Chris Zahnd appeared for his previously scheduled hearing before the SHOW Hearing Committee today, August 20, 2009.  Prior to the commencement of the hearing, Zahnd, through his attorneys, agreed to serve the lifetime suspension previously handed down by SHOW HIO and did not go forward with the hearing.

SHOW also levied additional penalties against Zahnd by prohibiting him from being present on the grounds of any SHOW HIO affiliated event during his suspension.  As part of Zahnd's penalty, he will have no opportunity to apply for reinstatement for a minimum of five (5) years from the start date of his suspension.  After the expiration of five (5) years, any re-application by Zahnd would be ruled on by the SHOW Board.

Zahnd's agreement to accept the lifetime suspension and additional penalties also included a full and final release of SHOW HIO and The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration from any potential liability associated with this matter.  Consequently, Zahnd will have no ability to seek relief from the penalties imposed against him.

In addition to Zahnd, Dallas Proctor, the trainer of record on the entry form and Wayne Dotson, the custodian of the entry are serving lifetime suspensions.  Neither Proctor nor Dotson requested an appeal.

The penalties administered to Zahnd, Proctor and Dotson are the strongest penalties ever given in the Walking Horse industry.  The lifetime suspensions were administered as a result of events at the Woodbury Lions Club Horse in Woodbury, Tenn. on July 4, 2009.  SHOW issued violations for bad image, not leading, bilateral sensitivity and use of a cruel device to aid in checking.