The Unity Committee met on Friday, March 2, 2012, and the following business was transacted.

1. The Committee approved the following mission statement.



The Unity Committee  has as its mission:  to unify and involve the like-minded organizations comprising all disciplines of the breed;  to promote and protect the humane treatment of the Tennessee Walking Horse; to sponsor and encourage responsible public relations campaigns; to encourage and support the promotion and marketing of the horse;  to sponsor education to create a higher level of competency, integrity and professionalism among our trainers, owners, judges, and inspectors;  and to respond proactively to internal and external regulatory challenges with one voice.

2. The Committee proposed a basic structure to unite the industry comprised of the four member organizations,  with a tentative voting structure for each. The function and qualifications of affiliated non-voting organizations, such as state walking horse organizations and HIOs, was discussed. A subcommittee was formed to develop these concepts and bring a formalized structure back to the UC and for approval by the component organizations.

3. The UC addressed the Listening Sessions, the publicized questions, and potential answers. A summary of that discussion will be forthcoming, and the component organizations will take further action for the benefit of their memberships and the breed.

4. The Committee reviewed a tentative schedule for the upcoming TTEC conference as compiled by Sheryl Crawford, approved the concept, and discussed  how best to help make that happen.

5. The Committee review comparisons of various shoeing rules and class divisions compiled by Scott and Lynn McGregor with the thanks of the group,  and discussed ways to minimize differences.

6. The Committee looked at an initial study of rule book provisions  and an early effort to reconcile them.

All business transacted was by unanimous consent.