The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) is under intense scrutiny regarding alleged Horse Protection Act violations at its National Show in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on September 26 – October 1, 2011.  During the show, several NWHA Board and Executive Committee members allegedly instructed certain Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) to check certain exhibitors more stringently

Since news of the alleged violations, several board members and DQPs have spoken of the improper contacts and recently DQP David Scott spoke with the Walking Horse Report.  Also  his interview with NWHA board member Linda Ivins was made public.  Scott was relieved of his duties during The National after a disagreement with exhibitors and board members Jim Potter and Gordon Lawler.

The Walking Horse Report has attempted several times to contact NWHA President Jason Crawhorn but Crawhorn has only returned an email stating he would not comment on the investigation.  The Walking Horse Report did obtain a copy of Crawhorn’s communication to his board via email recently.

Crawhorn indicates in that communication that he has spoken with Dr. Rachel Cezar and Dr. Chester Gipson with the USDA in the last week and they both ensured Crawhorn that NWHA is not in danger of being decertified for any reason.  Crawhorn also informed the board that he would not be sharing any information on the current investigation with the board members because that information is getting out to the press, specifically the Walking Horse Report.

He does state in the email that he is consulting with former law enforcement officials, the USDA and NWHA members in the investigation.  NWHA’s board retreat will be held January 20-22, 2012 in Lexington, Ky.