currently work in Agriculture sales for Hinton Mills. I also have my own farm, where I raise Angus cattle and TWH.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - Tennessee Walking Horses are a lifelong passion for me. I support all levels of this great animal. My family currently shows in the halter and performance divisions. Thank you for your support. Let'em Walk On.
Mississippi (1)
Ashley Wadsworth
Hernando, MS
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - I have been a part of the horse business for 38 years and have shown in all disciplines of our breed. I was a huge part of our family breeding operation growing up. My father was a huge influence in be becoming an active member of TWHBEA. He served on our board for over 20 years.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner, breeder, exhibitor and love of the TN Walking Horse
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - I have been employed by Bush Hog Inc for more than 15 years as a territory manager. I sell farm equipment and manager a large territory in the states of TN and KY.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I have served on the international board of director for over 9 years. And I have served on the executive committee for 7 years. My very first board meeting I was ask to serve on the executive committee as the marketing VP. I won that election and served in that position for 6 years. I was also elected as Senior vice president. At my time at TWHBEA I grew our social media platforms, presented horses to legislative groups, grew our gift shop from a loss to selling over $18k worth of merchandise in a years time. I co - founded “the Here’s to the Horse” event and have raised over $80k myself on fundraisers alone. I have had the honor of serving on the master breeds committee, the youth committee, the pleasure committee, the owners/ intl committee, the marketing committee and the performance committee. I believe in leaving a legacy in life and TWHBEA is a great place to bring your talents and time. I am proud of the work I have done for this association and its members. I hope to continue to serve the state of Mississippi as your TWHBEA director. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions 901-603-5505.
Jeremy Bridges
Tylertown, MS
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - I have been active in the industry my entire life since I grew up in a family of horsemen.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - In my adolescent years, I was a board member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association (TWHYA). Serving with TWHYA was a great opportunity to enhance my leadership skills. In recent years I served on the Breeders’ Committe and I am currently on the International board. throughout my life I have owned, bred, and exhibited horses.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - I own and operate Green Acres Farm. We breed and raise quality Tennessee Walking Horses and grass fed beef cattle.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - Throughout the course of my 34 years of life I have participated in many walking horse shows over the south and it has always been my goal to represent myself and the breed with the upmost dignity.
I received my Associates of Art from Southwest Mississippi Community College. I obtained my Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Advertising and Art from The University of Southern Mississippi.
North Carolina (3)
Pat Ireland
Siler City, NC
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - I rode my first TWH at the age of six and showed and trail rode as a child until I was 16. After a few years away from riding, I returned in 1996 and have been a member of TWHBEA ever since. I now own and show pleasure horses and love and enjoy all aspects of our breed.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner and exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Retired from UNC School of Dentistry where I was a staff supervisor in the Faculty Practice.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I would say one of the highlights of my involvement with this wonderful breed of ours is the fact that I had the good fortune to ride the great Midnight Sun as a child.
Robert Deutsch
Greensboro, NC
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - Most all of my life
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner / Exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - General Manager / Admin - Automotive Company
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - Interested in serving to assist in the promotion of our TN Walking Horse
Lavon Tyson
Ohio (2)
Sherrie Szucs
Joe Leith
Karen Gaither
Liberty Township, Ohio
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - A few decades with a long break to raise a family.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner/exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - CPA
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - Just won my first World Championship where I rode and owned the horse at the 2023 Celebration. It is definitely a family tradition! My Dad showed for many years. Now my Granddaughter shows and was recognized at the Celebration for winning second place in the Junior division of the youth judging contest this year. My brother and niece also show. I am passionate about the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry and will do whatever I can to help foster promoting it. I have lived in the West Chester/Liberty Township, OH area for 27 years.
Terrance Moyer
Tennessee (10)
Keegan Meadows
Beth Reed
David Williams
Amanda Wright
Kasey Kesselring
Wartrace, TN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 30 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner, breeder, exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Healthcare Administration
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - Have served on TWHBEA IBOD multiple terms, have served on the EC in various capacities including Marketing, Admin-Fiscal, Breeders-Futurity and Secretary. Serve as President of FAST.
Stephanie Richardson
Eagleville, TN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - Over 20 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner, exhibitor, and breeder
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Loan Servicing Specialist
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I'm passionate about out great breed. I show in and support all the divisions.
Jayden Jackson
Shelbyville, TN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - The Tennessee Walking Horse is truly the biggest aspect of my life, and my roots run deep in our magnificent breed. I have been blessed with the opportunity and privilege to grow up in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. I am a fourth-generation Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast. Both of my grandparents, Jack Heffington and Nancy Elliott, showed, trained, and bred Tennessee Walking horses, and my grandad, Jack Heffington, is the current TWHBEA President. My parents, Chad and Jacquelyn Way, are a Hall of Fame trainer and an exhibitor who also runs The Scoop Walking Horse Publication
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - My entire life has revolved around the importance of our Tennessee Walking Horse. I made my first show ring debut in the lead line division at the age of 2 years old, and then I went on to make my first show as a juvenile rider at the fresh age of 6, where I won my first World Championship. Not only am I an exhibitor, but I have participated in all aspects of the breed. I compete in and enjoy every division that our wonderful breed offers, including Performance, Flat Shod, Halter, Equitation, Trail Riding, and have recently developed a love for the breeding aspect of our breed. Competing in all of these divisions has given me a great deal of knowledge and understanding of our breed. It has also made me realize that without all of these different aspects, our Tennessee Walking Horse would not be the greatest horse on Earth.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - I am a full-time student at Middle Tennessee State University, where I am majoring in Business Administration and Criminal Justice with a minor in Journalism. When I'm not at school, I work at The Scoop Walking Horse paper as a sales representative, writer, and social media manager.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I am an Autism Speaks Ambassador, and since then, I have spent time advocating for those with Autism at local, statewide, and nationwide levels. One of my favorite memories was reporting to them that my little brother, Wylder Way, who is diagnosed with Autism, had won his first World Grand Championship and is now showing on his own. I recently received training and was selected to be a volunteer at Horseplay Therapeutic Riding. This passion for therapeutic riding was sparked after witnessing what the Tennessee Walking Horse has personally done for our family. I compete in pageants at the state level, and I never fail to mention that my competitiveness stems from showing Tennessee Walking Horses. I love being able to introduce our breed to those who aren't familiar with it. My resume runs deep, providing me with the opportunity to constantly network with others. My favorite part of this networking is promoting our breed and inviting these people to shows. I don’t mention these accomplishments to boast about what I've achieved, but rather to demonstrate the breadth of my experience and my commitment to accomplishing even more for TWHBEA.
Jesse Dotson
Thompsons Station, TN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - I've been involved in the industry since the 1970's.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - I've been involved within the industry as a breeder, owner, and exhibitor. I have numerous foals born annually and I train and show the colts born and raised on my farm.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Recently retired meter technician after 46 years from Middle Tennessee Electric.
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - Dear TWHBEA Members of Tennessee,
I, Jesse Dotson, humbly ask for your vote as Tennessee’s representative for the International Board of Directors. I have been an active member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association for a great number of years, and I feel my experience within this industry makes me a great candidate for this position. I have raised and shown colts since the 70’s and have advocated for this industry on numerous occasions. My advocacy for the Walking Horse industry has reached as far as the state of Washington, to as close as the state of Tennessee through judging, inspecting, and showing horses. I believe my knowledge of this industry makes me a fundamental candidate for the International Board of Directors and I will perform my ultimate duty if chosen to fulfill this position. Therefore, I would respectfully appreciate your vote when casting your ballot.
Sincerely,
Jesse Dotson
Robbie Spiller
Mike Floyd
Olivia Meek Curry
Brad Tuttle
Walt Chism
Arrington, TN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 60 Years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Agriculture
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I have served as TWHBEA President, Sr. Vice President, VP Fiscal and Administrative, At Large Bylaws, Secretary, and Acting Executive Director.
Jessica Mast
Char Johnson
Murfreesboro, TN
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 60 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder, Owner, and Exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Special Education Teacher
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I support all disciplines of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Texas (2)
R. Blake Cammack
Longview, TX
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 25 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Breeder, owner, exhibitor
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - President, Cammack Funeral Homes
Tom Gould
Virginia (1)
Bethany Lackey
Java, VA
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 14 years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - I show my Amateur Owned & Trained performance horse.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Facility Director at an Agricultural Complex
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I’m a firm supporter of the performance horse division of our breed. There is nothing like the beauty and power these great equine athletes provide us with every ride.
Washington (1)
to fill the unexpired term of Linda Arnold
Jo Alice Cheek
Mt Vernon, WA
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - Since I was a young rider, think we got our first filly when I was 12.
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner, trainer
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Connection coordinator
Region 1 (1)
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom
Denise Bader
Region 3 (1)
Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Massie Walker Blankinship III
Catherine Deitrich
Herndon, PA
Q - How long have you been involved in the TWH industry?
A - 42 Years
Q - What is your industry involvement? (breeder, exhibitor, owner, etc.)
A - Owner, exhibitor and occasionally do some breeding.
Q - What is your current occupation?
A - Administrative Assistant (part-time)
Q - Anything else you'd like people to know?
A - I have been involved in the TWH industry via trail riding, breeding, and show horses (both performance and flat shod). I believe there is a place for every TWH from rail to trail. I have the time and passion to promote this great breed in all it's varied disciplines.
