It is with great pleasure that I nominate Dale and Sally Frones to receive the 2011 MWHA Horseperson of the Year. It was too difficult to only nominate one of them as I feel both of them are very deserving of this award.
Dale and Sally have been members of the MWHA for many years. I remember them showing their walkers and trail riding with them back in the 70s. They have actively promoted the Tennessee walking horse through the years. They, along with Barb LaTour, were instrumental in developing the futurity program within the MWHA and showed their babies practically every year since its inception. I remember a young Dale parking out those weanlings and they didn’t move a muscle, which showed the many hours of work at home to present a picture perfect foal. And yes, they did win many futurities.
Dale has been the Minnesota Horse Council Horse Expo chairman for the MWHA many, many years. This involved getting there a day ahead to put up stall decorations, presentation tables and tack stall curtains and then taking them all down after everyone went home. Yes, he has had help, but I know there were several years when he had to do this by himself. Dale was the groom for Sally and his daughter Ashley at the horse shows. I’ve heard a cuss or two regarding a certain judge, but most of the time he gave an honest evaluation of the horses in the ring. I saw firsthand the work he does for the Trail Trials that are held at Hobby Horse Farm. It was no small feat getting the moose up and steady on a trail that wasn’t too close to home. Due to some health issues, Dale may have slowed down a bit, but he continues to be an integral part of Hobby Horse Farm.
I’m in awe of Sally. I remember going to their home years ago and leaving with homemade jam and goodies. After years of showing their walkers, Sally decided to become a licensed walking horse judge and has judged horse shows throughout the US, yet continues to show horses here in Minnesota. She retired a couple of years ago and started training horses at their farm. Sally has always been a strong supporter of the MWHA. She brought Bucky Sparks and the BLESS clinic to Minnesota several years ago and it continues to have full reservations for the four days, with a waiting list. Sally started the Trail Trials, which is held at their farm every September. She also started a youth clinic this year. The MWHA sponsored these programs, but Sally was the architect behind them.
I feel Dale and Sally exemplify long time supporters of the Tennessee Walking horse and the Minnesota Walking Horse Association.
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