LEWISBURG, Tenn. (Jan 15, 2007) – The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) announced today that the Horse Protection Commission (HPC) has become the first Horse Industry Organization (HIO) in the Tennessee Walking horse industry to become sanctioned in the TWHBEA Sanctioning Plan.   The purpose of the Sanctioning Plan is to completely eliminate the practice of soring through unification of all HIO’s in the adoption of uniform standards; one rulebook, one inspection procedure, and one judging criteria with one list of trained and accountable judges.  Through the Sanctioning Plan the TWHBEA will ensure the welfare of the horse and provide a stable environment for the industry to prosper and grow.

The HPC was created by equine veterinarians and certified by the USDA in 1997 for the purpose of enforcing the federal law, the Horse Protection Act (HPA).  With the professional help and guidance of equine veterinarians, the HPC has set a high standard with their DQP inspection program. With competent inspectors, uniform inspections, an inspection program with integrity and without politics, the HPC is a valuable ally to the horse industry and the horse himself. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the TWHBEA’s bold new program that is aimed at continuing and enhancing the efforts of enforcement” said Donna Benefield, HPC Administrative Director.  “The inclusion of the HPC is a valuable asset to the TWHBEA Sanctioning Plan and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry as a whole.  We look forward to the inclusion of the balance of the HIOs” said Jerrold Pedigo, TWHBEA President.

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association^SM (TWHBEA^SM), headquartered in Lewisburg, Tenn., is the oldest and most prestigious organization devoted to the promotion of the breed. Founded in 1935, the breed registry was established to record the pedigrees of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Its goal is to maintain the purity of the breed, to promote greater awareness of the Tennessee Walking Horse and its qualities, to encourage expansion of the breed and to help assure its general welfare. For more information, visit www.twhbea.com.