Lewisburg, TN - Leaders from the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ And Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) were pleased to represent the Association at this year’s American Horse Council Annual Meeting and Issues Forum. TWHBEA President Marty Irby, Member At Large By Laws Loyd Hall Black, Jr., and Executive Director Ron Thomas attended the events held June 19 - 22, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Annual Meeting included various committee meetings and round table discussions. The National Issues Forum, entitled “Congress on a Diet: What It Means for the Horse Industry,” included sessions focusing on the numerous issues of concern to the horse industry. As is custom, a highlight of the event was the Congressional Reception, which allows attendees the opportunity to mingle and network with members of congress.   The TWHBEA representatives attended several of the meetings, discussions and sessions. In particular, Thomas took part in the important Breed Roundtable, which brings together leaders of breed associations to discuss issues of importance to the industry, and the Equine Welfare forum. Loyd Hall Black, Jr., was an official delegate to the proceedings representing Georgia and he was active at the meetings and round table discussions as the Chairman of the Coalition of State Horse Councils. All in all, it proved to be a productive and encouraging event for TWHBEA with President Irby reporting that of all the breed associations present TWHBEA was the only one experiencing growth in 2011.