Shelbyville, TN – The Tennessee Walking Show Horse Organization (TWSHO) was the host organization for a meeting held in the Circle Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds on Monday, October 15, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Industry associations represented included the Walking Horse Owners’ Association, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse, state associations and TWSHO donors. The groups came together to discuss the current state of the industry and what can be done moving forward.

Chris Mather, a political strategist with Purple Strategies, facilitated the meeting. She led the discussion regarding H.R 6388, which proposes the elimination of pads and actions devices, HIOs, weighted shoes, the industry lawsuit dealing with mandatory penalties, the involvement of veterinary medical associations (AAEP, AVMA, and the American Horse Council), the public, press, and elected officials perception of the industry.

Mather and Jeff Speece, a lobbyist for TWSHO, and TWHSO members pointed out to the group the splintering within the industry, the number of organizations who represent the breed and stake holders,
and the fact that there is not a single voice speaking for the Tennessee Walking Horse. This makes it difficult to combat the problems that we are facing.

TWSHO proposes consolidation the HIOs into one with the WHTA having the ability to make this happen. TWSHO believes that this will ensure consistent inspections and one standard for the entire industry. There was discussion regarding how this could be accomplished and what the structure would be. TWSHO would be expanded to include representatives from WHOA, TWHBEA, TWHNC, and WHTA. Committees would be established that would include state associations. They also stated that swabbing would continued and should be expanded to include blood testing.

TWSHO representatives will be attending the board meetings of TWHBEA, WHOA, TWHNC, and WHTA in November to discuss the proposed plan and gather input from the organizations. They will also be available to attend state association meetings to discuss the plan and answer any questions.