Lewisburg, TN - In response to the recent joint statement of support for H. R. 6388 from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' And Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) reaffirms its support of all disciplines within the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. The Association is aware of no scientific evidence supporting the idea that pads and action devices, when used properly, harm horses. In reality, it is the actions of unscrupulous individuals that harm horses. Therefore, TWHBEA is committed to the elimination of these actions and to the promotion of the sound performance horse. The Association fully supports the performance division and is optimistic that it will continue to be one of the breed's strongest disciplines.
 
"TWHBEA is the "One Voice" so many have asked for. The organization and breed registry is the oldest and largest within our industry established in 1935, and represents all facets of our great breed. All Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiasts must get behind, and support the breed registry which is the ONLY organization within our industry structured with operating divisions in all areas representing nearly 10,000 members world-wide. We believe the majority of our owners, trainers, breeders, and exhibitors want to do the right thing and move forward into the 21st century." said Senior Vice-President Margo Urad.
 
"Soring must come to an end, and our great horse deserves better. We must treat our horse with the utmost respect, and wipe out the despicable act of soring which has plagued us for far too long. For more than 50 years our breed has breed consumed with accusations of improper behavior and the mainstream equine world has recognized this. For our breed to move forward and become the largest and fastest growing breed on earth we must stop what has held us back for more than half a century. If we are ever to move forward then the time is NOW! Pads and action devices don't harm our horse, people do." said President Marty Irby.