Field Day for SACP at Southside Elementary
(05/24/12)
![[Masthead]](http://www.t-g.com/images/nameplate.png)
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Fair ~ High: 92°F ~ Low: 67°F Friday, May 25, 2012 |
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Celebration links
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TWHNC backed, concern shown
(05/24/12)
National media reports regarding the training practices of trainer Jackie McConnell have played a role in influencing local public perception of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. This week the Times-Gazette has invited public comment from readers, called upon local business people and solicited information in an online poll. Here's what they have shared...
Celebration punishes McConnell
(05/23/12)
The Celebration Board of Directors took decisive action Tuesday afternoon, condemning the actions of walking horse trainer Jackie McConnell, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges related to the conspiracy to violate the Horse Protection Act. The Celebration Board voted Tuesday to suspend McConnell for life from entering the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Grounds for any and all events, regardless of the event's affiliation or ownership...
Spring Fun Show spotlights best of the breed
(05/18/12)
The 42nd Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show will open a three-night run on Thursday, May 24 at Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville. As one of the most important spring shows in the Walking Horse industry, the Fun Show has served as a springboard toward the World Grand Championship for many of the top horses of the breed for years. The Fun Show also features 16 Rider's Cup classes for the professional trainer...
TWH industry reacts to video
(05/17/12)
An ABC Nightline news investigation aired video Wednesday evening showing abuse inflicted by a legendary Tennessee walking horse trainer. Consequences of that video included Pepsi-Cola withdrawing from their select sponsorship of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration... 
Giant steps...one at a time
(05/13/12)
It's an unfortunate, but true realization. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't been affected by cancer in some way. It's the great equalizer that can bring anyone to their knees. But, it also can show how strong a person is, and how great the community around them can rally when called upon...
McConnell changes plea in HPA case
(05/11/12)
A Tennessee Walking Horse trainer charged with violations of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) announced Tuesday his intention to plead guilty to one of the charges. In a notice filed in federal court, Jackie L. McConnell, 60, stated he intends to plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to violate the HPA... 
Celebrating changes: New boxes in south turn
(04/27/12)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is renovating the upper tier of boxes on the south end of the outdoor arena, in a $500,000 project which CEO Doyle Meadows says will enhance safety and the fan experience. The lower level of boxes, at ringside, are built on concrete slabs and are in good shape, as are the general admission grandstands at the top of the south end. The renovation project focuses on the upper rows of boxes -- I, J, K and L -- on the south end... 
Great Strides trains new volunteers
(04/22/12)
Great Strides Therapeutic Riding Program held their yearly volunteer training session Monday afternoon at Bridlewood Farm. Certified Riding Instructors Reagan Aymett and Ann Burkhalter led the session. New volunteers were taught how to help groom, lead, and best assist riders participating in the program. ... 
Down...but not out: Connie Bobo slowed but not stopped by disease
(04/22/12)
With the busy lifestyles of today, it's easy to take things for granted. Each day we wake up, go about our business as best we can and hope for a few smiles along the way. For most folks, worrying about illness and infection is a seasonal thing that might reserve a place in the back of your mind. For those affected by primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDD), however, this is a daily concern that cannot be taken lightly... 
Feathered friends
(04/15/12)
John Walker Carlisle is pictured in the foreground as Lauren McGuire sets up her booth in the background. Her business (along with her partner, Michelle Carlisle) Buckin' Jewels was one of several booths set up for visitors to a feathered horse show this weekend at Calsonic Arena. (T-G Photo by Jim Davis)
Celebration differs with T-G article
(04/12/12)
The Celebration Board of Directors and staff take exception to the article in the March 6 edition entitled "Much Soring Alleged" by Brian Mosely. It is a one sided advertorial for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Keith Dane causing serious harm to The Celebration and walking horse industry.... 
TWH leaders hit 'renegades' at listening session
(04/05/12)
MURFREESBORO -- USDA officials urged Tennessee Walking Horse organizations Wednesday to unite and speak with one voice, while those in the local equine industry were equally united in opposing a proposed ban on pads and "action devices." Officials from the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) Animal Care Program held a three-hour listening session at the Doubletree Hotel to hear feedback from walking horse trainers and owners...
WHTA preparing a new initiative
(03/29/12)
From a press release: The 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...
McConnell out on bond; training limited
(03/27/12)
Walking Horse trainer Jackie McConnell of Collierville will remain free on bond but will not be allowed to train any horses he doesn't own. McConnell and three associates have been charged with conspiracy to violate the Horse Protection Act by transporting and showing horses they knew to be "sored" and also falsifying entry forms and paperwork. Earlier this month, agents with the U.S. Department of Agriculture raided McConnell's Whitter Stables in west Tennessee, taking eight of 28 horses...
Report cites 'substances'
(03/23/12)
Data released this week from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) shows that every horse randomly sampled at last year's Celebration tested positive for illegal substances. A local industry veterinarian, however, said Thursday the substances revealed by the swab test samples (results of those tests were only recently published) are already deemed illegal under the Horse Protection Act...
Both sides matter, not just the loudest
(03/18/12)
The comments received, for and not for publication, about alleged underfed horses in Bedford County -- and what those making the comments want us to say -- provide a good lesson for all about how journalism works. The case involves a woman and daughter who have been accused -- and that's a key word, accused -- by several concerned horse enthusiasts of allegedly purchasing horses and not feeding them properly. ...
May trial set for McConnell, co-defendants
(03/18/12)
A May trial date has been set for a prominent walking horse trainer and three others accused in a horse soring conspiracy. Jackie McConnell, 60, along with Jeff Dockery, 56; John Mays, 47; and Joseph Abernathy, 29, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William B. Carter in Chattanooga for arraignment and to hear their conditions for bond...
Stronger horse penalties in works
(03/16/12)
Changes are coming to how the USDA enforces the Horse Protection Act (HPA), with new rules concerning mandatory penalties in the Walking Horse industry and the process by which inspectors are licensed and trained. Specific information regarding the penalty changes are expected to be published next week, said Dr. Stephen Mullins, industry veterinarian, but industry leaders say they had been expecting the change for some time...
Facebook horse posts hit
(03/14/12)
The moderator of a Facebook page containing posts about allegedly-malnourished horses at a farm west of Shelbyville was ordered Tuesday to remove some comments and calm posters or face possible arrest. But negative posts poured onto several other Internet message boards while Robin Swindle, owner of the horses, claimed the Tennessee Walking Horse industry holds a vendetta against her and said authorities have cleared her of any alleged wrongdoing...
TWHNC gets $1.5K county donation
(03/14/12)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to give $1,500 to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration for promoting an upcoming quarter horse show, even though a letter from the Celebration to the City of Shelbyville indicates that the money is no longer needed...
Owner: Horses aren't starving
(03/13/12)
The owner of several American Saddlebred horses at a small facility west of Shelbyville denies allegations they are starving. "I have been cleared of any wrongdoing," Robin Swindle of Highway 64 West said Monday. "I have proven all that I need to prove."...
Horses' owner denies they're starving
(03/12/12)
The owner of a small number of American Saddlebred horses at a small facility west of Shelbyville denies they are starving. "I have been cleared of any wrongdoing," Robin Swindle of Highway 64 West said Monday. "I have proven all that I need to prove."...
Much soring alleged
(03/06/12)
An undercover investigation into animal abuse in the Walking Horse industry is only "the tip of the iceberg," a spokesman for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) told the T-G. Late last week, a 52-count federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to sore horses was unsealed against prominent trainer Jackie L. McConnell, 60, along with employees Jeff Dockery, 54, John Mays, 50, all from Collierville, and Joseph R. Abernathy, 30, of Olive Branch, Miss... 
Top trainer accused of soring horses
(03/02/12)
A prominent Walking Horse trainer and three others were arrested Thursday and charged in a 52-count federal indictment with violations of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). Jackie L. McConnell, 60, Jeff Dockery, 54, John Mays, 50, all from Collierville, and Joseph R. Abernathy, 30, of Olive Branch, Miss., were charged with conspiracy to violate the protection act by transporting and showing horses they knew to be "sored" and also falsifying entry forms and paperwork...
SHOW says inspection leads to criminal prosecution
(03/01/12)
The successful prosecution of Spotted Saddle Horse trainer Barney Davis is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the Walking Horse industry's commitment to enforcing the Horse Protection Act, according to a press release issued by the Sound Horses, Honest Judging, Objective Inspections and Winning Fairly (SHOW) organization... |
