SHOW Horse Industry Organization (HIO) hosted a group of prominent horse industry leaders from across the nation during the recent Spring Fun Show.  “We were extremely glad for this group of horse leaders to observe firsthand the Walking Horse industry” stated Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of SHOW.

The group included Dr. Jim Heird, Colorado State University Horse Science leader and horse industry liaison with CSU, Cam Forman, Executive Director of Shows and Regional Activity with the American Quarter Horse Association,  Dr. Scott Hopper, Senior Veterinarian with Rood and Riddle, Lexington, KY, Marie Wheatley, President and CEO of the American Humane Association, Dr. John E. Henton, retired Professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Dr. Mike Harry, Middle Tennessee horse veterinarian and official veterinarian for the Spring Fun Show and Dr. Dave Whitaker, Director of Horse Science at Middle Tennessee State University.  Dr. Harry and Dr. Whitaker were both members of the AAEP “White Paper” published this past summer dedicated to the Walking Horse industry.

The prominent group, as well as all members of The Celebration/SHOW Board of Directors, attended a dinner on Wednesday evening.  After dinner the group heard a presentation by Celebration CEO, Dr. Doyle Meadows concerning the SHOW HIO and an overview of the Walking Horse industry.  A four-hour planning session on the Walking Horse industry was held on Thursday morning followed by a trip to Chad Williams Stable in Shelbyville.  The leaders were introduced to the inspection process and shoe demonstration.  Finally the group attended the Fun Show and witnessed the inspection process first hand.  This educational program was designed to allow other horse leaders to learn more about Walking Horses and the industry.

Attendee Marie Wheatley, President and CEO of the American Humane Association stated, "It is clear to me that every person involved in this meeting understands that the Horse Protection Act must be enforced, and decades of culture within the Walking Horse industry must finally change."

“I think it is important for leaders in other breeds and disciplines of horses to be aware of the direction and progress of the Walking Horse industry” stated Charles McDonald, Chairman of the Board for the Celebration and SHOW.

Left to right: Dr. Dave Whitaker, Dr. Jim Heird, Mr. Cam Forman, Dr. Mike Harry, Chad Williams, Dr. Scott Hopper, Ms. Marie Wheatley, Andy Messick and Dr. John Henton.