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.

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.

Luncheon planned for horse show organizers

Luncheon planned for horse show organizers
Monday, December 23, 2024

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) and the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) are hosting a luncheon for all show managers on February 15, 2025. The luncheon will be held in conjunction with the WHTA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, held at the Embassy Suites in Franklin, Tennessee. All show managers who host events that include Tennessee Walking Horses are invited to attend the luncheon.

The USDA finalized a rule earlier this year that would make sweeping changes to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and all equine competitions. The rule is set to take effect in February 2025, but the industry is challenging it in Federal court. We expect to have some answers on the lawsuit and more direction for show managers who are planning events in 2025 before the luncheon on February 15. TWHBEA and WHTA are committed to working with the current HIOs and horse shows to support them in every way necessary to ensure minimal disruption to their events in the coming year. The success of our industry is dependent on the success of our competitions.

Show organizers can make reservations for the luncheon by calling TWHBEA at 931-359-1574 or by clicking here: https://forms.gle/K1hkmHRm14dhtLv9A

TWHBEA elects Executive Committee for 2025 Sunday, December 8, 2024

The International Board of Directors for the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association met today and elected their Executive Committee for the coming year. The slate that was presented by the Nominating Committee was elected without opposition.Executive Committee Members elected for two-year terms are:
Advocacy Vice-President: Bill Stricklend (AL)
Bylaws & Enforcement Vice-President: Tom Kakassy (SC)
Membership & Registry Vice-President: Nathan Clark (AL)
Show Horse Vice-President: Lance Meisenheimer (IL)
Versatility & Trail Vice-President: Lyn Montgomery (CA)
Youth Vice-President: Nicole Tolle (CO)The following will continue their service on the Executive Committee for one-year to complete their EC term:
President: Amanda Wright (TN)
Senior Vice-President: David Williams (TN)
Administrative/Fiscal/Audit Vice-President: Kasey Kesselring (TN)
Marketing & Communications Vice-President: Dale Daniels (AR)
International Vice-President: Denise Bader (Germany)
Trainers Vice-President: Dee Cantrell (AL)Following the meeting the Executive Committee held their first meeting where they appointed Kasey Kesselring to a dual role as secretary. A complete recap of the meeting will be in a future issue of the VOICE Magazine.

Gilbert to judge TWHYA Summer Splash; Pre-enter most classes for free!

Gilbert to judge TWHYA Summer Splash; Pre-enter most classes for free
Monday, August 5, 2024

The Tennessee Walking Horse Youth Association (TWHYA) is finalizing plans for their 6th Annual Summer Splash Youth & Halter Show this Saturday,, August 10, at Maury County Park in Columbia, Tennessee. Vickey Gilbert of Rogersville, Alabama will judge the 31-class program, which includes just about every class for youth exhibitors and halter horses one can imagine. New to this year’s schedule is a showmanship class for youth exhibitors. The Summer Splash is the primary fundraiser for the TWHYA and funds the majority of youth programs offered by TWHBEA. This year the show will also be a fundraiser for the Spring Hill FFA, who will be operating the concession stand.

To make the show as affordable as possible for youth exhibitors, and to incentivize exhibitors to make their entries early, entry fees for all classes (except Riders Cup) are free if entered before 5pm on Friday, August 9, 2024. Pre-entries can be made online, in-person at the TWHBEA office, or by emailing an entry form to jozburn@twhbea.com. More information about the show, including a link to enter online, downloadable entry form, and class schedule can be found at www.TWHBEA.com/splash. You can also call 931-359-1574 or email info@twhbea.com for more information.

Lawsuit filed challenging enforcement of Horse Protection Act

Lawsuit filed challenging enforcement of Horse Protection Act
Monday, March 11, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following summary of a lawsuit filed earlier today in federal court in Jackson, Tenn., outlines the three main areas being challenged in enforcement of the Horse Protection Act. The lawsuit filed today is independent of the proposed rulemaking currently in process by USDA. To view the full complaint, click here.

SUMMARY OF NEW LAWSUIT CHALLENGING HORSE PROTECTION ACT REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

On March 11, 2024, trainers Michael Wright, Casey Wright, and Josh Wright sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA” or “Agency”) challenging multiple USDA decisions disqualifying their horses in past shows and challenging the USDA rules that were applied to disqualify their horses. The Tennessee Walking Horse Industry supports the Wrights in their lawsuit, which raises issues that are important for the entire industry. The lawsuit asserts that USDA has been unlawfully disqualifying horses and violating trainers’ and owners’ due process rights by failing to provide any mechanism to review disqualification decisions. The lawsuit focuses on three challenges that may have impacts across the industry.

First, the lawsuit argues that the USDA has been violating constitutional due process rights by disqualifying horses without giving owners or trainers any opportunity to challenge disqualification decisions. USDA’s rules provide no hearing or other means—either before or after a disqualification—by which a trainer can challenge a disqualification and argue why a horse inspector’s decision was wrong. That violates the most fundamental principles under the Due Process Clause, which requires a meaningful opportunity to be heard in connection with any government deprivation of a liberty or property interest. As the lawsuit points out, a federal court determined eight years ago that the USDA violated due process rights by failing to provide any review mechanism, but the USDA has continued to operate under the same unconstitutional regime. The suit seeks an order declaring the USDA’s practice unlawful and an order requiring USDA to provide due process in connection with any disqualification decisions.

Second, the suit challenges the USDA’s continued enforcement of the Scar Rule, a regulation describing certain conditions which, if found on a horse’s legs, require deeming that horse to be sore. The Scar Rule exceeds the USDA’s authority under the Horse Protection Act (“HPA”) by using criteria different from those set by Congress in the Act. In addition, after a review conducted at USDA’s request, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine told the USDA years ago that the criteria in the Scar Rule have no actual scientific connection to soring and that they cannot be consistently applied—and thus produce arbitrary results. For those reasons, too, the rule is inconsistent with the statute.

Third, the suit challenges USDA’s policy under which inspectors must disqualify a horse as sore if the horse shows any signs of inflammation in a post-show inspection, without regard to how the inflammation was caused. That approach also violates the statute by departing from the statutory definition of “sore,” which is triggered only when a person has taken some deliberate action to make a horse sore. Contrary to the USDA’s approach, any inflammation caused naturally during a competition—such as that caused by horse’s rear legs rubbing on the dirt or gravel in the ring—cannot be treated as a sign of soring under the Act.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare that the USDA’s rules are unlawful and to set them aside so that they can no longer be enforced against the Wrights or any other horse owners and trainers.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How does this lawsuit relate to the new rule USDA has proposed? This lawsuit challenges USDA’s existing rules and policies, not the new rule USDA has proposed. We are still waiting for USDA to issue the new rule, at which time there will likely be another lawsuit to challenge it. However, the issues raised in this lawsuit—in particular the due process concerns—are unlikely to go away once the new rule is adopted. A favorable ruling in this lawsuit will prevent USDA from enforcing its existing unlawful rules and should be taken into account by the USDA in the new rules it adopts.

Does the lawsuit help only the Wrights? What about other horse owners and trainers? The lawsuit is brought on behalf of the Wrights, but it seeks relief that would affect all horse owners and trainers. Because the rules and policies used to disqualify the Wrights’ horses are unlawful each and every time they are used, the complaint asks the court to prevent USDA from using them at all moving forward.

What about other things the USDA does? Why isn’t the USDA’s foreign substance policy part of this lawsuit? The lawsuit challenges rules and policies that were used against the Wrights in specific instances. It also challenges rules and policies that we believe give us a high chance of success. Should we win, we hope to be able to use that ruling to stop USDA from enforcing other unlawful rules (like its foreign substance policy) that go beyond the scope of its authority.

When will the court rule on the lawsuit? That depends on several factors, some of which will be up to the judge and the government. We hope to press for a ruling sometime this year.

Do you agree with the new TWH Exhibitor and Horse cards required starting in 2024 show season, earmarking funds for industry legal fund?

Do you agree with the new TWH Exhibitor and Horse cards required starting in 2024 show season, earmarking funds for industry legal fund?

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Exhibitor and Horse Cards to be introduced for 2024 Show Season

Exhibitor and Horse Cards to be introduced for 2024 Show Season
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Three Horse Industry Organizations (HIO) for Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses will require cards for exhibitors and horses in order for them to compete at their affiliated shows in 2024. The sale of the cards will be administered by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) and the cards will be required at shows affiliated with American Horse Services, KY-HIO, and S.H.O.W.-HIO.

The implementation of the Exhibitor Card and Horse Card will raise funds for the industry’s impending challenges to the USDA rulemaking as well as to challenge the due process issues that have plagued the industry for years. The industry will be forced to defend the show horse from the proposed rulemaking which would affect both the performance and pleasure flatshod Tennessee Walking Horse.

In addition, and given that the USDA agrees that it has significant problems with due process under the HPA, it is paramount that the Industry challenge the USDA’s lack of due process in the current enforcement of the HPA at horse shows that result in disqualifications without the guaranteed notice and hearing thus violating the Horse Protection Act (HPA), Due Process under the Constitution and under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

The ability for the industry to fund these legal challenges relies heavily on income derived from the sale of Exhibitor and Horse Cards.

PARTICIPATING HIOS
Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses who participate in shows affiliated with the following HIOs will be required to purchase an annual Horse Card in order to compete. Exhibitors of those horses will be required to purchase an annual Exhibitor Card in order to compete.
• American Horse Services
• KY-HIO
• S.H.O.W.-HIO

HORSE CARDS
For the 2024 show season all Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses who participate in shows affiliated with participating HIOs will be required to purchase a Horse Card. All of the money received for Horse Cards will be used to pay legal fees as described above.

• The cost is $100 per horse for each Horse Card.
• All Horse Cards for the 2024 show season will expire on December 31, 2024.
• Horse Cards follow the horse. If a horse is transferred during the year, the new owner will not be required to purchase a new Horse Card if one was previously purchased for the year.
• Horse Cards are required for Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses. They are not required in halter classes, versatility classes, or open breed classes (i.e. local pleasure).

EXHIBITOR CARDS
For shows affiliated with participating HIOs, all exhibitors of Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses will be required to have an Exhibitor Card in order to show. All money received will be used to pay legal fees as described above.

• The cost is $150 for each Exhibitor Card.
• Members of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), Kentucky Walking Horse Association (KWHA), and Racking Horse Breeders’ Association of America (RHBAA) are entitled to a $50 discount per card.
• All Exhibitor Cards for the 2024 show season will expire on December 31, 2024.
• Exhibitor Cards will be required for everyone showing Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses. They are not required in versatility or open breed classes.
• Youth exhibitors can show one time during the year without the requirement of an Exhibitor Card.

PURCHASING YOUR CARDS
In support of the industry, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) has agreed to donate staff time and resources necessary to administer the cards. Exhibitor Cards and Horse Cards can be purchased the following ways:
• Online at www.twhbea.com/ShowCard
• By Phone (with credit card) by calling 931-359-1574
• By Mail by sending a check (payable to TWHBEA) with form to PO Box 286, Lewisburg, TN 37091
A 3% convenience fee will be applied to all credit card transactions.

ENFORCEMENT
Following each show the status of each horse and exhibitor will be verified as the show results are entered. The first time a horse and/or exhibitor shows without the required card they will receive a courtesy notice reminding them to purchase the card(s). If any horse or exhibitor shows a second time without the required card(s), their name will be sent to all participating HIOs and they won’t be allowed to participate in shows affiliated with any of the participating HIOs until the card is purchased.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What cards am I required to purchase? Exhibitors of a Tennessee Walking Horse or Racking horse that shows at a show affiliated with American Horse Services, KY-HIO, or S.H.O.W.-HIO must purchase an Exhibitor Card. In addition, each Tennessee Walking Horse or Racking Horse that is exhibited at a show affiliated with these three HIOs must have a Horse Card.

If I purchase a Horse Card and then sell the horse, do the new owners have to purchase another one? No. A Horse Card follows the horse and only has to be purchased once during the calendar year.

Will I receive an actual card in the mail? No, but you will receive email confirmation. We’re trying to keep our overhead low so all of the money collected can be used for its designated purpose.

Can I purchase the cards at horse shows? You can purchase the cards at any time online, including when you’re at a horse show. Go to www.twhbea.com/ShowCard to purchase the cards online or download a form that can be mailed with a check.

How do I get the member rate when I purchase an Exhibitors Card? Just indicate the organization(s) that you’re a member of and provide your member number. Your membership will be confirmed with the organization(s) when your application is received/processed.

If I’m a member of TWHBEA, RHBAA, WHTA, or KWHA and have to purchase Exhibitor Cards for others (i.e. family members), will I get the discounted member rate for their cards? Each exhibitor for whom a card is purchased must be a member of at least one of the organizations in order to receive the discount.

Do I need separate cards for each HIO? No, one card covers you for all the participating HIOs.

The Pennyroyal Show Information Monday, February 5, 2024

The Pennyroyal show information
Monday, February 5, 2024

The Pennyroyal Charity Horse Show is set for March 7-9, 2024 at the Covered Arena at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The show is WHOA affiliated and the first leg of WHOA’s Triple Crown of 2024. Three judges will adjudicate the show with one alternate.

The Pennyroyal is now a double point Riders’ Cup show and affiliated with the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund, TWHBEA International High Point, Double Point World Series and Youth Medallion programs.

Stall reservations are due by February 16, 2024, and can be made by calling or texting Jennifer at 931-205-3493 or email thepennyroyal22@gmail.com.

Online entries will be accepted through www.horseshowsonline.com until February 23, 2024. Entries made after February 23rd will be subject to a late fee. Adds/scratches can be made until noon each day of the show. Championship and Best in Show entries may be made until 2:00PM on Saturday, March 9 without penalty and horses must have competed in a prior class at The Pennyroyal to qualify for championship or Best in Show classes.

Shavings, stall mats and golf cart rentals can be made through Dever at Kentucky Horse Park. You can order your shavings and stall mats by visiting https://deverrentals.com/shop/. Stall mats are highly recommended as the stalls have concrete bottoms.

The Pennyroyal host hotel is Fairfield by Marriott | Lexington North with a special discounted rate just for Pennyroyal attendees. Book by February 6 to receive the special rate by calling 859-977-5870 or by following this link Book Your Group/Corporate Rate | Marriott International.

Camper reservations must also be made through Kentucky Horse Park. Visit www.reserveamerica.com or call 888-4KY-PARK (888-459-7275).

The Pennyroyal serves as the host show to The Premiere, a three-year-old debut trail pleasure competition. Splits will be held on Thursday with the final of The Premiere falling on Saturday evening. More information can be found concerning The Premiere by visiting www.maidenholdingsllc.com. The Premiere entry deadline is February 8.

Be sure to follow The Pennyroyal on Facebook for all the latest happenings with the show.

All proceeds from this charity horse show benefit Pennyroyal Hospice of Hopkinsville, Ky., a 501( c)3 non-profit organization.

For further show information, please contact Marty Barr at 615-586-3220 or marty@barrstudios.com.

TWHBEA EXE BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

Executive Committee Members elected for two-year terms are:

⭐️President: Amanda Wright (TN)
⭐️Senior Vice-President: David Williams (TN)
⭐️Administrative/Fiscal/Audit Vice-President: Kasey Kesselring (TN)
⭐️Marketing & Communications Vice-President: Dale Daniels (AR)
⭐️International Vice-President: Denise Bader (Germany)
⭐️Trainers Vice-President: Dee Cantrell (AL)

The following will continue their service on the Executive Committee for one-year to complete their EC term:

⭐️Advocacy Vice-President: Bill Stricklend (AL)
⭐️Bylaws & Enforcement Vice-President: Tom Kakassy (SC)
⭐️Membership & Registry Vice-President: David Sisk (TN)
⭐️Show Horse Vice-President: Lance Meisenheimer (IL)
⭐️Versatility & Trail Vice-President: Lyn Montgomery (CA)
⭐️Youth Vice-President: Chris Hazelwood (TN)

Following the meeting the Executive Committee held their first meeting where they appointed Kasey Kesselring to a dual role as secretary. A complete recap of the meeting will be in a future issue of the VOICE Magazine.

Reclaiming Integrity: TWHBEA Must Lead the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry Forward