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

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO OF THIS ARTICLE

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.