Editor’s Note: The Show Horse Support Fund has issued the following news release relative to the decision supporting their position against the law suit filed by the American Horse Protection Association reported last week.

The Show Horse Support Fund Board of Directors is pleased to report that the lawsuit filed by the American Horse Protection Association against the United States Department of Agriculture and the Show Horse Support Fund, as Intervenor, has been dismissed and Judgment entered in favor of the Defendants, the Department of Agriculture and the Show Horse Support Fund.

The American Horse Protection Association filed suit in the United States District Court on January 8, 2001, challenging the Department of Agriculture’s authority to enter into Operating Plans with the certified Horse Industry Organizations stating that such agreements were arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of the Department’s discretion. The Show Horse Support Fund requested the Court’s permission to intervene as an interested party, which permission was granted by the Court. All parties submitted legal arguments as to their position. The Court, on the 9th day of July, 2002, entered its Judgment.

The Show Horse Support Fund Board of Directors, which consists of Steve Smith, Ron Thomas, Bill Cantrell, Calvin Baird, Walt Chism, Bailey Little, Jimmy McConnell and Jane Eakes, are pleased with the Court’s decision. The Board feels that this is yet another example of the commitment of the Show Horse Support Fund to assert the position of the Walking Horse industry. The Show Horse Support Fund Board has a continuing commitment to meet any threat which attempts to undermine the viability of the Walking Horse industry.