Untitled Document
Backward Ranch
Floyd & Beverly Sherman
Cook Brothers
Educational Fund, Inc.
The Celebration, Inc.
Enchanted Gait Stables
Bruce & Nancy Lovato
Webb's Oil Corporation
Joe & Janice Fostek
Don & George Ann Pratt
David Pruett
Deborah L. Williams
Architecture, LP
Rutherford County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Rockwall Insurance
Agency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- August 7, 2007
contact: Lonnie Messick, executive vice-president, 931-684-9506

A STATEMENT FROM THE NHSC
Successful Shows, Good Compliance with the HPA
The successful shows this past weekend in Fayetteville, Belfast, and Wartrace demonstrated the industry’s commitment to showing good horses that are in compliance with the Horse Protection Act. 

USDA was present and welcomed at all three shows, and worked together with the DQPs in an inspection area where the atmosphere was relaxed and respectful.

The lack of controversy and the presentation of quality horses resulted in horse shows that were enjoyable and reflected well on the Tennessee Walking Horse.  A total of 639 horses were inspected, both pre- and post-show.  Of those 639 inspections over three shows, a total of nine tickets were written for an overall compliance rate of 98.6%.  Of those nine tickets, six were for scar rule violations and one was for a technical violation.  There was one ticket for a unilaterally sensitive horse and one ticket for a bilaterally sensitive horse.  This high level of compliance, with USDA present, is a reflection of the renewed commitment the industry has made this year toward compliance with the Horse Protection Act.  The newly adopted Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Code of Ethics documents this direction.

Although disappointed by the presentation of a few horses that were not in compliance, the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) remains committed to detecting such horses and assuring that they do not enter the show ring.  NHSC is committed to promoting and protecting the welfare of the Tennessee Walking Horse and preserving the Tennessee Walking Horse industry for future generations.  The trainers, owners, and exhibitors should be commended for their efforts and for the quality of the horses they are presenting.

The National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) is the unified effort of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and the Walking Horse Owners’ Association.  The NHSC’s mission is to actively protect and promote the welfare of the Tennessee Walking Horse.  The NHSC governs the judging, exhibition and inspection of Tennessee Walking Horses at horse shows across the nation.
 
Walking Horse Owners Association of America, Inc., P.O. Box 4007, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129
Phone: 615.494.8822 Fax: 615.494.8825 Email: info@walkinghorseowners.com Site: www.walkinghorseowners.com
copyright © 2008 walking horse owners association