MURFREESBORO, TENN. - May 23, 2007 The Walking Horse Owners' Association (WHOA) and the Walking Horse Report are pleased to announce a new program that will honor the achievements of Youth and Amateur Riders. 'The Quest' is a high point incentive program that works much like the trainers' Riders Cup program. Amateur and Youth Riders who are members of WHOA will compete in The Quest. Riders' points from any show, regardless of their HIO affiliation, will automatically count, provided the horse show provides the Walking Horse Report with their show results within 30 days.

Mark Taylor, Director of Sales and Marketing for WHOA, says The Quest will award the overall top riders in the Walking Horse industry. "This is another way that we can honor the show ring achievements of our members," says Taylor. "We already recognize the top horses in our industry and their owners with our National High Point Program and Register of Merit Program, now the Quest will give us a chance to salute the most successful riders." Taylor points out that in The Quest the points follow the rider, no matter which class or division they are showing in, as long as the class is designated as youth or amateur.

The Quest will award the top ten riders in four different divisions: Youth Pleasure, Youth Performance, Amateur Pleasure and Amateur Performance. Point standings in The Quest will be available in mid-June on the Walking Horse Report and WHOA websites. The winning riders will receive their awards at the WHOA National Convention in 2008.