Lewisburg, TN – The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ And Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) has compiled the results of its member survey regarding H.R. 6388, the proposed Horse Protection Amendments Act presented in September 2012 by Congressmen Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Steve Cohen (D-TN). A total of 347 TWHBEA members responded to the survey; this represents 3.5% of the Association’s overall membership.

Highlights of the results reveal that of those that responded 113 were owners and/or exhibitors of padded performance show horses while 230 were not. 280 were owners and/or exhibitors of flat shod show horses while 64 were not. 217 of those that responded were broodmare owners who raise foals. Of those 77 breed primarily for performance prospects, 74 breed primarily for flat shod show prospects and 85 breed primarily for trail/recreation prospects.

When asked whether they completely oppose H.R. 6388 as written, 136 responded yes and 196 responded no. 142 respondents support a reduction in the size of the padded shoe worn by performance horses while 199 do not. Similarly, 145 favor total elimination of padded shoes in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry while 198 do not and 154 favor total elimination of the action device in the industry while 189 do not. Finally, 186 respondents support raising the Horse Protection Acts’ misdemeanor criminal penalties to felony level while 156 do not.

TWHBEA would like to thank each and every member that responded to this important survey. Effective membership communication is one of the Association’s primary goals.