Yesterday afternoon, accompanied by Bill Hawks, Valerie Reagan and Ray Gilmer, I was in meetings in Washington DC with high level USDA officials. We were discussing ways to ensure consistent application of the scar rule, and to express our desire to help move this industry forward. At about 3:30pm, one of the USDA officials stated that at this time, USDA planned to write federal cases on any horse turned down by DQP's at our shows. I felt it was important that everyone be fully aware of this intended action if they planned to show. We are continuing to work with USDA to resolve our concerns and to move forward with protecting the horse while preserving our industry.

-Wink Groover
April 7, 2007