MURFREESBORO, TENN -- The Board of Directors of the Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA) voted last week to include the show results from all HIO’s in their National High Point Program. This is a historic move because in the past only points from National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) affiliated shows counted. Last year points from the Kentucky Walking Horse Association HIO and Western International were also counted because of their alliance with the NHSC.

“We get calls from members, mainly in outlying areas, who participate in shows that are not sanctioned by the NHSC. We need to serve those members,” Tommy Hall, WHOA executive director, told the board. “Because the NHSC and its partners affiliate the majority of the industry’s show, our National High Point Program is already about 90% inclusive. We want it to be 100% inclusive and represent all owners in all areas.”

This decision is effective immediately and is free to all HIOs and their affiliated shows, but each HIO must request that their points be counted and provide their show results immediately after the show. The WHOA National High Point Program includes over 60 divisions and is administered by the Walking Horse Report. Up-to-date high point standings can be found on their website, www.walkinghorsereport.com, or through a link on the WHOA website, www.walkinghorseowners.com. For more information on having your HIO’s points count, contact WHOA at 615-494-8822.