SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Following the 42nd Annual National Trainers’ Show, the Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA), Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) and SHOW HIO continued their monthly meetings to assess the status of the industry.  The meetings have allowed the organizations to better work together in accomplishing goals for the industry.

David Pruett and Stan Butt were in attendance from TWHBEA.  Mark Taylor and Tommy Hall were representing WHOA while Winky Groover was there from the WHTA.  Dr. Stephen L. Mullins, Tony Edwards and Rollie Beard attended from SHOW.

All of the groups were very disappointed in the decision rendered by the Kentucky Race Horse Commission denying SHOW the opportunity to inspect horses for the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund.  

Butt thanked SHOW for assisting TWHBEA in promoting the Go Gelding program by hanging banners at inspection stations at horse shows and sales in 2010.  At this point TWHBEA has over 60 geldings entered, which is more than registered for the program in all of 2009. The goal for the program is 100 geldings in 2010. It was also reported by TWHBEA President, David Pruett, that transfers were up for the first time in many months.

New in 2010 at the WHOA and TWHBEA Academy shows are the performance preview classes.  The classes allow amateur and professional teams to participate during these shows.  Hall urged everyone to promote the classes as they allow everyone to gain experience prior to showing in larger shows and arenas.

WHOA has focused on horse show development in 2010 and will feature a unique weekend in Lebanon, Tenn. on April 30- May 1.  On Friday night there will be 32 performance classes held in a ribbon only show format.  Saturday morning will feature a non-tungsten informal pleasure class horse show.  Saturday night will feature an all Novice show with a full slate of classes.  "All segments of the industry will be represented at these events and we encourage everyone to participate," said Hall.

All congratulated the WHTA on the success of its Trainers’ Show and commended the trainers and owners who participated and brought compliant horses to the ring.  The National Trainers’ Show featured over 463 entries with SHOW and USDA conducting inspections.

Dr. Mullins reviewed the 2010 Points of Emphasis from the USDA.  He pointed out that show management is responsible for making sure any horse which is turned down for any HPA violations during a multi-night show is not eligible to reenter for the remainder of the show.  These violations include but are not limited to HPA shoeing violations, unilateral sensitivity, unacceptable, bilateral sensitivity, scar rule and foreign substance. 

Mullins also pointed out that any horse that leaves the ring during competition, whether voluntarily or after being excused by a judge must return to inspection for further inspection.