Trainers’ Unanimously Support One HIO
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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Editor's Note:  The following is the official release from the Walking Horse Trainers' Association after its general membership meeting yesterday, February 18, 2013. 

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) called a general membership meeting on February 18, 2013 in Shelbyville, Tenn. at its headquarters.  The meeting included guests from the four predominant Horse Industry Organizations that inspect performance horses as well as the Tennessee Walking Show Horse Organization (TWSHO).  Those HIOs included Heart of America, Kentucky, PRIDE and SHOW.

At the meeting, the membership voted unanimously to support the one performance horse HIO and voice of the performance horse.  The general structure of the organization will include an industry representative board along with independent representation.  The new structure will include an independent veterinarian panel to oversee inspections and compliance with the HPA.

The new structure’s board will consist of two members from WHTA, Heart of America, Kentucky, PRIDE, SHOW, TWSHO and three independent representatives.  The newly formed board will map the course for the future of the performance horse.

The trainers also unanimously supported one rulebook as well as one set of judges and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) that will be consistently trained and managed.  “I appreciate the members of this association understanding the environment we face, the needs of the industry and moving forward for the overall good of the horse and our industry,” said WHTA President Mickey McCormick.

“Together we look forward to building a better tomorrow for our horse, our members and this industry.  It is time for us to build our customer base back and market our horse to equine enthusiasts across the country,” continued McCormick.

Upon agreement from all four HIOs to participate the new board will be formed and begin work immediately to communicate with horse shows, owners and trainers on how to move forward.  The WHTA will continue to communicate with industry stakeholders as more details become available.

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