The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors’ Association has retained Nashville-based Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence, a public relations and advertising agency, to assist the organization as it initiates a communications initiative with members and other Tennessee Walking Horse organizations.

            TWHDEA recently established a comprehensive plan to ensure the continued popularity of the breed and health of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry through the creation and adoption of national standards, including:

            •One rulebook

            •Uniform inspection procedures

            •Trained judges and uniform judging criteria

            “As the breed registrar, TWHBEA is challenging all walking horse organizations to adopt its plan to create uniformity in the show ring,” said Jerrold Pedigo, President of TWHBEA.  “One purpose of our organization is to maintain the health and growth of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. To that end, we support fair and equitable inspection procedures that protect the horse and support the owners and trainers. Additionally, we support education and training for all judges to help them provide the best service possible, per one rulebook adopted by the entire industry. This plan is an important step toward these goals, and we have retained DVL to support us through communications.”

            The agency will also assist with membership communications as TWHBEA promotes its benefits to members not involved in the horse show industry.

            “The walking horse show industry represents a portion of our membership, but that segment of membership is critical to the promotion of our breed,” said Pedigo. “We also offer many programs designed for our members who enjoy trail riding and the simple pleasure of this outstanding breed. DVL is going to help us communicate with all segments of our membership about our programs and benefits, and we are enthusiastic about this partnership.”

            Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence, one of the largest public relations agencies in the Southeast, is a full-service public relations and advertising agency with more than 40 staff members. DVL serves clients such as Jack Daniel’s, Bridgestone/Firestone, Martha White and Johnston & Murphy on a national, regional and local basis. In addition to public relations and advertising expertise, DVL has broad experience in crisis communications, government relations and event management.