August 31, 2007

The “Real” Sound Walking Horse Organization
By Donald A. Vizi
Executive Director, National Walking Horse Association

In response to the recent article “Some were in denial, but image can change” by Chuck Cadle Executive Director of TWHBEA.
First of all, I have to congratulate Mr. Cadle on his plan to change the image of his organization (TWHBEA). He has an uphill battle, and if he is able to accomplish this enormous task, he will have an organization that supports a sound Walking Horse Industry.

For five decades the controversial training and showing practices of the Tennessee Walking Horse stunted the breed's acceptance and growth. As the artificial gait changed the direction of the breed, the true gaits, which originally made the breed popular, were almost lost.

The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) is an alliance of people; Walking Horse owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts committed to preserving and fostering the natural abilities and welfare of the Walking Horse. NWHA has been setting the standard for the future for sound walking horses since 1998.
The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) policy is zero tolerance for soring, strict enforcement of the scar rule and disallowing the use of action devices such as padded shoes and chains in our show rings. We are strong supporters of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and have fought against any measure that weakens this law. It is sad to see that through political pressure by another organization, amendments have been accepted by the USDA that weaken the 2007-2009 Operating Plan for enforcing the HPA, the law which helps protect the Walking Horse. Although we were a signatory to the original 2007-2009 Operating Plan, NWHA has withdrawn its support of this new amended plan. We continue, however, to strictly enforce the USDA HPA of 1970.

The NWHA exists for the horse, the Walking Horse. This year alone we had over sixty (60) shows affiliated with the NWHA. These affiliating organizations truly care about the Walking Horse and have agreed with our philosophy about soring, scar rule, padded shoes and action devices.

We have highly trained and qualified Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs), certified by the USDA and the NWHA, that inspect all horses for soundness at all our affiliated shows and at our National Championship Show to be held in Murfreesboro, TN September 18-22, 2007. Our DQPs are committed to enforcing the Horse Protection Act to its fullest.

Time will have to pass with “sound” results before NWHA can say its mission is accomplished and its reason for existence is complete. It IS about the HORSE!

August 8, 2007

Press Release
National Walking Horse Association

The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) applauds the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for its strong stand in favor of protecting the magnificent, naturally-gaited Tennessee walking horse. The HSUS and NWHA share the goal of protecting the Tennessee walking horse from abuse. NWHA has a zero tolerance policy against soring, strongly enforces the scar rule, and does not allow the use of pads or chains on horses at its shows.

The Humane Society of the United States is right when it said, “This abuse is not hidden, or secreted, or frowned upon by industry leaders. It is part of the culture and fabric of Tennessee walker competition – it must be stopped.” Our comment to this statement is that not all industry leaders can be included within this abuse group. There are many owners and trainers who are not part of this abuse and who continue to show sound horses in many events such as those affiliated with NWHA.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 37 years ago made a commitment to enforce the “Horse Protection Act” enacted by the United States Congress. In the past two years, the USDA has strengthened its enforcement of the law, making it clear that horses would be protected from abuse. The original 2007-2009 USDA Operating Plan was the most stringent and comprehensive operating plan implemented since the Horse Protection Act was enacted 37 years ago. The original 2007-2009 plan demonstrated a strong commitment to scar rule enforcement and enacted tough penalties for repeat offenders.

NWHA’s Board of Directors voted to become a signatory to the 2007-2009 Operating Plan. However, pressure from within other parts of the industry have caused the USDA to propose a second, less stringent Operating Plan. The USDA gave Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) the option of choosing between the original stringent Operating Plan and the less stringent Operating Plan that only includes a twelve-month probationary period for repeat offenders to the scar rule. This creates a playing field that is not level for all participants.

The NWHA has chosen to voice its dissent to the implementation of the two Operating Plans, by becoming a non-signatory of both Operating Plans. The NWHA will continue in its mission to promote, preserve, and protect the naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse by continuing as the industry’s gold standard in enforcing zero tolerance to horse soring practices.

We unequivocally support the Humane Society of the United States for their stance in protecting the Tennessee walking horse, and we ask that everyone continue to speak against the abuse that occurs to these beautiful animals and to be part of the solution.

Donald A. Vizi
Executive Director
National Walking Horse Association
4950 Iron Works Parkway Ste.4
Lexington, Kentucky 40511

We need your support!

The National Show will be here in just over 2 months. Monies go toward rental of the Miller Coliseum, purchases of ribbons and trophies, and many other expenses incurred for the National. After expenses, NWHA relies on these funds for operations in the coming year.  If a $25 special friend sponsorship is something you can give, this too makes a difference when combined with others.  Many levels of sponsorships are available from $25 to $10,000.00.  All sponsorship monies are tax deductible.

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