The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) Board of Directors voted unanimously this morning to activate its Horse Industry Organization (HIO) SHOW. SHOW is an acronym for Sound Horses, Honest Judging, Objective Inspections and Winning Fairly.

SHOW was activated at the request of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA) and National Horse Show Commission (NHSC). All three groups voted to dissolve the NHSC and requested that The Celebration activate SHOW and take over the functions of the Commission.

Today’s announcement comes at a time of great turmoil in the industry. This week should mark the beginning of the Trainers’ Show, the unofficial kickoff to the show season. Instead, SHOW will begin work immediately to get operational and assume the duties of the NHSC.

All shows that have affiliated with the NHSC will still be able to have their shows and will have judges and Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) assigned by the NHSC during this transition period. Once SHOW is operational, all shows that had previously affiliated with the NHSC will be affiliated with SHOW. SHOW will also recognize the licenses granted to judges by the NHSC.

Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows and Celebration Official Veterinarian Dr. Mike Harry will be attending the Sound Horse Conference this weekend in Gainesville, Fl. Dr. Meadows and a committee of directors will meet with the staff of the NHSC on Monday, March 23 and begin the transition.

TWHNC Chairman Charles McDonald appointed the following committee to work out the transition: Pat Marsh, Chairman, John T. Bobo, David Howard, Dr. Doyle Meadows (non-voting) and Charles McDonald (Ex-officio). The Celebration board also authorized Andy Lile from Winnett Associates to get with the NHSC accountant, also from Winnett Associates, and review financial information.

"The Celebration realizes the difficult situation the industry finds itself in and we are prepared to step forward. We will need the help and cooperation of every organization and individual, especially since we are getting such a late start," said Chairman McDonald.

"It is our intention to get SHOW activated as soon as possible and with the cooperation of the NHSC, WHOA and WHTA that will happen very soon. We are committed to the showing of sound horses and compliance with the Horse Protection Act, "commented Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows.

SHOW will ultimately be under the direction of an independent board that oversees policy and takes the necessary steps to bring credibility and accountability to the inspection process. As more progress is made The Celebration and SHOW will keep the industry updated.

The Celebration and SHOW urges trainers and owners to continue to show during this time of transition under the direction of the NHSC. Meadows said "it is critical that we get horses in the ring and get show season moving forward immediately."