Race Committee Member Dr. Monty McInturff Receives Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award

Franklin, TN - The Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation (VSFH), dba the Iroquois Steeplechase, proudly recommends Dr. Monty McInturff for the Franklin Tomorrow Neighbor to Neighbor Award.   

It is with community leaders like Dr. McInturff that The Iroquois Steeplechase executes its mission of producing a world class race meet and giving to beneficiaries in the community such as Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital and The Friends of Warner Parks. 

Though Monty only has been on the Race Committee since 2017, he has volunteered his services for decades. We are grateful for his commitment to not only donate his time and resources for the health and well-being of our equine competitors, but because he participates in the activities of the Race Committee, shares his wisdom, and his expertise in a well-considered manner. His ability to think creatively has enhanced our opportunities. He is a cheer leader, a supporter, an advisor, and a friend.

Two years ago, we had the hottest weather ever recorded on Race day. Dr. McInturff found a way to ensure that horses were cooled by filling veterinary exam gloves (which are shoulder length) with ice, tying them together and draping them across the withers of the horses to chill them for the walk back to the barn. This has become a new standard for horse care after races! This is an example of Monty’s creative out of the box thinking that shows his continued compassion for the horses and their welfare.

We witness his energy for the Friends of Franklin Parks and are proud to see this historic property become available for future generations as a park.  Monty’s contributions in the community are vast. He has worked tirelessly to build the Harlinsdale Park into a place for community entertainment, and for equine sport.

He is a devoted family man.  Monty and his family have had their own personal trials and tribulations in life and through these, he has remained steadfast in his faith and is a role model for all around him. He has led by example, and his sons have followed in his footsteps in their professional and community lives.

Dr. McInturff certainly fulfills the definition of the word volunteer - as a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service without pay.  There is a saying that you are blessed if you have at least one neighbor you can count on to be there and support you in your time of need.  2020 has been hard on many of us, and Monty has been that one consistent neighbor that has supported many individuals and companies in Franklin. His enthusiasm and charisma lead others to join him in his support of his community.

His selfless contribution to the equine industry is only one of the many reasons why Dr. Monty McInturff is more than deserving of this award. Monty is deserving of the recognition through the Franklin Tomorrow Awards as an exemplary leader and friend of the community. We are extremely grateful for his generous support of our mission and for his commitment to the community and to the Iroquois Steeplechase.  

“That statement says volumes about Monty, who humbly serves when asked and leads with his heart for community,” Tate said in presenting the Anne T. Rutherford Award to McInturff. “When Franklin Tomorrow created Friends of Franklin Parks in 2011, Dr. Monty McInturff led the organization from its infancy forward to becoming its own successful nonprofit, alongside a great board and a groundswell of community support.”