The Germantown Charity Horse Show, one of the oldest and largest multi-breed events of the summer show season, brings together many of America's foremost breeds in a weeklong celebration each June. This year, the USEF sanctioned, and WHOA affiliated event was deluged with record amounts of rainfall.

On Friday morning, June 7, Mark Farrar, Germantown Show Manager, reached out to WHOA and the WHOA HIO for temporary relief from the no bands rule. He cited the fact that even though the Germantown show ring is one of the best all weather and all breed facilities in the nation, extreme rainfall had necessitated that exhibitors of every discipline make changes to accommodate the compromised arena footing.

At that point, a one time exception to the hoof band rule was formed, along with an emergency protocol to accommodate Mr. Farrar's request. Those exhibitors desiring to use hoof bands were restricted to the use of the official show farrier to attach the hoof bands under the oversight of the WHOA DQP Terry Martin. Other show officials were invited to oversee that process as well. During pre- and post show inspections, Terry Martin reaffirmed that the bands were correctly placed and used appropriately. WHOA is happy to report that there were no HPA violations at this show.

"We feel that being included in the Germantown Charity Show is a great honor and opportunity to showcase the Tennessee Walking Horse in a multi-breed event," stated WHOA President Dee Dee Miller Sale. "We appreciate the fact that the owners, trainers, and show management worked together to exhibit our horses with the other breeds and horse enthusiasts. A special thank you to everyone who took their Tennessee Walking Horses to compete at Germantown."