FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIONAL WALKING HORSE ASSOCIATION, LEXINGTON, KY

Dr. Martha M. Day, NWHA's Director of Designated Qualified Persons and Animal Welfare cited the reason for NWHA's actions, "The NWHA is disheartened and outraged that the United States Department of Agriculture would allow industry pressure to dictate the efficacy of Horse Protection Act enforcement".

Earlier this year, NWHA's board of directors voted to become a signatory to the 2007-2009 Operating Plan as a show of support for the most stringent and comprehensive operating plan implemented since the Horse Protection Act was enacted 37 years ago. The original 2007-2009 Operating Plan demonstrated a strong commitment to scar rule enforcement and enacted tough penalties for repeat offenders. However, industry pressure and political clout caused the USDA to enact a second, less stringent Operating Plan that gave Horse Industry Organizations the freedom to choose to follow the guidelines in the original, more stringent Operating Plan or a new, less stringent Operating Plan that includes a twelve month probationary period for repeat offenders to the scar rule.

The NWHA has chosen to voice its dissent to the implementation of this nonlevel playing field by becoming a nonsignatory to both Operating Plans. The NWHA will continue in its mission to promote, preserve and protect the naturally gaited walking horse by continuing as the industry's gold standard in enforcing zero tolerance to horse soring practices.

The NWHA was founded in 1998. It is an alliance of people committed to preserving and fostering the natural abilities and welfare of the walking horse.

Regional Championship Shows for 2008

The NWHA Board of Directors unanimously approved Regional Championship Shows for the 2008 exhibition season. Exhibitors showing in these shows may earn the title of “Regional Champion” as well as earn double points toward the NWHA annual high point awards. The Board has approved the adoption of eight (8) regions for purposes of these shows. One Championship show per region per year will be approved each year. Membership density and geography were considered in forming the regions. An exhibitor is not limited to showing in just one region.

Criteria for holding a Regional Championship Show is as follows:

1. The show must be affiliated with NWHA using NWHA judges and DQPs.
    
2. The show must pledge to donate at least 50% of the net profits from the show to the NWHA. Revenues and expenses must be itemized and reported to the NWHA.
    
3. The show must offer championship classes for NWHA Divisions to include Country Pleasure, Trail Pleasure, Lite Shod, and Plantation Pleasure in both 2-gait and 3-gait. This is a minimum so others such as AOT, SSH, RH and etc. may also be offered at the show’s discretion.
    
4. Exhibitors at a show designated as a regional championship show will be awarded double points for the NWHA high point program.
    
5. Championship classes must be payback classes or have special awards, prizes or premiums.
    
6. Only one show per region can be designated as a regional championship.
    
7. Double judged shows are not eligible to be designated as a regional championship show.
    
8. Application to be designated as a regional championship must be approved by a vote of the Board of Directors. Applications must be submitted by October 1st to be approved for the following calendar year.

Regions are as follows:

• Region 1 – Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland
   
• Region 2 – Michigan, Ohio
   
• Region 3 – Virginia, North Carolina
   
• Region 4 – South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama
   
• Region 5 – Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia
   
• Region 6 – Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri
   
• Region 7 – Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska
   
• Region 8 – Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Alaska, Hawaii
   
  The application to hold a Regional Championship Show may be Downloaded Here, or you may contact the NWHA office.
   
  National Walking Horse Association
  At The Kentucky Horse Park
  4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 4
  Lexington, KY 40511
  Phone: 859-252-NWHA (6942)