SHOW Compliance Coordinators Dr. Steve Mullins and Dr. John Bennett met with USDA officials on Friday August 21, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. to review inspection protocol for the upcoming 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.  The 11-day historic event will begin on August 26, 2009 and culminate with the crowning of the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion on September 5, 2009.

From the meeting on Friday, Dr. Mullins and Dr. Bennett released the following reminders and notices for Celebration participants.  The inspection station will be moved to the north end of the Calsonic Arena allowing horses to enter inspection as soon as they enter the Calsonic Arena warm-up area.  The USDA is expected to be in attendance for the entire show and will utilize thermography and have radiology available for use if needed.

Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) will inspect trailers as they enter the show grounds.  Veterinary Medical Officers (VMO) will be on the grounds monitoring the barns and stable areas.  Escorts will be an addition this year to the show.  Entries going back through inspection after the class will have escorts from the ring to the inspection station.  Escorts will include VMOs, DQPs and SHOW Stewards.  Some championship class entries will also have escorts from the pre-inspection station to the show ring.

USDA VMOs may inspect class winners after their performance and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries will go through post-show inspection from either DQPs or VMOs.  Also, all excused horses will be re-inspected.

As a reminder, no action devices over 6 ounces or plastic will be allowed on the show grounds at any time.  Also, no screwdrivers will be allowed in the warm-up area of Calsonic Arena or Champions Arena.