Harry named interim coordinator for SHOW

Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows has named Dr. Mike Harry to the position of Interim Compliance Coordinator for the newly formed horse industry organization (HIO) SHOW. His appointment is effective immediately. SHOW Designated Qualified Persons Coordinator Andy Messick will answer directly to Harry. Meadows will head up SHOW until an overall director as well as an independent board can be appointed.

"Harry is a highly respected veterinarian and is a native of Lincoln County," stated a press release from The Celebration. "He enjoys an outstanding reputation as a veterinarian and was one of the authors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 'White Paper.'"

This document outlines proactive methods and actions for the Walking Horse industry to take in support of the Horse Protection Act.

Andy Messick will work directly with Harry as new and improved policies and procedures are developed and employed in the field.

"I appreciate that Dr. Harry brings immediate credibility to our HIO and will be a positive force in the compliance process," said Meadows.

Harry served as the official show veterinarian at the 2008 Celebration. He and his wife, Violet, live in Fayetteville. SHOW will begin immediately to find a permanent person for the position.

"Effective April 1, SHOW began operating totally under the umbrella of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and its Board of Directors." said Celebration Board Chairman Charles McDonald. "All operations of the Celebration and SHOW will be under the direction of Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows."

Additionally, McDonald said, "it is our desire to hire an overall director and to implement an independent policy- and decision-making board."

The TWHNC Board consists of seven directors selected from the 40-member Celebration Association. Pat Marsh, former Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the HIO Activation Committee, will serve as board liaison to SHOW.

"It is our intent to make SHOW independent and self-sustaining as soon as possible so we can return to our primary responsibility of conducting the world's greatest horse show," said Meadows. "It is in our best interest as well as the walking horse industry to spin-off SHOW as prudently as possible."

SHOW rules

Meadows also announced that the newly activated SHOW HIO will be using the rule book formerly used by the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC). The NHSC had recently printed 2,500 rule books.

"I see no reason for the added expense to print another rule book since the one currently in use has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture," said Meadows. "I discussed this with the USDA's Rachel Cezar last week and she agreed to the decision.

"We will begin work on a new rule book for 2010 as soon as show season ends," added Meadows. "We encourage anyone with suggestions or ideas for improvements to the rules to send us their written recommendations."

Committees for both owners and trainers will assist in developing content for the 2010 rule book.

SHOW submitted a proposed rule book to the USDA for its approval as an HIO when it was formed several years ago, but because the Celebration HIO was not activated at that time, they did not print a rule book.

All HIOs are required to submit their rule books each year to the USDA for approval. The NHSC rule book has been approved for a number of years.