Neighing and Braying

By CINDY HALEY ODLE

Cannon County Walking Horse Assoc offers great examples of just this task.

In the beginning of 'The Ride' hosted by CCWHA, it was a lot of business men that made this yearly ride. The group would destination ride to various parts of the county. The attire - dress pants, suit jackets, crisp shirts and even a tie by many.

Once CCWHA purchased the land, deemed now as the campground, events were mostly adult structured. Those who were children during this time became the leaders of CCWHA with their own families .... things changed. Today, anyone attending the CCWHA events will find more women, children, grandparents and generations of families in the campground.

While ensuring tradition of the three-day riding event, traditional ride from town and traditional fun horse show continue to this date, the past 20 year leadership made drastic changes. These include a Friday Night karaoke event where the singing of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star gets a standing ovation. The traditional ride from town consist of many small ones riding double with grandparents, families in wagons, and lead line horses carrying the families most precious possession making their first traditional 20-mile ride. Areas where families gather for events is roped off with security barriers to keep horses and vehicles at a safe distance. The traditional horse show now is made up of 200 entries, 75% youngsters and 25% of adults participating with their families or little ones. A nice bath house and concession with safety areas around it as well as security officers on duty throughout the event.

Our county supports tradition through youth horse programs such as the local 4-H Club. There is one 4-H'er standing out this summer.

Meet Abbye Moore, daughter of Bobby and Connie Moore, a 9th grader at Cannon County High School and 4-H Honor Club Member involved in the horse project. At Cannon County Farm Day, she teaches 4th graders how to care for horses and shares her experiences in the 4-H horse program. Abbye enjoys sharing her love of showing horses not only in 4-H but other shows. Abbye was recently elected as the FFA Vice-President and will be active in both programs.

Perhaps the most popular tradition offered to equine owners, visitors and loafers is the respect and support given all equally by Cannon communities.