Where Do We Stand Now?
Thursday, January 26, 2017
By Jeffrey Howard
There have been many interpretations of the USDA's action to withdraw the rule from publication in the Federal Register on January 24, 2017. While this step was a very positive one for the industry and the show horse, it is not a permanent action.
The rule, which was withdrawn per the order issued by President Trump, will not move forward until the new administration has time to review the rule. After review, the rule could move forward and be scheduled for publication in the Federal Register. If this action is taken, we will be in the same spot we were in prior to the inauguration and facing a legal challenge to the implementation of the rule. The industry is ready to take the necessary steps legally if this course of action is the decision of the USDA, thanks in part to the fundraising initiatives of the industry and the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST).
It is possible after review that the rule could be permanently withdrawn or it could be altered and put back through the process for comment, review and publication. At this point in time, the course of action by the new administration at the USDA is not certain.
However, no matter the course taken by the USDA, the industry must continue to fundraise and build up the legal fund as this issue looks to be far from settled. The inspection process must become more objective and reliant on scientific methods in order to be a process trusted by all parties. It is quite possible there will have to be challenges made to the current process in order to initiate change and a new process adopted.
A new administration is a positive change, however our issue doesn't go away with that change. The time is now for the industry to set the course for a prosperous future for both the pleasure and performance horse with a system that ensures the welfare of the horse remains the top priority.
More Stories |
-
United States Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty from Tennessee as well as Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky sent a letter on September 21, 2023 asking USDA-APHIS officials to extend the comment period on the new proposed rule issued in August.
Read More
-
The Monday evening session of the NWHA National Championship will begin at 5:00 pm instead of the original 3:00 pm start time.
Read More
-
The following was read on Friday, September 22, 2023 as the presentation of the Nation’s colors was made at Cascade High School.
Read More
-
Read More
-
The United Fall Finale that is scheduled for November 16-18, 2024, in Tunica, Mississippi is happy to release their class schedule.
Read More
-
On September 16th, our great friend Milly Player transitioned from this life into eternal peace...
Read More
-
The East Tennessee Fall Classic, scheduled for October 19-21, has selected Brent Coburn, Chris Pickel and Roger Varney to mark the cards for this year's event. The show will be held at the Smoky Mountain Expo Center in White Pine, Tennessee.
Read More
-
The following was read at the Cascade High School Homecoming Game on Friday, September 15, 2023:
Our flag horse tonight is My Diamonds and Pearls. She is presented by Madison Wilson. Owned by Christie Scrivner, My Diamonds and Pearls is a four-time Reserve World Champion Tennessee Walking Horse.
Read More
-
The Walking Horse Report has recently learned of the passing of former trainer and long time horse enthusiast Scott Benham. Benham passed away on September 1, 2023 in California.
Read More
-
Selmer “Peanut” Taylor, age 85, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County. He served in the United States Air Force.
Read More
|