The Report has learned that Performance Horse Vice President Tom Kakassy has resigned his post on the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) Executive Committee.  Kakassy did confirm his resignation to The Report.  Kakassy resigned on Friday April 6, 2012, but will keep his seat on the TWHBEA International Board of Directors.  Kakassy also was one of the three TWHBEA representatives on the Unity Committee and it is unclear at this time if Kakassy will continue to serve on that committee.

Kakassy has agreed to an interview request from The Report and that interview will happen in the near future.  TWHBEA has been widely criticized for its lack of support for the Performance Tennessee Walking Horse in recent months however Kakassy, President Marty Irby and Executive Committee Member Christy Lantis attended the listening session in Maryland on April 9, 2012 and submitted documentation in support of the Performance Tennessee Walking Horse.

"It is with deep regret that I accept Mr. KaKassy's resignation. A number of our Executive Committee Members, including myself attempted to convince Mr. KaKassy to remain in his position as Performance Horse Vice-President, but he has decided to go his own way. I am encouraged he has agreed to retain his seat as an International Board of Directors Member from North Carolina, and is willing to continue to serve on the industry Unity Committee comprised of members from TWHBEA, TWHNC, WHTA, & WHOA. Mr. KaKassy has spent a tremendous amount of time working dilligently for TWHBEA and for our performance horse over the past 16 months. It has been a pleasure working with him and I am proud to call him my friend," said Irby.

The Report will have more on this story as details become available.