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NWHA President Promises Disciplinary Action
Sunday, December 25, 2011


Copyright WHR 2011

By Jeffrey Howard

The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) held a board of directors call on Tuesday night to address the issues facing the association as a result of alleged actions of members of the board and executive committee at the 2011 National Horse Show.  Several members of the NWHA executive committee allegedly influenced Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) to “target” and inspect more closely certain exhibitors.  David Scott, a DQP during the show was terminated of his duties as a DQP after talking with an exhibitor about changes in the way shoes would be measured during the show.

A petition was circulated asking NWHA to form an investigative committee however President Jason Crawhorn told the board that no such committee would be formed.  According to a source on the call, Crawhorn informed the board that he and Linda Richwine were investigating the allegations and he would be handing down disciplinary action soon.

The source also confirmed several members of the board were concerned with the actions being “swept under the rug” at which time Crawhorn became upset and lashed out at those directors.  Crawhorn explained that no committee could intervene on HIO actions and since DQP Coordinator Martha Day reneged on her responsibilities it fell on him as president to do so.

The Walking Horse Report obtained an email from Crawhorn to the membership he sent on December 14, 2011, the day after the board of director call.  The contents of this email are contained below.

       To:  NWHA Members
       From:  Jason Crawhorn, President
       Date:  December 14, 2011
       Subject:  Allegations of Wrongdoing at 2011 National Show

The allegations of wrongdoing by individuals at the 2011 National Show have always been taken seriously by the NWHA Board of Directors. Integrity and ethics in the show ring is NWHA's cornerstone. Allegations concerning interference with a DQP, dismissal of a DQP during a show, targeting enforcement of the HPA, and proper use of the Go-No/Go tool are under investigation by NWHA with the goal of harnessing the facts so that a full evaluation will result in:  findings of fact, recommendations, and action as warranted (including, but not limited to: standardizing procedures, rule changes, and disciplinary action). Actions taken as a result of these investigations will take place per NWHA rules.  The full report will be made available to members through the website at the conclusion of the investigation.

I apologize to each and every NWHA member for not having communicated the above and the process adequately to you! I request your patience during the process. Kneejerk responses and interim statements are not conducive to a "sound" process and resolution. This does not mean I perceive a lengthy process time wise. It is my goal to use the Board retreat in January to effect change as is mandated by the investigation's findings.

Growth comes from adversity when the adversity is acknowledged, dealt with, and handled with integrity. You gave me the honor of being NWHA's President.  Now, please give me your patience to deal head-on with the adversity presented to NWHA.

Jason Crawhorn
NWHA President

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