SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - On Monday, February 24, 2003 the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) heard six appeals in a closed executive session. Five appeals were upheld. One appellant had three appeals in one transcript. One of these appeals for a unilateral sore violation was reversed by the board with the other two decisions of the original hearing committee being upheld. {Editor's Note: At the request of the National Horse Show Commission, the names of the appellants have not been released. The Report is reviewing this issue closely to best serve the industry.}

After the closed session, Executive Vice President and Director of Animal Welfare/DQP Services Lonnie Messick made a report. He stated that 9 events have been held thus far in 2003 with 2,108 entries being inspected with 7 violations detected.

Messick discussed the joint trainers/DQP/VMOs training that was recently held. Injury scars were discussed and Messick instructed DQPs to give the benefit to the horse if there was a doubt as to whether or not it was an injury scar. Messick stated that, in the field, 2003 inspections would be similar to 2002 inspections.

Director of Judges and Horse Shows Judy Martin made her first report to the board. Martin stated that at the present time there were 171 active judges. On Friday, February 28, there will be a NHSC Judges Applicant School with 36 applicants approved at this time. On Saturday, March 1, a versatility and equitation clinic is scheduled with 15 people scheduled to attend.

Martin stated that she had attended two of the Academy Winter Tournaments and was helping judges with these. She also stated that she hoped to work with TWHBEA in assisting new shows. At the present time there are 168 shows affiliated NHSC which is ahead of last year’s affiliations.

Craig Evans presented three proposals for rule changes. The first was that shoes, in park pleasure and all other flat shod classes, must be attached by nails with nothing on the bottom of the foot. Evans also proposed a change in the NHSC penalties for pressure shoeing. The new penalties will be a two year suspension and $1200 fine for a first violation; a five year suspension and $1400 fine for a second violation; and a life suspension and $1700 fine for a third violation.

Finally, a motion was made to include flying lead changes in western riding classes reflected in several places throughout the rule book.

All three rule changes were passed by the Board.

The Board also voted not to honor the suspension of another HIO of an individual for misbehavior. The NHSC is required to honor USDA violations that occur at other HIO-affiliated events. However, the NHSC is not required to honor suspensions given by other HIOs that are not USDA violations.