Previous to the conclusion of the World Grand Championship class on Saturday night, Celebration CEO Mike Inman informed the Celebration crowd that the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST) had met the initial $500,000 goal in the legal and preservation fund. FAST has been raising money to help with the legal fees associated with the industry’s response to the USDA’s proposed rule that would eliminate the pad, action device and hoof band. The rule would also virtually eliminate horse shows with the costs and demands placed on them as part of the rule. In addition, the rule would eliminate industry HIOs and turn all enforcement of the HPA over to the USDA and its new licensing program of Horse Protection Inspectors.

If the USDA publishes a final rule that includes these provisions, the industry will be forced to challenge the rule in court. The industry hopes to avoid litigation, however if the rule is not drastically changed during the comment period, no other choice will be available. FAST will continue its fundraising efforts in order to be prepared to challenge the final rule in court.