National Futurity Adopts VAC Protocols
Thursday, July 23, 2015

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The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) is pleased to announce that the new standards and protocols developed by the Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) will be implemented at the 2015 National Futurity.  The VAC protocols will be in addition to the inspections of the United States Department of Agriculture and the SHOW HIO, with whom the National Futurity is affiliated.

“The VAC has undergone extensive review and analysis of the results of over 230 tests conducted at the 2014 National Futurity and Celebration.  After consultation, the general consensus among leading national and international experts is the best approach to this type of testing is to develop breed specific standards.  To that end the VAC and our team has worked tirelessly to develop a breed specific standard and protocols to protect the health of the Tennessee Walking Horse and insure the highest levels of welfare of horses in competition,” said VAC Chairman Dr. Jerry Johnson.

The TWHBEA National Futurity will be held August 26, 2015 in Calsonic Arena and will serve as qualifying classes for the World Grand Championship classes at the 2015 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.  The National Futurity highlights those Tennessee Walking Horses three years of age and younger in a 23-class performance.

“We are fully supportive of the goals of the VAC and the development of a predictable pre-show inspection that insures the welfare of all Tennessee Walking Horses in competition.  We are happy to take this extra step and implement these additional protocols at our horse show for a second consecutive year,” said TWHBEA Executive Director Rory Williams.

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