Charles McDonald, Chairman of the SHOW Board of Directors, has appointed a Search Committee to fill the permanent position of Compliance Coordinator. This position will be filled by an American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) veterinarian, as recommended in the AAEP White Paper issued last year.

Members of the Committee are Pat Marsh, Chairman, David Howard, and Dr. Doyle Meadows with Charles McDonald and Mike Davis serving as non-voting members.  Marsh, Howard and McDonald are members of the SHOW Board, Meadows serves as CEO of SHOW and Mike Davis is the Chairman of the SHOW Personnel Task Force.

The Committee is drafting a job description, compensation requirements and a plan to publicize the position to potential applicants.  This position will be responsible for the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and will report directly to Dr. Meadows. 

“It is imperative we keep the expertise of licensed veterinarians in our HIO program and this is the first step in that direction,” said McDonald.  He added “We have been calling on licensed veterinarians in our area for their help until we could get this position filled and they have been more than generous with their time and expertise.  We are thrilled at the additions of Dr. Steve Mullins and Dr. John Bennett as Co-Compliance Coordinators during our transition time.”

SHOW hired Drs. John Bennett and Steve Mullins on Monday June 15, 2009 to become Co-Compliance Coordinators.  Mullins and Bennett agreed to serve for two years or until the permanent replacement is named and no longer needs their support.  Both veterinarians will keep their current veterinary practices but will have complete authority over the SHOW DQP and inspection program.

SHOW began its HIO program on April 1, 2009 following the dissolution of the National Horse Show Commission.  Since that time, they have opted out of the 2007-2009 Operating Plan and introduced a new penalty structure.  They are presently contacting prominent horse people across the country to serve on the Independent Board that will manage the SHOW HIO.

Announcement of the head of the Independent Board is expected shortly.