The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration board of directors recently met and considered changes to the SHOW HIO rulebook for 2017. As part of the review the board made the following decisions regarding the new rulebook.

For open performance classes the requirement for show management to schedule a four-year-old canter class if a four-year-old specialty class is offered has been removed. Show management can offer either class or both and be in compliance with the rulebook.

Last year in February, proposed changes to the amateur and youth guidelines for 2017 were published for review and comments.  Those wishing to comment were asked to submit their input by August 1, 2016. There was considerable interest with compelling arguments on both sides of the issue. The board voted to make no change in this section of the rulebook for 2017.
 
As it relates to Celebration shows, which includes the Spring Fun Show and Tunica Fall Classic in addition to the Celebration, the owner-amateur requirement will stay in effect as well as open four-year-old classes will be required to canter. The SHOW HIO must consider the impact of rule changes on shows of all sizes and geographical locations, which the board considered and took into account when making changes to the rulebook for 2017.