FRANKLIN, Tenn. – United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez was in attendancee at the annual Walking Horse Trainers’ Association meeting as part of their convention and annual Horse of the Year banquet.  Juarez started her presentation with a review of history and the multiple attempts at unification to standardize inspection protocols over the course of the last 50 years.

Juarez was adamant that the responsibility to enforce the Horse Protection Act primarily falls on the industry and until the industry steps up and accepts this responsibility problems will continue to exist.  Juarez stated it would take all the major organizations in the industry to come together in a shared commitment to place the welfare of the horse at the forefront of any industry led initiative.

Juarez’s review of history included the different timeframes and what role USDA played in the enforcement of the HPA during those times.  That role, which originated in overseeing the performance of the Designated Qualified Persons became one of being the primary role in inspections in 1989.  In 1999 the industry started a time period of the Operating Plans and those plans guided the roles of the HIOs and USDA during their existence.

Juarez implored the trainers to take an active role and to reverse the view of the Tennessee Walking Horse in the greater equine community.  She reiterated she stood ready to assist any effort in the industry to place the welfare of the horse as the primary objective.  Juarez will stay in town to also address the show managers in their meeting on Saturday February 14th to emphasize their responsibility in enforcement.

Juarez also talked about the importance of the judging standards to continue to focus on rewarding the proper standards and how important a role the judge plays in enforcement and prioritizing welfare.

 
Jeffrey Howard updated the trainers on the progress in the federal cases in Texas and Tennessee that continue to be important guides for the industry moving forward.  Howard reiterated the hope of settlements to be reached in both lawsuits but that nothing is final at this point in time. It is very likely that at least portions of both cases will move forward in their briefing schedules and the industry will continue to engage Torridon Law to represent its interests.

Howard also warned of the continued push that will be forthcoming in Congress as the PAST Act and other efforts remain a threat to the industry.  In 2026 show management will have the option to charge the $15 lobbying fee that in the past has funded the lobbying efforts of the industry.  Howard urged the trainers to push show management to collect the fee as these efforts will continue to play a major role in shaping the future of the show horse.

Jessica Mast gave a presentation of the importance of the Academy Program and how it can help shape the future of the show horse.  Mast talked about the importance of lesson programs, not only as a way to produce additional revenue but the benefits to introducing new people to the Tennessee Walking Horse and how academy programs have proven to lead to new and more loyal customers.  Mast also talked about the benefits to the value of mid-level horses and how those horses can hold and maintain value as part of lesson and academy programs.

The Walking Horse Trainers Association holds its elections each year as part of the annual convention and banquet.  Spencer Benedict will continue in his role at President as will Edgar Abernathy as Vice President and Clay Sanderson as Second Vice President.  There were four open board seats which were filled by Charlie Green, Rod Slagle, Laurie Toone, and Link Webb.