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Our News Archives

Title / Summary Publication Date

Walking Horse Trainers Association Horse of the Year Committee Announces Changes to the 2025 Program

Walking Horse Trainers Association Horse of the Year committee would like to announce some changes to the Horse of the Year program for 2025. World Champion and World Grand Champions will still be automatic nominees with the added requirement of having to been shown at least 3 times in their division during the show year.
3/13/2025

Legislation to amend HPA introduced

The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act and the Horse Protection Amendments Act were both introduced in the 119th Congress.  The PAST Act would eliminate the use of pads and action devices, eliminate the Horse Industry Organization system of enforcement and increase penalties for violators of the HPA.
3/13/2025

2025 International Grand Championship-Class Schedule and Rules & Regulations now available

The 2025 International class schedule and rules and regulations are now available!! 
3/13/2025

Oral arguments set in Wright vs. USDA

United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker set oral arguments on the USDA’s motion to dismiss for April 14, 2025 in Memphis, Tenn. The USDA moved to dismiss portions of the Wright’s complaint.  The most important of those was the claim by Wright’s that the relief, should they win, be applied industry-wide.  The USDA claims that those claims for industry-wide relief are time barred under the Administrative Procedures Act.
3/11/2025

Latest Issue 3 10 25

3/7/2025

Industry attorneys make requests of USDA

In a letter sent March 6, 2025, Patrick F. Philbin, attorney for industry plaintiffs, asked the USDA to reconsider certain aspects of the current enforcement and inspection scheme under the Horse Protection Act.  At the core of Philbin’s letter is the need for adequate due process to be provided under the HPA and for industry participants to have some form of a pre-deprivation hearing prior to their horse being disqualified. 
3/7/2025

American Horse Council makes request of USDA

The American Horse Council issued a news release outlining a request made by them to USDA to reopen the comment period on the Horse Protection Act rulemaking that made significant changes to the application of the law.  The majority of the rule was vacated in federal court as a result of the lawsuit brought by the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. 
3/5/2025

NASDA asks USDA to rescind HPA rule

Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller recently introduced a resolution at the National State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Winter Policy Meeting asking USDA to rescind the Biden Administration’s rule to amend the HPA.
3/5/2025

National Trainers’ Show adds class

The National Trainers’ Show that will be held in Cooper Steel Arena, March 27-29, 2025, has made an addition to their original class schedule.
3/5/2025

WHOA Delivers Aid to Hurricane Helene Victims in North Carolina

WHOA Delivers Aid to Hurricane Helene Victims in North Carolina! On February 14, 2025 WHOA delivered a semi truck load of horse products to North Carolina hurricane victims. Another semi truck load of hay was delivered to the same area on March 1, 2025. 
3/5/2025

FAST appoints Simmons to Board of Directors

FAST President, Dr. Kasey Kesselring, is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of FAST has unanimously voted to appoint Paul A. Simmons to the foundation’s board of directors.
3/5/2025

Equine Obituary – Blues For Santana

Blues For Santana passed away March 4, 2025. Born May 15, 2009, Blues For Santana was bred by Floyd Sherman and was sired by Generator’s Santana out of Good N’ Evil, an Evil Generator mare.
3/5/2025

Christmas In July Announces Judges

Show management for the Christmas In July Horse Show are pleased to announce that Chris Bobo, Derek Bonner and Brent Grider will mark the cards for this year’s event.
3/5/2025

TWHBEA to be on site during FAST Spring Showcase and the National Trainers' Show

The TWHBEA Office on The Celebration grounds will be open from 4-8 PM each day of the FAST Spring Showcase March 13-15 and the National Trainers’ Show March 27-29, 2025. 
3/5/2025

Exhibitor and Horse Cards continue for 2025 Show Season

The show season will soon be here! Again, this year TWHBEA is administering the show cards that will be required by shows affiliated with American Horse Services (AHS) and S.H.O.W. H.I.O. Proceeds from the sale of the Exhibitor and Horse cards will again help fund the industry’s ongoing legal efforts. 
3/5/2025