The Walking Horse Report has confirmed that two more directors of the Walking Horse Owners Association have resigned this afternoon following on the heels of Herschel Blessing’s resignation this morning.  Deborah Williams, Argyle, Tx. and Newton Parks, Christiana, Tenn. bring to seven the number of resignations from the WHOA Board since their controversial annual board meeting on Feb. 12, 2011.

The Feb. 12 board meeting was held in executive session, an unusual development.  WHOA meetings have traditionally been open to other association members and the press.  During this executive session, the board voted to continue its HIO and adopt the mandatory penalties proposed by the United State Department of Agriculture for the 2011 season. 

WHOA has since issued a news release explaining the reasoning behind the board’s decision but this has done little to quell the controversy surrounding WHOA and its recent actions.

Other directors who have previously resigned include Herschel Blessing, Bristol, Tenn.; Bruce Vaughn, Valley City, Ohio; Kathy Zeis, Douglasville, Ga.; Virginia Stewart, Bell Buckle, Tenn. and George-Ann Pratt, Shelbyville, Tenn.