Lewisburg, TN  (May 17, 2007) - On behalf of the HIO Committee, which was formed under the industry sanctioning plan, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Niels Holch as the Committee's Washington attorney.  Previously, Mr. Holch served as the Walking Horse industry's regulatory attorney and lobbyist in Washington and had served in that capacity since 1991.  He also was the former Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the current Senate Republican Leader.

"I am extremely excited and honored to be chosen by the HIO Committee for this assignment.  After reading the sanctioning plan and meeting with the HIO Committee, I am convinced that this is the right plan for the future growth of the industry.  The TWHBEA sponsored this sanctioning plan as a method to unite Horse Industry Organizers through the use and support of one rulebook, uniform inspection procedures and uniform standards for judging.  I am also encouraged by the support that Washington is providing for the plan," Mr. Holch commented.

Speaking on behalf of the TWHBEA, Chuck Cadle, TWHBEA Executive Director, stated, "Neils' regulatory experience in the Walking Horse Industry will be invaluable to accomplishing the purpose and objectives of the HIO Committee.  As the legal representative of the HIO Committee, Neils will be able to work with the sanctioned HIO members on the USDA Operating Plan and on other matters dealing with the operations of the Committee."

The Tennessee Waking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA), headquartered in Lewisburg, TN, is the oldest and most prestigious organization devoted to the promotion and protection of the breed.  Founded in 1935, the breed registry was established to record the pedigrees of the Tennessee Walking Horse.  Its goal is to maintain the purity of the breed, to promote greater awareness of the Tennessee Walking Horse and its qualities to encourage expansion of the breed and to help assure its general welfare.  For more information on the TWHBEA Sponsored Sanctioning Plan, please visit http://www.twhbea.com/.