BLUEGRASS PLEASURE & WALKING HORSE ASSOCIATION MEETING

Bryan J. Richert, President

Bluegrass Pleasure & Walking Horse Association

The Bluegrass Pleasure and Walking Horse Association met at Ryan's Steakhouse on Monday September 21st in Bowling Green KY, in what some might call "The Best of Both Worlds." (Pleasure and Performance) Newly chosen President Bryan Richert led the way as he introduced the agenda to a room full of horse show enthusiast. Mr. Richert made it clear from the onset that the new organization was to be clear on such issues as high standards, strong ethics, fair and honest judging, and full disclosure of business. He then assured the audience that they would be well represented by regional board members that will be equally distributed throughout the state.

Mr. Richert also informed the crowded room that each of the shows affiliated with the BPWHA would use the Horse Protection Commission (HPC) as the Horse Industry Organization (HIO) for each of the regional shows. This was the perfect lead in to introduction of the key note speaker, Ms. Donna Benefield of the Horse Protection Commission.

Ms. Benefield explained to the group that her organizations mission was the same as the BPWHA, a fair and level playing field. It was obvious from the onset that Ms. Benefield has the welfare of the horse as her number one goal. It was with great pride that she expressed her love for the horse as both an owner and exhibitor herself. Ms. Benefield illustrated great diplomacy with much sincerity as she answered questions from the gallery.

She made it perfectly clear that the HPC was entrusted with the protection of horses when used at horse shows, while making just as clear that the federal government is truly the oversight and in charge when in attendance.

Many trainers, owners, and horse show fans were in attendance from both Pleasure Horse and the Performance Horse disciplines. Respect and common courtesy prevailed throughout the meeting. It was especially nice to have the Executive Director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association, Stan Butt in attendance. Stan assured us that the welfare of the horse was also paramount to the TWHBEA. Registration of colts and nominations to the National Futurity were among the highlights of the informative presentation. He had sincere wishes including the best of luck to the newly formed organization.

The meeting adjourned with a subtle reminder from the President of the newly formed organization. "We want what you want, to bring fun and family back into showing."

You may join the Bluegrass Pleasure and Walking Horse Association by going to www.bpwha.com and printing out a membership