Bill Walmsley Named National HBPA’s 2010 Industry Service Award Winner

At its recently concluded convention in Seattle, Washington, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (NHBPA) presented its 2010 Industry Service Award to Arkansas HBPA President and National HBPA Secretary-Treasurer and past president Bill Walmsley to recognize, honor, and express its gratitude to him for his active involvement, outstanding contributions, and wise counsel to the National HBPA over the past two decades. During that time, Walmsley has served at different times as NHBPA’s President, Vice President for the Southern Region, Secretary-Treasurer, and a Board member. He also has served as the NHBPA’s representative on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA)’s Board of Directors.

Walmsley is always quick to credit his wife, Janis, for her help and support in his efforts to serve the HBPA and the thousands of horsemen and women it represents over the years.

“Bill’s selfless dedication, efforts, and wise counsel to the National HBPA over the last two decades have been instrumental in uniting and strengthening the organization and raising its prominence and level of respect within the industry. It has been an honor and joy to serve alongside him on behalf of the National HBPA,” said current National HBPA President and Chairman Joe Santanna.

Born in Bald Knob, Arkansas, Walmsley attended Arkansas College, where he served as Student Council President and earned a scholarship as part of the basketball team. Walmsley went on to earn his law degree from University of Arkansas.

After practicing law for five years, Walmsley launched a successful campaign for a seat on the Arkansas State Senate. He served as a state senator in Arkansas for 12 years.

In 1993, Walmsley was elected president of the Arkansas HBPA. Two years later, he was also elected president of the National HBPA, a position he held for four years. Walmsley served as Arkansas HBPA President from 1993 through 2003, and he currently holds that office which he was re-elected to in 2009.

According to the formal resolution of the NHBPA Board of Directors presented to Walmsley, “During Bill’s tenure as National HBPA President, he was able to unite competing factions within the organization and restore the National HBPA’s reputation within the Thoroughbred industry. Bill was an early proponent of the NTRA and due to his exceptional persuasive skills was able to secure a seat on the initial NTRA Board for horsemen.”

The resolution went on to say, “The Board finally wishes to recognize that Bill continues to be a voice of reason as a current Board member able to find viable solutions to the most complicated issues and in large part because of his experience and wise counsel, the National HBPA, as an organization, continues to achieve national recognition as a Thoroughbred industry leader.”

The National HBPA is the largest horsemen’s representative association with over 30,000 affiliated horsemen across North America. Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supplies, Equineline.com, and Horseman Labor Solutions proudly sponsor the National HBPA.