Dear Christy,

         I wanted to publicly congratulate the WHTA and the NHSC for voting to sign the Operating Plan. Under the terms of the Operating Plan, APHIS will sub-delegate to the signatory HIOs the initial enforcement responsibility for affiliated horse shows, exhibitions, sales and auctions. The use of the term “initial enforcement responsibility” means that the Department (1) has allowed the signatory HIOs, in a manner consistent with the terms of the Plan, to employ uniform and effective inspection procedures and to penalize conduct violative of the HPA and Regulations; and (2) has decided that it will not institute enforcement proceedings under the Act if, in its sole judgment, a signatory HIO’s initial enforcement actions against violators satisfy the requirements of this Plan and fulfill the purposes of the HPA.

         Having the NHSC as a signatory HIO puts them in parity with the other signatory HIOs and accomplishes two of the objectives that the TWHBEA has been working to accomplish. One is to employ uniform and effective inspection procedures and the other is to have industry HIOs sign the Operating Plan. This action by the NHSC and the WHTA is a positive step toward unification. 

         President John F. Kennedy once said, “Our goal is to again influence history instead of merely observing it.” Spike Lee said, “Do the right thing.” Clearly, the NHSC is doing the right thing. On a personal note, I am hopeful that this action will benefit our industry by rekindling working relationships. I am confident that once we together address the issues within our industry, we will be able to reach solutions that benefit the Tennessee Walking Horse and the industry that surrounds it.

Regards,

Chuck Cadle

Executive Director

Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association