In light of recent events in the United States Congress and in the USDA regarding rule making, the TWHBEA Performance Horse Committee makes the following statement:

•The TWHBEA Performance Committee supports every discipline of the Tennessee Walking Horse. The TWHBEA Performance Horse Committee is also committed to the welfare of every Tennessee Walking in their care and use. We base our position on proven scientific premises found in, but not limited to the Auburn Study, the Atlanta Protocols and published statistics from Veterinarian examinations and rulings and pronouncement from the 5th Circuit court in regard to the case of McGartland vs the USDA.

•The TWHBEA Performance Committee opposes any change to the current shoeing and/or action devices used on our Performance Horses. This applies to all rail horses, both flatshod and padded.

•The TWHBEA Performance committee supports the HIO system of industry self-regulation. The TWHBEA Performance Horse Committee supports the bills HR4105 & S1161 in Congress calling for development of an independent HIO with inspections based on scientific objective testing.

•The TWHBEA Performance Committee further asserts that the USDA is enforcing the Horse Protection Act discriminatorily and capriciously. We find that the anti-animal utilization entities, such as the, Humane Society of the United States, has and continues to have infiltrated and exerted undue influence in the USDA, the regulatory agency with enforcement power of the Horse Protection Act. These entities have deceptively influenced the public, elected lawmakers, and the executive branch of federal and state government. We recognize that in the regulatory agency, there is actual bias, against the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry.

•We condemn, anti animal ownership and utilization entities, including, the Humane Society of the United States as being hostile to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors Association. The TWHBEA Performance Horse Committee supports other divisions of animal agriculture in their opposition to HSUS, and others, and supports domestic pet groups/responsible dog breeders and exotic animal owners who oppose the radical agenda of the Humane Society of the United States, and other entities. We support the usage of equines in recreation, work and entertainment.

•The TWHBEA Performance Horse Committee further calls on Congress to stop the usurpation of legislative power by the USDA through an attempt at rulemaking to bypass the authority of Congress which has resisted the passage of an onerous and highly discriminatory bill currently known as S 1121/HR4105.