TWHBEA, WHTA and TWHNC provide answers to questions regarding Alliance**

Editor’s note: The following FAQs were released to address questions regarding the proposed concept of an alliance of industry enforcement, judging and rules.

Frequently Asked Questions about the proposed Alliance

In a significant step toward long-term stability and consistency in Tennessee Walking Horse competition, leadership from the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) met on Monday, January 5, to explore a new industry alliance.

The purpose of the conversation is to evaluate whether a unified model could improve:
• inspection and enforcement consistency
• judging standards and accountability
• and provide one consolidated rulebook that simplifies participation and builds trust.

This effort remains in the early concept stage. No final structure has been adopted, and any Alliance would require additional industry outreach, drafted bylaws and governance standards, and appropriate approvals through the participating organizations.

We understand skepticism about timing. But the reality is that the industry now has a moment of:
• clearer legal direction,
• unusually strong regulatory attention,
• and a USDA that is listening.

That combination may not last. If we wait until the next enforcement shift or political cycle, the opportunity to shape a strong, credible system could disappear — and the industry could be forced into solutions developed without meaningful input from participants.

We have received and reviewed a lot of feedback since yesterday’s announcement, and answers/clarifications to some of the most frequently asked questions are below.


Tennessee Walking Show Horse Alliance (Proposed) – Frequently Asked Questions

**1) What is being proposed?**

Industry leaders are exploring the formation of a Tennessee Walking Show Horse Alliance (“the Alliance”) — a unified structure designed to bring consistency to:
• inspection and enforcement standards
• judging standards and accountability
• and a consolidated rulebook for Tennessee Walking Horse competition.

This is not yet a finalized plan — it is a concept in the drafting and outreach stage.


**2) Is this already decided or finalized?**

No.

The January 5 meeting was a first step to explore the concept and move into drafting and outreach. Any Alliance would require:
• bylaws and governance standards
• consultation and input from stakeholders
• and formal approval processes through participating organizations and membership where applicable.


**3) Why explore this now?**

The Tennessee Walking Horse industry is facing increased pressure and uncertainty from:
• evolving regulatory conditions
• rising legal costs and enforcement shifts
• public scrutiny and stakeholder concerns
• and confusion caused by inconsistent rulebooks and enforcement across different HIOs.

This moment creates both an urgent need and a rare opportunity to establish a durable, credible model that protects horses and strengthens fairness.

Also, thanks to successful federal lawsuits and a USDA administration that is reasonable, we have a rare window of opportunity to do something that will sustain us for generations (and administrations) to come. We’re afraid that if the industry does not build a credible regulatory system, someone else will build one for us and we won’t have a voice.


**4) Who was involved in the initial meeting?**

Leadership from:
• the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA)
• the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC)
• and the executive committee of TWHBEA.

The next step is outreach to additional HIOs, state associations, owners, breeders, show managers, judges, and DQPs.


**5) Who will have a voice in this?**

One of the most important reasons this concept matters is that it would give more people a voice in governance than they’ve had in nearly 30 years.

Of the three largest HIOs (SHOW, AHS, WHOA), only WHOA is governed by a member-based association.

The Celebration has indicated its willingness to give up its HIO (SHOW) to participate in a unified Alliance model.

That means:
• over 6,000 members of TWHBEA
• and over 300 members of WHTA

would gain meaningful representation in rulemaking, enforcement standards, and judging accountability — something they have not had in decades.


**6) Where are owners, state associations, and small-show stakeholders in this?**

We have heard this concern clearly, and we agree it is essential.

A unified system will only work if it includes:
• owners / exhibitors
• state associations
• local show managers
• youth and amateur participants
• breeders, trainers, judges, and DQPs.

Governance design must reflect the full industry, not one segment.


**7) Will this cost more for me to show my horse?**

The intent is to keep costs at or below the industry average, and ideally reduce costs through consolidation and shared resources.

We also recognize the concern that showing has become too expensive — especially for one-night shows, AOT exhibitors, and local clubs.

A tiered structure and cost protections are actively being considered, including:
• reduced fees for one-night shows
• youth/amateur incentives
• simplified compliance processes
• affordability protections for local clubs.


**8) How will the Alliance be funded — and why does funding matter?**

A core goal of the Alliance is to create a stronger, more sustainable funding mechanism through unified affiliation. Right now, funding for key industry needs — including legal defense, compliance infrastructure, and federal representation — is not consistent across the industry.

It’s worth noting that SHOW HIO is currently the only HIO that financially supports industry representation in Washington, D.C. through an additional $15 per horse fee.

For 2026, SHOW has also indicated it will be the only HIO requiring horse and exhibitor cards, which has historically been a key funding mechanism for industry legal and regulatory work.

The industry is currently facing more than $1 million in remaining legal expenses to complete ongoing lawsuits in Tennessee and Texas and to address USDA rulemaking.

To date, the industry has spent approximately $2.5 million in legal fees. Of that, $630,849 has been paid using show card revenue, and there is currently a $54,479 balance remaining in the show card account.

The Alliance concept aims to stabilize and fairly distribute the funding needed to:
• maintain credible enforcement and compliance systems
• support consistent education and oversight
• ensure effective representation in Washington, D.C.

Funding details (including affordability protections and tiered structures) will be developed and shared transparently before implementation.

**Does that mean exhibitors will pay more?**

Not necessarily. The Alliance goal is to create a fair and sustainable model that keeps costs reasonable — and ideally reduces total costs through consolidation and efficiencies.

We also recognize that affordability is critical for small shows, youth families, and amateur exhibitors. A tiered structure and cost protections are being actively explored to ensure the burden is not placed disproportionately on smaller participants.


**9) What happens to DQPs and judges from other HIOs?**

All USDA-certified DQPs would be invited to participate under the Alliance model, and the Alliance expects to need all certified DQPs to meet the full scope of show coverage.

Judges from participating organizations would be brought under consistent expectations, continuing education, and accountability.


**10) Is this a monopoly or power grab?**

We understand the concern. People have raised it strongly.

The Alliance concept is intended to be:
• shared governance
• balanced representation
• transparent oversight
• consistent standards that apply to everyone.

This effort will fail if it is not inclusive and accountable. That is why governance and representation are being prioritized.


**11) Will this address horse welfare and credibility?**

Horse welfare is a foundational reason this concept exists.

A unified model supports:
• consistent enforcement standards across shows
• standardized inspection expectations
• clearer judging standards and accountability
• greater credibility with regulators and stakeholders.


**12) Will the Alliance “punish” people who show outside of it?**

This is important to explain clearly.

USDA controls HIO approval. The Alliance cannot prevent USDA approval of new HIOs.

If all current HIOs join the Alliance, then participating organizations may choose to adopt restrictions to protect that unity and discourage the creation of new HIOs designed to undermine it. On Monday the three organizations considered a series of restrictions to hopefully show everyone how serious we are about protecting participating HIOs and the success of the alliance.

If current HIOs choose not to join, then most restrictions would likely not be enacted because the goal is unity — not division.

This concept is still under discussion and will require broad industry input.


**13) What are the next steps?**

• outreach to additional HIOs and organizations
• governance and bylaw drafting
• structured input opportunities
• rulebook and standards development
• formal approval processes.


**14) How can I give input?**

We are listening. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with the organizations that you’re a part of.


 What We Heard From You

We heard your concerns clearly:
• protect small shows and amateur participation
• keep costs reasonable
• include owners and state associations in governance
• ensure consistent enforcement for everyone
• don’t centralize power
• restore trust in judging standards
• ensure horse welfare is the top priority.