SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – At the request of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), the SHOW HIO will extend a special affiliation offer to horse shows that meet a certain set of criteria selected by SHOW.  Horse shows that qualify for this special affiliation will have their entries inspected at a $10 per entry fee. 

The criteria include the geographic area of the horse show, the number of years in existence and the proximity to the closest DQP among many other factors.  Special affiliation forms can be requested from the SHOW office.  Special affiliations will be granted on a case by case basis.

The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association and Buckeye Walking Horse Association have already applied and been granted the special affiliation status for their horse shows in 2011.  “I commend the WHTA for bringing the concerns of show management and their fellow trainers to our attention and I, along with the SHOW board, want to do everything we can to help horse shows across the country receive the best opportunity at success,” said SHOW President Dr. Stephen L. Mullins.