SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – On Monday February 22, 2010 the SHOW HIO, Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA), Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) met for the second time in as many months to continue to work together to promote the progress of the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry.

“Communication between our groups has made a difference and things are getting better,” said WHOA President Frank Neal.    The purpose of the meetings is for the industry groups to come together and streamline processes and work together to simplify and help the industry and its participants.

A very important issue at hand for the SHOW HIO is acceptance of their HIO into the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund.  “I sincerely appreciate the support of WHOA and TWHBEA as we strive to gain acceptance in the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund,” said SHOW President Dr. Steve Mullins.

The SHOW Card has continued to be a topic of discussion in the industry and sales of the cards are picking up as show season approaches.  “The industry needs to understand the positive impact the SHOW Horse Card could have on cash flow for show management and the charities they support. The additional monies collected by the elimination of inspection fees can greatly increase the support of charities throughout the year, "said Mark Taylor from WHOA.

The SHOW HIO in an effort to help with the cost of the SHOW card has offered a $25 one-day card for participants that might show only sparingly throughout the year at SHOW affiliated events.  If an exhibitor purchases five one-day cards it will automatically count as a year-long card, although at a $25 premium.   WHOA also asked SHOW not to put the burden of collecting Horse Card fees on show managers across the country. It was recommended that entries showing at SHOW affiliated shows without a proper card the first time be billed by SHOW. In this situation if the owner did not submit payment promptly, the horse would be put on suspension and not allowed to show at SHOW HIO shows until the issue was resolved. Dr. Mullins said he appreciated this advice, and thought this was a good idea.

TWHBEA, as the official breed registry, is now going to be recognized as the official record of ownership for the SHOW HIO, its entries and horse cards.  The pre-entry sheet from SHOW now says “OWNER OF RECORD IS SUBJECT TO BE VERIFIED THROUGH TWHBEA,THE OFFICIAL BREED REGISTRY.”  Also, all official leases for the purpose of ownership verification will have to be on file at TWHBEA.

All groups discussed the need for positive public relations outside the industry and are looking into efforts to improve the public image.

Dr. Mullins also presented the new Judges’ Disqualification Card that judges will be using in 2010 to excuse entries from the ring.  He also presented the new judges’ penalty matrix as well as standard charts for judges to use in 2010.

The new SHOW rulebook will be finalized and available the first couple of weeks in March 2010.  SHOW will also follow the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) drug testing policies and procedures in 2010.