In a landmark move for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, the boards of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC), and the executive committee of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) met on Monday, January 5, to explore forming a new alliance aimed at unifying inspection and judging standards, as well as consolidating the industry rulebook.
 
This collaborative concept, modeled after best practices in other major breeds and disciplines, received unanimous support from all three organizations to move forward.
 
The proposed alliance, if formalized and approved by member associations, is designed to:
 
• Protect the future of the breed by prioritizing horse welfare above all else.
• Ensure consistency and fairness through one enforcement standard across the industry.
• Simplify participation with a single rulebook, compliance system, and set of expectations for exhibitors and show managers.
• Create sustainable funding through unified affiliation.
• Strengthen public credibility and trust by aligning with recommendations from national research and stakeholder white papers, including support for unified oversight models.
• Provide long-term stability amid evolving USDA leadership and regulatory conditions.
• Demonstrate accountable self-regulation under the Horse Protection Act (HPA).
 
Governance of the alliance will include representatives from each participating organization, ensuring balanced leadership and shared responsibility.
 
Commitment to Inclusivity
The alliance seeks to be as inclusive as possible, welcoming all current Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs), judges, and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to participate. Upcoming steps include outreach to additional industry organizations, drafting bylaws, and establishing governance standards for formal approval.
 
As stated at the meeting, this is a historic moment for our breed. By working together, we can protect the welfare of the horse, improve fairness and clarity, and strengthen the future of the Tennessee Walking Horse for generations to come.