Posted January 30, 2001

The full board of the National Horse Show Commission and the executive committee of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association each held its monthly meeting on January 29, 2001.

One of the main points of discussion for each group was the pending lawsuit filed by the American Horse Protection Association against the USDA. AHPA has filed suit to stop the USDA from implementing the 2001-2003 operating plan. The Show Horse Support Fund (SHSF) has hired counsel to intervene in the case in support of the USDA (see other postings on this site for more information). SHSF also asked for the financial support of the NHSC, the Kentucky HIO, Heart of America, Western International and the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association with regard to the suit. The contributions from the organizations would be used to replenish the funds to be used in the impending suit. SHSF asked that each group respond to its request within 30 days.

Because TWHBEA executive committee members comprise part of the NHSC board, the topic was discussed at the TWHBEA meeting as well as the NHSC meeting. After lengthy discussion, each group decided that it was unwilling to promise financial support to an organization in which they have no say as to how the funds will be spent.