SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced earlier this week the continuation of an overall plan designed to ensure the health and safety of the animals and people on site during the 2008 world championship horse show. The security tenets of the plan will remain the same as 2007.

In the plan, begun in 2007 and expanded in 2008, the following was said in regards to Inspection Security – The Celebration will implement an overall security plan for the inspection area. This plan will include identification credentials for trainers, grooms and amateur exhibitors. Only horses that are eligible and scheduled to compete will be allowed in the inspection area. As part of this plan, third-party veterinarians providing inspection opinions will be prohibited from the area, but not prohibited from treating a horse.

The identification system used to enter the warm-up and inspection areas will be in place again this year.  That will include armbands for trainers and their assistants along with identification cards for owner-amateur riders. 

The Celebration’s goal last year was to make the inspection and warm-up areas less stressful and calmer. It was our belief that making such a plan should make less foot traffic and a better overall environment. That is exactly what happened.

“With the help of this plan, the number of people in the inspection area (with no official business there) was cut down a great deal last year.  These measures are extremely helpful in fostering a professional atmosphere as our exhibitors prepare to come in the ring,” stated Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.
 
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration takes place each year during the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day.  It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed’s World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse and some 33 other World Grand Champions are crowned.  It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $700,000 in prizes and awards are given.  Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show.  For more information, visit www.twhnc.com.