February 2000

In support of our mission statement for educational development, here is the SECOND edition of Info Gaits. This article focuses on the history of our association as recounted by one of WWHA's founding members, Jean Baum.

The Echo of Hoofbeats - In Wisconsin

The Idea is Born

It was in 1965 when Wally Pieper of Summit, Wisconsin had the idea to start a Walking Horse Association in Wisconsin. The association would be an outlet for those who had a love of the breed, and would offer Wisconsin an opportunity to be a part of the Tennessee show scene.

Wally's idea took wing when he gathered a small group of walking horse enthusiasts together; most of who would become the first Board of Directors of this independent association. Wally would lead the group as president the first year as initial groundwork was laid for the association and the first 40-50 members were recruited.

The First Shows

One-day shows were held at local family farms in outdoor rings-rain or shine. The first shows were all Performance horses. It wasn't until quite a few years later that the Pleasure horse appeared in the show ring.

WWHA tried to bring in good judges. Good judges would help people learn what to do right and help them improve their horses. DQPs did not yet exist.

After the show, the riders, owners and spectators would recount the competition, laugh and enjoy a potluck dinner.

Shows With Fanfare

Larry Pickhardt joined the club about three years after the association was started, and he would grow into a wonderful leader with a keen ability with the walking horse. Larry would help put the Wisconsin Walking Horse Association on the map with his idea of having a BIG show, The Jubilee.

The Jubilee was the first two-day show in Wisconsin with 4 sessions, big prize money, top judges, and nationwide promotion. The show was run in a professional way with fanfare such as flag horses and live organists.

The key to this show's success was the exhibitor-friendly atmosphere. The Association would hold aisle parties, exhibitor banquets and make the exhibitor feel truly welcome and pampered!

David Landrum judged the very first Jubilee held in Elkhorn. After that, the show was held exclusively on the Wisconsin State Fair grounds. The Jubilee had a long, successful run, and it contributed significantly to WWHA's financial stability and growth. It was only recently, in 1997 that the Jubilee was held for its final time. Many of our present members were part of this show, which formed the focus for our organization.

Fame Pushed Its Way into Wisconsin

Larry Pickhardt brought a professional trainer to Wisconsin from Tennessee. This is what got many of our WWHA members interested in performance horses.

Larry owned Pusher. Pusher was truly Wisconsin's horse, as it was all of Wisconsin who cheered when he earned the highest title a Tennessee Walking Horse can received, the World Grand Champion at the 1981 Celebration.

In addition, Pushover, Pusher's first colt out of breeding with Larry's Pride mare, was also raised in Wisconsin.

The impact of these great horses is still felt strongly here today, as many Wisconsin horses trace back to the desirable Pusher line.

Just for Fun

From its earliest days, the Wisconsin Walking Horse Association always held an annual trail ride. It would be held shortly after the final show of the season. Many owners would pull their horse's padded shoes and take them to the trails. That's the wonderful thing about this breed, its versatility.

In addition a Fun Show would be held with games such as water glass, pole bending and barrels. This was the prelude to the Versatility program that is known today.

Traditions Today and Tomorrow

And even though many faces have come and gone and many things have changed, its reassuring to know we do hold fast to traditions from our past.

The Wisconsin Walking Horse Association still prides itself on good shows, good judges, and the spirit of friendly competition. It's members meet regularly to socialize, plan and celebrate. And, frankly, we'd never let a crisp and color-splashed Wisconsin Fall pass us by without enjoying an annual trail ride.

Be it the past, the present or the future, one thing is for certain, WWHA holds a passion for the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.

Thank you for giving us your dream Wally!

Contributor: Renee Stasiewicz wrote this article with information collected in an interview with Jean Baum.