Kim Butler
President
Kim became and active members of the GDHA in 2013 and has served on the Board since 2017 as the club’s Light Draft representative. She has gained valuable knowledge of the Draft horse industry by serving on the Perry Show Committee since 2018 and as the club’s Vice President from 2020-2022. Kim, her husband (Rob) and their two boys, Wesley (15) and Benjamin (3) own a small farm in Monroe, Georgia. Kim and her Drum (Clydesdale x Gypsy Vanner) gelding, Tadpole, have participated in a variety of disciplines, including Competitive Trail Riding & Obstacle Challenges, English & Western Riding, Pleasure Driving, and even Mounted Archery. In 2022, Kim bought a full heavy draft (finally!) – a splashy 3y/o Clydesdale mare named Amelia. In addition to her board position, Kim also maintains the GDHA’s website and club newsletter.
Dorsi and her husband (Paul) enjoy raising, training, and showing their farm full of Belgian Draft horses, aptly named Burney’s Belgians, in Monticello, GA. After having owned many different breeds of Draft horses throughout the years, Dorsi fell in love with the easy temperament of the big blondes and has owned them ever since. Raised by her grandparents, Dorsi has spent her entire life around horses. Her grandfather farmed with a pair of Percheron mules and logged with a couple of Belgians. Hard work is nothing new to Dorsi, as she spent 30 years as a Master Sheetrock Finisher. She now enjoys spending her time running the farm and taking care of their Belgian horses. Dorsi has many years of experience with Draft horses of various breeds and is always willing to do whatever she can to help the association grow.
Dorsi Burney
Vice President
Cathy Hackle
Treasurer
Cathy and her husband of 44 years (Danny) live in Jeffersonville, Georgia. They have a small farm with 7 horses, most of which are rescues. They enjoy camping with their horses and trail riding. Cathy became involved with the GDHA in 2015 when she helped out in the office at the Perry Show as bookkeeper, a position she has continued to fill to this day. Although she does not currently own any Draft horses, Cathy has loved the gentle giants all her life. Developing friendships with the owners of Draft horses and being an active member of the club has been a dream come true for her, as she hopes that one day, she will own her very first Draft horse. Cathy served as our Perry Show Chairman in 2021 and 2022 and her extensive background in management, human resources, and bookkeeping make her an essential part of the team.
Emily and her husband (Aaron) joined the GDHA in 2015 and live in Madisonville, TN on their small farm, Willow Bend. Growing up, Emily spent every school break at her aunt’s house, riding and caring for the horses there. She was introduced to Draft horses by Aaron’s uncle and has dedicated her free time to learning more about Percherons and becoming a better equestrian. The family takes their Percheron mare (Java) for carriage rides at local events, while educating people about the breed. Showing in Halter, Pleasure Driving, and Western riding, Emily enjoys competing in a variety of classes and is looking forward to showing her new Percheron mare, Shelley. Emily was named 2022 Percheron Queen by the American Percheron Horse Association and was honored to participate in the Indiana State Fair, an experience she will never forget!
Emily Dailey
Secretary
Johnny Cannon
Director
Johnny calls Fairwinds Farm in Cleveland, TN his home and has served as president of the GDHA Board in previous years. Together with his late wife, Rebecca, he bought their first Clydesdale in 1992 and joined the GDHA. Johnny has found lifelong friendships and a wealth of knowledge in the GDHA. Through the years he has owned several registered Clydesdales and a registered Belgian gelding. Johnny has shown in men’s cart, team, halter and under saddle throughout the years. Serving on the GDHA Board as president in the past he is an asset to both the association and the draft horse industry. Johnny’s goal is to continue promoting draft horses in the South by providing advice and assistance to other members and draft horse owners.
As the proud owner and driver of the Southern View Farm Percheron mare hitch, Lamar has bridged the gap between the GDHA and the mainstream of draft horse hitches in the North and Midwest. In addition to his network of relationships within the draft horse community, Lamar’s loyal support and promotion of the GDHA has been instrumental in bringing hitches to our Perry Show – an important fundraiser for the club that allows us to promote the draft horse to thousands of people every year at the Georgia National Fair. Lamar’s commitment to the growth of the Perry Show, dedication to mentoring our draft horse youth, and his valuable knowledge of the draft hitch industry, is invaluable to our club.
Lamar Mitchell
Director
Dusty McQueen
Director
William “Dusty” McQueen began his draft horse journey back in 2007 after purchasing a Percheron mare, who happened to be in foal! Java was born shortly after, and while she was still young, Dusty began showing her (and placing well!) in halter classes. He was hooked, and soon brought a Percheron gelding by the name of King Triton home to Berry Oaks, his farm in Madisonville, TN. Dusty jumped right in and started learning everything he could about showing and caring for Draft horses from the many people in the GDHA who offered their help, knowledge, and love of the Draft breeds. Dusty has been a member for the past 12 years and enjoys working to move the GDHA forward as an exciting, enjoyable, and thriving club.