An editorial opinion by

David L. Howard                                           

The trainers have an important decision to make on Tuesday and they alone can and should make it.  The future of the industry and their association could be at risk as well as every other organization and group in this sport.

If they vote to sign the operating plan, it will be interesting to see how the Commission votes when they meet.  The Walking Horse Owners Association, half of the NHSC, met last week and decided not to decide.  When their four representatives attend the next NHSC meeting with the trainers, it will be decision time.

The trainers need to make their own decision as to what they think is best for their association, their future and this industry.  Other organizations must do the same and hopefully at some point in time all of those decisions will be in harmony.  Until then, it is going to be difficult for this breed to reach its rightful place in the equine world.

The trainers have the most at stake – their livelihood – and we should all respect whatever decision they make.  Leaders of the other organizations guiding this industry also must measure up to their responsibilities in the

coming weeks and months.

 This is the most challenging time I have witnessed in this industry in my 41 years and I hope and pray everyone can put aside their differences and truly put this horse first. The Tennessee Walking Horse is a magnificent animal; the trainers who train him are decent, hard-working men and women and the owners are some of the finest people I have ever met.

We have all the ingredients for incredible success – let’s all swallow a little pride, admit to mistakes and commit to a future doing for this horse what he has always done for us.