The first USDA public hearing on the proposed rule that would eliminate Horse Industry Organizations and ban all pads, action devices and hoof bands is tomorrow (August 9) in Murfreesboro, Tenn., at the Embassy Suites.  It is important that industry participants show up and attend the hearing and sign up to speak and voice their opposition to the rule.  

The rule would be devastating to all aspects of the breed with the ban on the equipment as well as the demands and costs placed on show management.  The USDA needs to hear from those of us that oppose the rule and value the Tennessee Walking Horse.  The time is now to stand up and defend the Tennessee Walking Horse and the sound, compliant showing of our horse.

The last time the USDA attempted rulemaking, the topic was minimum penalties.  The final rule was fought in court with the industry winning a unanimous decision in the Court of Appeals and the rule being overturned.  The USDA has stated that there will be little to no economic impact of this rule and nothing could be further from the truth.  Please show up and express your opposition and how important economically the Tennessee Walking Horse is to you.

The second public hearing is the following day (August 10) in Lexington and the industry needs a strong presence at that hearing as well.

For more information on how to comment and what you can do to oppose the rule click here.