An Editorial By Christy Howard Parsons

            The annual meetings of the Walking Horse Trainers Association and Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association this weekend are some of the most important that will ever be held in the Tennessee Walking Horse business.

            This industry is facing its most difficult challenges:

1. Negotiating a new Operating Plan for 2007

2. Finding a resolution to the continuing conflict with the USDA

3. Ensuring compliance with the Horse Protection Act

4. And most importantly, reuniting our industry to speak with one voice, to the USDA and to respond to our critics.

Elections in both organizations this year will be contested. Everyone who votes in these elections must ensure they know where the candidates stand on these issues and that they vote for the person they believe has the best solution to these challenges. I hope the candidates can move past rhetoric and will clearly and concisely communicate their ideal solutions to these challenges.

We at The Walking Horse Report will work with the leaders of these organizations for 2007 to the best of our abilities whomever they may be to help communicate with the Walking Horse public.

It is our hope that when the elections are complete that all candidates, all organizations, and all those who love the Tennessee Walking Horse can unite in support behind its leaders and to return the Tennessee Walking Horse industry to the prominence that it deserves.