Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows officially notified the United States Department of Agriculture by letter dated March 31 of the official transition of the National Horse Show Commission to the SHOW HIO, effective April 1, 2009.

The letter was addressed to USDA Horse Protection Coordinator, Rachel Cezar, DVM and included a list of all current Designated Qualified Persons, the current suspension list, a current list of horse shows and sales that have affiliated thus far in 2009.

The letter went on to say “All NHSC personnel will become employees of SHOW, all monetary obligations of the NHSC will be assumed by SHOW.  The NHSC Rule Book along with all records, supplies, affiliated/sanctioned shows & sales will be assumed by SHOW.”

Dr. Meadows informed the USDA that there is one hearing scheduled for April 10, 2009 at 10:00AM.  This case involves an owner exemption from liability stemming from a conflict resolution case during the Southern Championship Horse Show in Perry, GA on November 20-22.  Meadows reiterated that SHOW will remain a signatory to the 2007-2009 Operating Plan.