SHELBYVILLE, TN - The Celebration, TWSHO and SHOW HIO called on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and all other parties interested in ending horse abuse to join industry reform leaders at a “Horse Protection Summit” in Shelbyville sometime before the end of November.  The industry is calling on all concerned parties to join their reform efforts to ensure that all Tennessee Walking Horses are sound and in compliance with the Horse Protection Act (HPA).
“On the heels of the historic safety reforms being implemented by SHOW HIO, the Walking Horse Trainers Association and the Celebration, we are inviting all parties interested in protecting the Tennessee Walking Horse to join us at a ‘Horse Protection Summit’ in Shelbyville. TWSHO was created to reform the industry and we are asking that the AAEP and AVMA join us in working to achieve the shared goal of ridding the system of soring trainers once and for all,” said Frank Eichler, TWSHO Chair.

In early spring, we asked the AVMA and AAEP to join in our efforts but they declined. The “Horse Protection Summit” will provide an opportunity for those concerned about the Tennessee Walking Horse to partner in reforming the industry and build on the historic safety reforms already taking place within the Industry. Attending the “Horse Protection Summit” would allow them the opportunity to learn firsthand that SHOW HIO has implemented nearly every safety measure they have called for in the AAEP white paper. The industry’s actions illustrate how serious it is about reform.

“Until the entire industry is at 100% compliance, we will not stop looking for ways to protect horses and maintain the integrity of the sport. We hope that the AVMA, AAEP and all other concerned parties will join us in that effort at a ‘Horse Protection Summit’ in Shelbyville,” concluded Eichler.