Member Form Requirement: Submit an updated membership form even if your information is unchanged. Forms can be mailed to the address above or emailed to whtauxiliary@yahoo.com.
Eligibility Requirements for 2025 Shows:
Returning Members:
Pay dues by March 1, 2025.
Complete one service project and attend one meeting in 2024.
New Members: Fulfill three eligibility requirements (contact for details) prior to showing.
The first WHTA Auxiliary classes of the season will kick off at the 2025 Trainers’ Show—don’t miss out!
Act now to secure your spot in this year’s events!
Posted: February 3, 2025
Jeffrey Howard’s Power Play: A Legacy of Control, Conflicts, and Industry Monopoly
Jeffrey Howard’s Power Play: A Legacy of Control, Conflicts, and Industry Monopoly
Written by: Tommy Williams
email:tommywhc@aol.com
931-492-2825
WHC Publisher-Williams Media Entertainment
Jeffrey Howard’s recent editorial (“What’s Next?” Feb. 3, 2025) is less an analysis of legal nuance and more a manifesto for preserving the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration’s (TWHNC) stranglehold on the industry. As a board member of the TWHNC—an organization with a decades-long track record of centralizing power and stifling dissent—Howard’s words reveal a pattern of self-interest masquerading as advocacy. Let’s dissect his agenda.
The Celebration’s Monopolistic Grip
Howard frames Judge Kacsmaryk’s ruling as a “win” for the industry. But which industry? The TWHNC has long positioned itself as the sole voice of Tennessee Walking Horse stakeholders, yet its leadership—including Howard—consistently prioritizes its own events, policies, and revenue streams over broader industry health. By challenging USDA reforms, the TWHNC isn’t fighting for “fairness”; it’s fighting to retain control over inspection processes, show regulations, and revenue flows that disproportionately benefit its inner circle.
When Howard claims the USDA “dismissed” the TWHNC’s comments, he omits a critical fact: the TWHNC’s recommendations consistently align with preserving its own authority. The organization’s history of suppressing alternative viewpoints and marginalizing independent trainers raises serious questions about its role as an honest broker. Why should a single entity dominate rulemaking for an entire industry?
A Legacy of Conflicts and Antitrust Concerns
Howard’s editorial sidesteps his glaring conflict of interest. As a TWHNC board member, he benefits directly from policies that consolidate power under the Celebration’s umbrella. This isn’t new. For decades, the Howard family has wielded disproportionate influence over industry standards. Howard’s late father, a former industry leader, faced longstanding allegations of colluding with affiliates to sideline competitors and manipulate show circuits—a legacy Jeffrey now perpetuates.
The Sherman Antitrust Act exists to prevent precisely this kind of monopolistic behavior: backroom deals, suppression of competition, and control over market practices. The TWHNC’s dominance in rulemaking, inspections, and event licensing reeks of an outdated cartel model. Howard’s celebration of “due process” rings hollow when his organization has systematically denied fair representation to independent trainers and smaller breeders. The Celebration is currently violating federal law by allowing him to remain on the board. The Celebration allowed his father to remain on the board and if taken to federal court would surely see punitive damages issued upon the Celebation , harming our world championship show.
The “Patience” Gambit: Stalling Progress to Retain Power
Howard’s call for “patience” is a thinly veiled stall tactic. By urging stakeholders to wait for the USDA’s next move and bank on the Tennessee lawsuit, he buys time to entrench the TWHNC’s control. The Celebration’s legal strategy—challenging every reform that threatens its authority—is not about protecting participants. It’s about maintaining a system where the TWHNC sets the rules, polices its competitors, and reaps the financial rewards.
His reference to “other breeds” opposing USDA rules is equally disingenuous. Which breeds? The TWHNC has a history of strong-arming alliances with select groups to create the illusion of broad opposition. Meanwhile, independent horse associations and trainers advocating for decentralized governance are ignored or ostracized.
The Wright Case: A Bid for Permanent Control
Howard’s pivot to the Tennessee lawsuit reveals the endgame. A “win” in Wright v. USDA would further cement the TWHNC’s authority by dismantling accountability measures and centralizing inspections under its preferred networks. This isn’t about “relief” for participants—it’s about ensuring the Celebration, not federal regulators or independent bodies, retains ultimate power.
The TWHNC’s insistence on “industry self-enforcement” is a euphemism for self-preservation. Its affiliated Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) have repeatedly failed to ensure transparency, yet Howard resists USDA-backed inspectors (HPIs) because they threaten the Celebration’s monopoly on oversight.
A Call for Transparency and Fair Competition
The Tennessee Walking Horse industry deserves better than a single organization acting as judge, jury, and profit-driven gatekeeper. Howard’s editorial ignores legitimate concerns about antitrust violations, conflicts of interest, and the stifling of innovation. If the industry is to thrive, it needs:
Decentralized governance: Independent committees, not TWHNC insiders, should shape regulations.
Transparent inspections: Third-party oversight, not Celebration-affiliated HIOs.
Accountability: An end to legacy power structures that prioritize control over progress.
Breaking the Cycle of Control!
Jeffrey Howard’s editorial is a masterclass in deflection. By framing the TWHNC’s power grabs as “industry advocacy,” he obscures a legacy of self-dealing and antitrust abuses. The USDA must reject this outdated model and push for reforms that democratize the industry—not embolden its monopolists.
To lawmakers and stakeholders: Demand transparency. Investigate conflicts of interest. Challenge the Sherman Act violations that have festered for decades. The Tennessee Walking Horse industry’s future depends on breaking free from the Celebration’s iron grip.
Reclaiming Integrity: TWHBEA Must Lead the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry Forward
Reclaiming Integrity: TWHBEA Must Lead the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry Forward
Written by: Tommy Williams
email:tommywhc@aol.com
931-492-2825
WHC Publisher-Williams Media Entertainment
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The recent Texas court decision striking down the HIO (Horse Industry Organization) system has created a pivotal moment for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. This ruling isn’t just a legal shift—it’s a clarion call to return power, transparency, and dignity to the guardians of our breed: the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association (TWHBEA). For too long, the SHOW HIO, controlled by The Celebration, has held undue influence over judging and rules, creating a conflict of interest that undermines the integrity of our competitions and the welfare of our horses. It is time for TWHBEA to reclaim its rightful role as the standard-bearer of this breed—before opportunists fill the void.
The Problem: A System Rife with Conflict
The Celebration, while a cherished showcase of our breed’s talent, should not wield unchecked authority over industry standards. Allowing a single entity to both host the national championship and govern judging practices is akin to letting a sprinter mark their own finish line. The SHOW HIO’s dual role as rulemaker and showrunner has long bred skepticism, with whispers of favoritism and lax enforcement tarnishing the sport’s reputation. The Texas court’s rejection of the HIO framework is not merely a legal technicality—it’s an indictment of a broken system.
The Solution: TWHBEA Must Act Now
TWHBEA was founded to protect, promote, and perfect the Tennessee Walking Horse. No organization is better equipped to certify judges, establish equitable rules, and safeguard the breed’s legacy. The court’s decision has handed TWHBEA a historic opportunity to reset the industry’s compass. Here’s what must happen—immediately:
Certify Judges, Restore Trust
TWHBEA must swiftly develop a rigorous, transparent process to certify judges who prioritize the horse’s welfare and the breed’s standards. These judges should embody expertise, impartiality, and a commitment to the Walking Horse’s future—not the interests of a single show.
Rewrite the Rules—Without Delay
New guidelines must be drafted to eliminate ambiguity and ensure consistency across all competitions. These rules should honor the breed’s heritage while modernizing oversight to prevent abuse and malpractice.
End the Era of HIO Influence
No show, including The Celebration, should be permitted to employ an HIO. The court’s ruling has voided this flawed structure; let it stay buried. TWHBEA alone must govern judging protocols.
Assign Judges—Don’t Let Shows Choose
To prevent conflicts, TWHBEA should provide The Celebration with a panel of five certified judges, selected at random from a pre-approved pool. Let merit, not politics, decide outcomes.
The Stakes: Our Breed’s Survival
Every day without action risks chaos. Shows could adopt fragmented rules, judges without credentials might flood the circuit, and the specter of past scandals could resurge. The Celebration is a vital event, but its role is to host—not to rule. TWHBEA’s leadership will reassure enthusiasts, breeders, and the public that the Tennessee Walking Horse industry prioritizes fairness over favoritism and the horse’s well-being over profit.
A Call to Courage
TWHBEA’s leadership must rise to this moment with urgency and resolve. The community is watching. The horses deserve better. Let this be the dawn of an era where competitions are decided by skill, not sway, and where the Tennessee Walking Horse shines as a symbol of untainted excellence.
The reins of authority belong to you, TWHBEA. Take them back.
— For the sake of the breed, and the legacy we leave.
FAST Spring Showcase Unveils 2025 Judging Panel
FAST Spring Showcase Unveils 2025 Judging Panel Esteemed Judges Ross Campbell, Wayne Dean, and Rod Slagle to Headline Event
Shelbyville, TN – January 29, 2025 – The FAST Spring Showcase is thrilled to announce Ross Campbell, Wayne Dean, and Rod Slagle as the official judges for its 2025 event, set to take place March 13–15 at the Cooper Steel Arena in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
This premier showcase brings together top talent and enthusiasts for three days of dynamic competition. Judges Campbell, Dean, and Slagle, recognized for their expertise and discerning eye, will oversee evaluations across all categories.
Event Details
Dates: March 13–15, 2025
Location: Cooper Steel Arena, 200 Arena Parkway, Shelbyville, TN
Contacts:
General Inquiries: Show Manager Margo Urad | 214-763-7379
VIP Reservations & Sponsorships: Sarah Smith | 931-580-5085
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this standout event! Secure premium seating or elevate your brand’s visibility through tailored sponsorship packages.
Join us at the FAST Spring Showcase, where excellence meets innovation in the heart of Tennessee.
The Celebration”s Illusion of Fairness: Why Trimming Scores Undermines Trust, Not Bias
Written by: Tommy Williams
email:tommywhc@aol.com
931-492-2825
WHC Publisher-Williams Media Entertainment
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The Illusion of Fairness: Why Trimming Scores Undermines Trust, Not Bias
The pursuit of fairness in competition is noble. Heck, even Vanderbilt gets a chance to win. But when scoring systems prioritize the appearance of neutrality over genuine accountability, they risk becoming exercises in public relations—not justice. Take the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, an event steeped in tradition and controversy. Its five-judge panel, which discards the highest and lowest scores before averaging the rest, is often framed as a safeguard against bias. But let’s be honest: If you need to throw out two out of five opinions to find the “truth,” what does that say about the judges themselves? Either two are incompetent, two are corrupt, or the system itself is broken. This isn’t majority rule—it’s institutionalized distrust.
The Myth of the Middle Ground
Majority rule means every vote counts equally. But in systems like the Celebration’s, nearly half the judges’ voices—40%—are silenced before a winner is declared. Imagine an election where the most passionate supporters and critics of a candidate are dismissed to find a “moderate” outcome. Would we call that democracy? Of course not. Yet in equestrian sports, we accept this math as fairness.
The logic is flawed. If judges are trained professionals, why are their extremes treated as outliers rather than valid perspectives? If a horse’s performance is truly exceptional, wouldn’t most judges agree? Conversely, if two judges see glaring flaws others miss, shouldn’t that raise questions about the majority’s oversight? By erasing dissent, the system doesn’t eliminate bias—it hides it.
A Culture of Distrust The Celebration’s scoring method feels less like a solution and more like an admission of guilt. For decades, the event has faced scrutiny. In this context, dismissing judges’ scores reads as a tacit acknowledgment that corruption exists. Why else would organizers preemptively invalidate two votes? It’s a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, designed to placate critics without addressing systemic rot.
True majority rule requires transparency. If judges’ scores diverge wildly, let the public see that discord. Let questions be asked: Why did Judge A score the horse 20 points lower than Judge B? Instead, the trimmed system sweeps inconsistencies under the rug, protecting reputations rather than horses or riders.
The Olympic Comparison
Proponents argue this model mirrors the Olympics, where gymnastics or diving scores drop extremes. But the analogy falters. Olympic judges evaluate technical precision under globally standardized criteria. At the Celebration, scoring is inherently subjective, shaped by cultural preferences for flashy gaits—styles historically tied to abusive training methods. When the criteria themselves are ethically fraught, trimming scores doesn’t ensure fairness; it sanitizes controversy.
Accountability Over Convenience
If the Tennessee Walking Horse industry wants legitimacy, it must stop conflating mathematical convenience with integrity. A five-judge system that only trusts three judges is a confession that the panel can’t be relied on. Either overhaul judge selection and training to ensure unanimity of expertise, or admit that the spectacle is too compromised for objective scoring.
Majority rule isn’t about silencing outliers—it’s about trusting the collective. Until the Celebration confronts the rot at its core, no scoring system will mask the truth: When you discard two-fifths of the votes, you’re not preserving fairness. You’re proving you don’t believe in it.
TWHBEA Sets Strategic Priorities for 2025 to Drive Industry Progress
TWHBEA Sets Strategic Priorities for 2025 to Drive Industry Progress Thursday, December 12, 2024
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As the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) closes a strong financial year in 2024, leadership is channeling momentum into ambitious goals for 2025, targeting growth, regulatory resilience, and enhanced collaboration across the industry.
Streamlining Show Operations and Rulebook Consolidation
A cornerstone of 2025 efforts will be the Continuity of Show Operations Task Force, which aims to finalize a unified rulebook for Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) to reduce confusion and standardize show regulations. The task force will host workshops and a show managers’ luncheon during the 2025 Walking Horse Trainers’ Banquet to equip organizers with tools to navigate legal uncertainties. This initiative seeks to stabilize show schedules and attract broader participation.
Boosting Registrations and Membership Engagement
While registrations rose 2% in 2024 (2,579 total), they remain below 2020 levels (2,840). TWHBEA plans to launch targeted incentives in 2025, including discounted multi-horse transfers and revised lease fee structures to reverse the 18% decline in leases. Membership growth—up 3% to 5,087—will be further driven by expanded outreach to trainers, with a goal to engage 50% of licensed trainers (currently 38%) through membership perks and exclusive events.
Legal Advocacy and Regulatory Strategy
With critical USDA rulemaking decisions pending in early 2025, TWHBEA’s advocacy team, led by Bill Stricklend, will prioritize oral arguments in Texas and Tennessee federal courts to challenge HPA enforcement practices. Proceeds from the Horse & Exhibitor Card Program—which generated $352,000 for legal funds in 2024—will continue to support these efforts. TWHBEA also plans to leverage findings from the ongoing APHIS investigation to advocate for fairer enforcement protocols.
Investing Financial Surplus into Innovation
A record $210,719 net income in 2024 provides a foundation for strategic investments. Funds will be allocated to:
Digital modernization of registration and membership systems.
Youth and Amateur Programs, including expanding the successful “Pick Your Partner” classes ($103,202 raised in 2024) and hosting additional Jamboree shows to bolster legal funding.
Marketing campaigns to highlight breed versatility and attract non-traditional exhibitors.
Strengthening Trainer and Exhibitor Networks
Under Dee Cantrell’s leadership, the Trainers Division will introduce mentorship programs and regional clinics to deepen engagement. The new Amateur & Youth Jamboree show model, which raised $12,000, will be replicated at five additional events in 2025.
New Leadership for a Forward-Thinking Agenda
The 2025 Executive Committee, including newly elected members like Advocacy VP Bill Stricklend and Youth VP Nicole Tolle, brings diverse expertise to address industry challenges. President Amanda Wright emphasized collaborative governance, stating, “Our focus is on unity—consolidating resources, amplifying advocacy, and ensuring the Tennessee Walking Horse remains a celebrated breed.”
Looking Ahead
With a robust financial position and clear priorities, TWHBEA is poised to turn 2024’s successes into actionable progress. Key metrics for 2025 will include registration recovery, HIO rulebook adoption, legal victories, and sustained growth in grassroots engagement. As the industry navigates regulatory headwinds, proactive strategies aim to secure the breed’s legacy for future generations.
The newly elected Executive Committee will hold its first strategic planning session in January 2025 to finalize these initiatives.
Alabama Walking Horse Groups Raise $17,500 for Childhood Cancer Charity
Alabama Walking Horse Groups Raise $17,500 for Childhood Cancer Charity
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The Walking Horse Association of Alabama (WHAA) and the Alabama Walking Horse Ladies Auxiliary (AWHLA) continue their longstanding support for Smile A Mile, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding families navigating childhood cancer. In 2024, their annual efforts raised donate $17,500 to Smile A Mile . Over the years, WHAA and the AWHLA has donated a total of $571,000 to Smile A Mile.
Fundraising Highlights
The 2024 Stallion Fee Auction, hosted online by Sugar Creek from February 17–24, featured breeding fees donated by owners of top Tennessee Walking Horse stallions. Bidders participated enthusiastically, knowing all proceeds would directly benefit Smile A Mile’s mission to provide “hope, healing, and love” to families during cancer treatment. The auction’s unique structure saw lots closing every 10 minutes on the final day, creating a dynamic fundraising environment.
Community Impact
Smile A Mile relies on donations like these to fund programs such as emotional support, family retreats, and financial assistance for medical costs. WHAA President emphasized, “This auction isn’t just about breeding exceptional horses—it’s about giving back to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 auction concluded, WHAA encourages supporters to stay involved. “Every bid makes a difference,” said an AWHLA representative. “Together, we’re helping Smile A Mile turn miles of hardship into miles of hope.”
For More Information:
Visit Smile A Mile or the Walking Horse Association of Alabama’s website to learn about future events.
Web Users Weigh In: Top Picks for 2025 WHTA Trainers Show Judges Revealed in Exclusive Poll….Justin Jenne as Early Favorite
Web Users Weigh In: Top Picks for 2025 WHTA Trainers Show Judges Revealed in Exclusive Poll
Walking Horse Chat Poll Results Show Justin Jenne as Early Favorite
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As the February 15th deadline approaches, Walking Horse enthusiasts have been casting their votes on WalkingHorseChat.com to determine which judges they want to see preside over the highly anticipated 2025 WHTA Trainers Show. With 96 SHOW HIO judges to choose from, voters were asked to select their top three favorites, and the results so far have revealed a clear frontrunner and a competitive race for the remaining spots.
Justin Jenne Leads the Pack
Justin Jenne has emerged as the early favorite, capturing 7% of the votes (57 votes) and securing the top spot in the poll. Known for his expertise and fair judging style, Jenne’s popularity among voters highlights the community’s trust in his ability to deliver a well-judged competition.
A Tight Race for the Top Ten
Behind Jenne, the competition remains fierce, with several judges vying for the second and third spots. Joe Fleming and Sam Sorrell are currently tied at 4%, with Fleming slightly ahead at 30 votes compared to Sorrell’s 28. Newton Parks follows closely with 27 votes, while Rollie Beard rounds out the top five with 26 votes.
The rest of the top ten includes:
David Sisk (3%, 25 votes)
Chad Williams (3%, 25 votes)
Jamie Hankins (3%, 24 votes)
Chris Zahnd (3%, 24 votes)
Scotty Brooks (3%, 23 votes)
With the poll set to close on February 15th, these rankings could still shift as more voters weigh in. The Walking Horse community has shown strong engagement, with hundreds of votes already cast, reflecting the passion and dedication of fans and participants alike.
What’s Next?
The results of this poll will provide valuable insight into the preferences of the Walking Horse community, potentially influencing the selection of judges for the 2025 WHTA Trainers Show. As the deadline approaches, voters are encouraged to make their voices heard and ensure their favorite judges are in the running.
Stay tuned to WalkingHorseChat.com for the final results and updates on the 2025 WHTA Trainers Show!
Fixing the Rot: How Crooked Judging is Killing the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry
Fixing the Rot: How Crooked Judging is Killing the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry
Written by: Tommy Williams
email:tommywhc@aol.com
931-492-2825
WHC Publisher-Williams Media Entertainment
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO FILE OF THIS ARTICLE
The Tennessee Walking Horse industry has long been a symbol of Southern heritage, elegance, and tradition. But behind the glittering trophies and polished hooves lies a festering problem that threatens to destroy the very foundation of this beloved industry: crooked judging.
The recent court ruling favoring the industry was a win, no doubt. It was a chance to breathe new life into a community that has faced its share of challenges. But let’s not mistake this victory as a free pass to ignore the rot within. If we don’t address the corruption in the judging system—the buddy system, the lack of accountability, and the failure of Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) to hold trainers and judges to a higher standard—this industry will crumble from the inside out.
Let’s call it what it is: in many cases…its a rigged game.
For too long, the “good ol’ boys” network has dominated the show ring. Trainers and judges scratching each other’s backs, ensuring that the same names rise to the top while the average competitor—the one who pours their heart, soul, and savings into their horse—gets left in the dust. This isn’t just unfair; it’s a betrayal of the very spirit of competition. It’s why shows are shrinking, why spectators are losing interest, and why the next generation of enthusiasts is looking elsewhere.
The HIOs, which are supposed to be the guardians of integrity, have failed us. Time and again, they’ve turned a blind eye to unethical practices, allowing trainers and judges to operate with impunity. Where is the accountability? Where is the transparency? If we can’t trust the system to be fair, why should anyone bother to compete?
That’s why initiatives like the judges review system on WalkingHorseChat.com are so critical. This platform gives a voice to those who have been silenced for too long. It allows riders, owners, and fans to publicly review judges, shining a light on the good, the bad, and the downright corrupt. This isn’t about witch hunts; it’s about demanding fairness. It’s about holding those in power accountable for their actions—or lack thereof.
Let’s be clear: crooked judging isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s a cancer. It erodes trust, drives away participants, and tarnishes the reputation of the entire industry. If we don’t act now, we’ll be left with empty show rings and a legacy of shame.
To the HIOs: step up or step aside. Your job is to protect the integrity of this sport, not to enable its downfall. Implement stricter oversight, enforce real consequences for unethical behavior, and start putting the interests of the industry above personal relationships.
To the trainers and judges who play by the rules: we see you, and we appreciate you. But it’s time to speak out against those who don’t. Silence is complicity, and this industry can’t afford any more enablers.
And to the average rider—the one who shows up year after year, giving it their all despite the odds—this fight is for you. You deserve a fair shot. You deserve a system that rewards hard work and talent, not backroom deals.
The Tennessee Walking Horse industry is at a crossroads. We can either seize this moment to root out corruption and rebuild trust, or we can watch as the shows we love wither away. The choice is ours. But make no mistake: if we don’t fix this now, there won’t be an industry left to save.
It’s time to clean house. Let’s get to work.
EDITORIAL:A New Dawn for the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry
A New Dawn for the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry By Tommy Williams, Publisher of WalkingHorseChat.com
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The Tennessee Walking Horse industry isn’t just about horses—it’s about people. It’s about the families who’ve raised these horses for generations, the trainers who’ve spent countless hours perfecting their craft, and the fans who fill the stands at every show, cheering for their favorites. It’s about tradition, pride, and a shared love for one of the most graceful breeds in the world. But over the past few years, that tradition has been under threat. That’s why today’s ruling by United States District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk feels like a turning point—a moment to celebrate and look forward to a brighter future.
In his decision, Judge Kacsmaryk ruled in favor of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, Tom Gould, and Kimberly Lewis on nearly all counts. He struck down key parts of the USDA’s 2024 amendments to the Horse Protection Act, including the blanket ban on action devices, pads, and substances. He also found that the replacement of the Scar Rule didn’t give the industry a fair chance to defend itself. While the court upheld the provision about the Designated Qualified Person (DQP) program, the overall ruling is a clear win for common sense and fairness.
This decision isn’t just about legal jargon or regulatory details—it’s about real people and their livelihoods. For years, breeders, trainers, and exhibitors have been navigating a maze of regulations that made it harder to do what they love. Many felt like they were being unfairly targeted, and some even wondered if the industry could survive. But today’s ruling changes that. It’s a reminder that when we stand together and fight for what’s right, we can make a difference.
I believe 2025 will be a year of incredible growth for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. With these unnecessary barriers lifted, we’ll see more people participating in horse shows, more families visiting training facilities, and more businesses thriving. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, already a highlight of the year, will likely see record attendance, bringing a much-needed boost to local economies.
But this ruling isn’t just about economics—it’s about hope. It’s about the young girl who dreams of showing her first Tennessee Walking Horse, the breeder who’s worked tirelessly to preserve the breed’s unique characteristics, and the fan who travels miles to watch these horses perform. It’s about ensuring that the Tennessee Walking Horse remains a symbol of Southern heritage for generations to come.
As the publisher of WalkingHorseChat.com, I’ve had the privilege of hearing from so many of you—your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs. This ruling is a testament to your resilience and dedication. It’s a reminder that the Tennessee Walking Horse industry is more than just a business; it’s a community.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m filled with optimism. This legal victory opens the door to a new era of growth, innovation, and celebration. Let’s embrace this opportunity to showcase the beauty, grace, and versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse to the world.
Here’s to a thriving 2025 and beyond—for the horses, for the people who love them, and for the traditions that bring us all together.
processes, show regulations, and revenue flows that disproportionately benefit its inner circle.
buddy system, the lack of accountability, and the failure of Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) to hold trainers and judges to a higher standard—this industry will crumble from the inside out.