WHTA Responds to ABC News Story
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) is shocked and saddened by the undercover video released publicly on ABC News Nightline last night. “We don’t condone this behavior or these actions by Jackie McConnell and are confident that the actions in that video are not indicative of the behavior of our members,” said WHTA President Jamie Hankins.
“The welfare of the Tennessee Walking Horse is at the forefront of our association and our membership. Our members have adopted and abide by a Code of Ethics which requires that we treat all horses ‘humanely, and with dignity and respect’ and use only training methods which are humane and complement the natural abilities of our great breed.” The WHTA has over 550 members and was formed in 1968.
The WHTA did not become aware of the existence of the HSUS video of Mr. McConnell until the feature aired last evening and were not contacted for comment prior to the video being made public. However, upon release of the video, the WHTA Board of Directors called a meeting and has voted unanimously to take the necessary steps to suspend Mr. McConnell’s trainers’ license indefinitely pursuant to their by-laws.
WHTA Riders’ Cup Deadline ExtendedThe Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) has extended the deadline for licensed members to sign up for the 2012 Riders’ Cup. The new deadline will be Friday May 25, 2012, which is the second day of the Spring Fun Show in Shelbyville, Tenn. Over 90 trainers have already signed up for the 2012 Riders’ Cup and sponsorships are at an all-time high for the program. All WHTA members are eligible to sign up for Riders’ Cup and there is no fee to join but all applicants must fill out an application and turn it in at the WHTA office. Also, in 2012 there are both performance and pleasure divisions of the Riders’ Cup. For more information contact Marcia Allison at the WHTA office at 931-684-5866. WHTA Preparing a New InitiativeThe Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) serves the best interest of its members and remains committed to protecting the welfare of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Since the passage of the Horse Protection Act and introduction of the Horse Industry Organization (HIO) program by the USDA, the WHTA has strongly supported inspections at affiliated shows. Change is inevitable in any industry and the Walking Horse industry has seen significant changes in the last 40 years. The WHTA is proud of the progress its members have made in the training and care of the Tennessee Walking Horse. The WHTA continues to ensure proper training methods are used throughout industry training operations. The WHTA will continue its support the HIO program and is even more committed to making sure the welfare of the horse is first and foremost on the minds of professional trainers. In order to do this the WHTA will be announcing a new initiative that will focus on even more demanding enforcement of its rules and the Horse Protection Act. This new initiative will concentrate on areas where objective methods can be used to ensure proper training methods. The new enforcement initiative of the WHTA will focus its research and development on a comprehensive drug-testing program as well as utilizing “swabbing” to ensure the welfare of horses in the show ring. Time is of the essence and the WHTA is aware of the intense scrutiny focused on its profession. Work has already begun on the new initiative working in conjunction with American Association of Equine Practitioners veterinarians on the drug and swabbing tests. Given the nature and complexity of the testing to be implemented, the WHTA will be extremely thorough in forming guidelines for members to follow. The future of the Tennessee Walking Horse and its trainers is a bright one. We have a horse that is unlike any other show horse in the world and has and will continue to demonstrate its incredible versatility in show rings across the country and in other parts of the world. As we embark on this new chapter in our association and our enhanced commitment to the welfare of our horse we ask for your support. 44th Annual National Walking Horse Trainers’ Show Judges AnnouncedJudges have been selected for the 2012 National Trainers’ Show which will be an event held in White Pine, Tennessee on April 12 -14 at the Smoky Mountain Expo Center. Judges will be Eddie Barclay, Wingo, Kentucky, Spencer Benedict, Glasgow, Kentucky and Wayne Dean, Lewisburg, Tennessee.
President Hankins Clarifies ReleaseI would like to clarify the press release issued yesterday by the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association regarding the goals of the Unity Committee of which the WHTA is a participant. The release issued addressed a concern that we as professional trainers feel very strongly about . For the past several days we have been advised by our legal representatives regarding the issue and after a full board consultation it was the unanimous recommendation of our board of directors to release the statement drafted by our legal representatives.
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