Statement from Jim Cortner, Chairman

We have long held the position that facts will trump conjecture every day. It is our sincere hope that the public and media will appreciate the facts associated with testing of competitors at the Tennessee Walking  Horse National Celebration that trump the erroneous and embellished claims made by critics of the performance horse industry.
     
The report issued to the Celebration board from the Veterinarian Advisory Committee confirms no improper shoeing, pressure shoeing or concealed objects were detected that would  animate the gait of horses at the 2014 Celebration. The digital x-rays and pulling of shoes by the independent veterinarians in attendance at this year's show both follow the exact objective, science-based testing that the industry wants to adopt as opposed to the draconian measures proposed by the PAST Act.