Celebration judge, owner sanctioned

Nathan Clark, of Arab, Ala., was a judge at this year's Celebration. He failed to report that Tommy Stewart, also of Arab, had made an "inappropriate contact" to discuss previous and upcoming classes. As a result, Clark will not be eligible to judge in 2009 and Stewart has been banned from the Celebration grounds for three years.

The Celebration now conducts polygraph tests each year for show management, judges and Designated Qualified Persons. The polygraph program was part of an initiative started in 2007 to ensure the show's integrity.

Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows and the polygraph operator who conducted the tests said nothing was found in any of the results that would call into question the fairness of this year's show results.

The tests were conducted in late September and October. A total of 17 individuals were examined and each signed a release prior to the examination acknowledging their consent to be examined. The testing was done by Robert Campbell, a retired federal polygraph examiner and a past president of the Tennessee Polygraph Association. Questions ranged from general information to set a baseline to questions that dealt with each individual's job performance at The Celebration.

"It is my opinion that there was no information gathered during the polygraph examinations of DQP's, show management or judges which showed an involvement by anyone during the 2008 Celebration that harmed the fairness of the competition," said Campbell, despite the inappropriate contact between Clark and Stewart reported as a result of the polygraph investigation.

However, as a result of the polygraph investigation a judge reported an inappropriate contact. Clark reported that Stewart "made an inappropriate contact to him regarding previously judged classes and classes that had not yet shown," according to a Celebration news release. For failure to report an inappropriate contact in a timely manner, Clark will not be considered as a judge for the 2009 Fun Show and Celebration, and the rule violation will be reported to the National Horse Show Commission. Stewart will be suspended and will not be permitted on the TWHNC grounds for three years for any event or activity. In addition he will also be reported to the National Horse Show Commission.

Additionally, The Celebration issued two letters to individuals cautioning them of inappropriate comments they made at The Celebration.

Meadows said, "I applaud Nathan and think he has a tremendous future as a judge in our industry. He did a great job in center ring and I look forward to him judging The Celebration again. Ultimately, this will only improve his credibility and respect in our industry."

Celebration officials said the testing protocol is directed toward bolstering confidence in the overall integrity of the event.

"Our board of directors feel these tests are a positive statement regarding the fairness of our event and adding another layer of confidence and transparency to our exhibitors, ticket holders and the outside world," said Meadows. "I am confident these examinations will go a long way in accomplishing that."

The testing procedure was part of an overall plan announced in 2007 and expanded this year that was designed to ensure the health and safety of participating animals, compliance with the Horse Protection Act, and show integrity.

In addition to polygraph examinations, The Celebration was in its second year of a random drug screening program and eliminating the use of syringes on the grounds by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian. Within the inspection area, hoof testers were used to detect any evidence of improper shoeing and selected flat-shod entries were required to have their shoes removed, inspected, and weighed following championship competition. The Celebration expanded its drug testing program to include eye exams this year.

The Celebration also continued a more stringent overall security plan that included identification credentials for individuals allowed in the inspection area.