MURFREESBORO, TENN. – The USDA held its eighth listening session at the Double Tree Hotel in Murfreesboro on April 4^th.  Mike Tuck served as the facilitator.  Dr. Chester Gipson and Dr. Rachel Cezar answered questions and provided information to the approximately 80 attendees.

The attendees who spoke were:  Ginger Evans, Winky Groover, Sonny Holt, Marty Irby, Marshall Kemp, Alie Napier, Duane Rector, Nathan Jackson, Dr. Steve Mullins, Dr. Jim Baum, Kim Bennett, Ben Craig, Ty Irby, and Bob Wright.

The consensus among those who spoke, with the exception of Nathan Jackson, was that a six ounce chain and pads are not harmful to horses’ pasterns or legs as scientifically stated in the Auburn Study.  No study to the contrary has been conducted.

Dr. Mullins, President of SHOW HIO, pointed out that the typical shoeing package on a performance horse is four pads and a wedge.  This package weighs three pounds or less.  He also stated that the HIOs limit the weight of shoes and the heel/toe ratio also serves to limit the size of the package.  He further pointed out that the scar rule is no longer an issue, partly due to the farrier seminar’s that have been conducted to eliminate contracted heels.

Dr. Mullins, as well as other speakers, was very concerned about the number of unaffiliated shoes.  The USDA was strongly urged to make a greater effort the check these wildcat shows.  Mullins stated that in 2011 more than 600 unaffiliated shows were advertised on the internet

Alie Napier spoke on behalf of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Ladies Auxiliary.  She stated that the Auxiliary has raised (one of their main events being the Money Tree Classic Horse Show) and given to various charities $55,700.  In the last six years, the Auxiliary has given $48,000 in scholarships, $4,470 to help industry members in need, $6,000 to Ag Works, and $12,000 to the WHTA.

Duane Rector, DQP coordinator for PRIDE HIO, stated that an HIO should be just what its acronym says, Horse Industry Organization , in that order.  Horse, first; Industry, second; and Organization, third.  He urged all HIOs to work together for the betterment of the industry.

Ben Craig representing the Shelbyville/Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, provided figures regarding the economic impact of the horse industry on the state and Bedford County.  Horse business in the state of Tennessee brings in $40 million per year.  He urged the horse industry and the USDA to work together.  Many dollars raised by horse shows are given by civic clubs to local communities to assist the less fortunate and needy.

The presentation by Marty Irby, President of TWHBEA, can be seen in its entirety in the news section of the print edition of The Scoop Walking Horse Publication, Vol. 16, Issue 5.

As the session was drawing to a close and questions were being asked, Dr. Cezar stated that the USDA was trying to check more unaffiliated shows, but were not always aware of where and when the shows are taking place.  She urged people to go to the USDA  website and provide them with information on unaffiliated shows that had performance classes.  Dr. Gipson stated that the USDA is working to ensure that DQPs have no conflicts of interest.  He said that the horses are better but that it is an issue that is still evolving. Dr. Gipson believes that unification is important in the industry, because nothing is accomplished by fighting among ourselves.

Dr. Cezar answered a question regarding foreign substances by stating that foreign substance violations pertain to masking and numbing agents, and irritants.  It does not apply to shampoo, show sheen, or fly spray.  Dr. Gipson thanked everyone for attending, for their openness and honesty, and for the valuable information that was provided.

The final listening session will be held in Riverdale, Maryland, on April 10^th.