The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is appreciative of Senator Lamar Alexander and his introduction of legislation to preserve the tradition of the Tennessee Walking Horse while eliminating soring in the industry. The Celebration, the breed’s World Grand Championship show founded in 1939, fully supports the legislative solutions proposed by Senator Alexander and Congressman Marsha Blackburn.
“The Celebration fully supports a single, independent HIO that relies on the advice of expert veterinarian input to implement objective, science-based inspections,” said Celebration Chairman David L. Howard.
“We applaud Senator Alexander on his introduction of legislation that puts the burden on the industry to employ independent, qualified inspectors while increasing the penalties for anyone that violates the Horse Protection Act. A sound Tennessee Walking Horse is paramount to the future success of The Celebration and we intend to fully support Senator Alexander and Congressman Blackburn through this process,” said Howard.
The Celebration would also like to thank Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) for their support of Senator Alexander’s legislation. These senators should be commended for working on a reform-based solution that eliminates soring, promotes the welfare of the Tennessee Walking Horse while preserving the proud tradition and economies affected by the Tennessee Walking Horse.
The Celebration, the world’s largest event celebrating the Tennessee Walking Horse has a $38 million economic impact on Middle Tennessee and helps raise $250,000 annually for local charities. The annual event takes place on TWHNC’s 105-acre equestrian complex in Shelbyville, TN, consisting of a 30,000 seat outdoor stadium, a 4,200 seat indoor arena, a covered warm-up ring, 53 barns with 1,500 stalls, and a campground for more than 350 recreational vehicles.
The Celebration joins the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association in endorsing the legislation introduced by Alexander. “This strong common sense bill from Senator Alexander addresses the need to use todays science and independent oversight while allowing the sound show horse to not only continue but to thrive,” concluded Celebration Chief Executive Mike Inman.