TWHNC signs with horse show commission

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) officially signed papers yesterday at noon, affiliating with the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) for the 2007 World Championship event.

"This is a great step for this indistry," said NHSC Chairman Wink Groover. "After all, the NHSC is the largest Horse Industry Organization (HIO), period, in the industry. We are thrilled with the decision and to have them aboard."

Affiliating with the group provides the judges, Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) and regulations the umbrella commission houses.

The NHSC is made up of delegates from the Walking Horse Trainers' Association (WHTA) and the Walking Horse Owners' Association (WHOA). Last week, both the membership body of both organizations voted to recommend to the NHSC to sign the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Operating Plan for 2007-2008.

The NHSC board had delayed signing prior to this time due to wording within the rules and regulations summary. After months of negotiations with the federal government, several re-wording and amendments were made, putting the policy more inline with previous plans and acceptable to the majority of the membership.

"The Celebration is our world championship horse show," said Groover. "It is our Olympics. In that regard, there are many differences between a one-night horse show and a great, multi-million dollar venue like The Celebration."

Groover indicated there were several areas where the trainers were often disappointed or even upset with the rules set by The Celebration staff and board of directors.

"This is not a one-night show where we can set the kids free and wander about ourselves," he began. "Putting on a show of this magnitude requires security issues and a lot of volunteer staffing.

"Everyone likes to complain about something -- the food prices are too high, the stalls are priced too high, the grounds are congested. Well, while that may be true, we, as the performers at this world class event have to understand that each time we buy a hamburger or park a car, we are giving to a civic club who has a world-wide reach. That makes every dollar spent worthwhile.

"The other thing spectators, owners, trainers alike, have to realize is that The Celebration is the crowning of the World Grand Champion. This is a great honor for our breed to have a privately owned organization, a private corporation, that believes in our breed enough to promote it -- to allow us to promote our breed."

While Groover backs The Celebration's decisions for security and other measures, he said the most important aspect is the return of the fun atmosphere in the midst of the competition.

"Last year was a difficult year," he said. "It began with [problems with the USDA officials at] the Fayetteville Horse show and carried through to Belfast and Wartrace. Then, a month later, trainers already upset came to The Celebration. Trainers were on defense from the moment they loaded their trailers.

"We can't do that this year. That's not the way we want the show to be. Sure, it's not going to be relaxing, but it is the world championship event."

Groover is optimistic that The Celebration will be all it ever was and possibly more.

"The trainers are doing a superb job with their horses.," he said. "They have been working hard all year to provide great entertainment and talent to the show audience, meet the criteria of the USDA and allow the owners to enjoy themselves. That's a big requirement, but they're accomplishing it.

"I am proud of the way the industry is moving forward. And I'm pleased that The Celebration has made the decision to join the NHSC this year, just as they've always done. I look forward to a good show, maybe a bit lighter in some spots than in others, but it will be a good show."

The Celebration opens its door to the Walking Horse world on Aug. 23. The show hosts 10-days of competition for the breed. While all evening classes are held in the historic outdoor arena, day classes are scheduled for Calsonic Arena.

The show didn't crown a World Grand Champion in 2006, a first for the show in its 68 year.

Judging the show this year are Mike Carpenter, Allen Forman, Justin Jenne, Sam Sorrell and Ronnie Spears.

In anticipation of the show, the Times-Gazette will again this year publish a souvenior Walking Horse edition. Special advertising sections, as well as a host of articles featuring Walking Horse trainers, breeders and fans will be available on Aug. 24.

For more information on how to be included in the sections, contact the T-G advertising department at 684-1200.

Tickets are avaiable for The Celebration by contacting the ticket office at 684-5915.