SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® has officially formed a Horse Industry Organization (HIO) that has been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).

"Having our own HIO is something we felt we needed to do," said Celebration CEO Ron Thomas. "Having our own HIO will allow us to attend meetings, participate in conference calls, gather information and have a voice in the future of our industry and the well-being of our biggest asset…the Tennessee Walking Horse."

Work began on forming an HIO following the 2006 Celebration and the paperwork was not completed until mid-summer of 2007. The name "SHOW" comes from the acronym of the S.H.O.W. initiative that stands for Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, and Winning fairly.

The 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® is scheduled for August 20-30, 2008 at the Historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, Tenn