(June 15, 2012 Shelbyville, Tennessee) – The Unified Horse Show Development Program (UHDP), an arm of the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST), fully supports the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association’s new Enforcement Initiative.  The new initiative will use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry swabs to ensure caustic agents and masking agents are removed from horses entering competition.

“We are very supportive of the WHTA and their initiative to remove those trainers who choose to use illegal substances in the preparation of their horses.  The welfare of our animals has and will continue to be at the forefront of UHDP and FAST’s mission,” said UHDP Chair Deborah Williams. 

The UHDP was formed to assist new horse show development as well as help existing shows that need financial aid.  The group will also seek to revitalize previous Walking Horse venues and help with walking horse events across the nation.  The UHDP will focus its aid to horse shows primarily outside of the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.   Horse events and shows will have to apply to the UHDP for financial aid.  Applications can be found at www.fastwalkingshowhorse.org.

The program also includes a mentoring program.  UHDP will offer mentoring services to groups that request help with organizing their shows and putting together events.  The UHDP and FAST proudly promote all show disciplines of the Tennessee Walking Horse.

For further information contact:
Mike Inman
FAST President
PO Box 259
Shelbyville, TN 37162
205-966-0969