O . K ., SPORTS FANS . . . let ’ s all take a deep seat in the saddle because we ’ re going for a ride ! And . . . it ’ s going to be a good one ! Your Editor is more enthusiastic about the Walking Horse business at this point than he has been in years and there are some specific reasons for this enthusiasm .
The key factor in our new-found attitude , other than the fact that spring is finally here , is our belief that we have recently achieved some semblance of positive direction in the Walking Horse business . The prime motivation for this attitude is the newly organized Walking Horse Trainers Association and the fact that every major horse group in the country ( see story on
Walking Horse Trainers Association meeting elsewhere in this issue ) has rallied around this group in an effort to stabilize the Walking Horse business . For years we have been tottering on the brink of disaster with no one to turn to for direction . As we pointed out in our last report on this group , it was a drastic move that produced this new organization and we now have good reason to believe that this was the only thing that could have produced results .
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There are several pitfalls in the future of this organ ization that should be pointed out , however . Som *
elements of our business are expressing fear that the Trainers Association will attempt to levy some con trol or force in areas of our horse activity that could lead to worse conditions than we have seen in years past with the Breeders ’ Association . Some people have referred to this organization as a " union of sorts ” At the present it contains no such attitude and we sincerely believe that it will not lead to such activity
Several items of interest were brought out at the last meeting that deserve editorial comment . The question of Humane Association activities was discussed . It was pointed out that all problems of this nature would first come to the attention of the Trainers Association and if after due consideration they could not handle the problem it would then be turned over to the Humane Association authorities for legal action . We believe that the true professional trainer will endeavor to uphold the high standards of his Association and will not need the force of the Humane Association to keep him in line .
With regard to judges for horse shows , it was clearly decided that this Association would not participate in any way with the selection of judges . It was decided that they would send a list of the Association members to show managers if requested . At the present they have no specific influence with regard to rules and regulations for Walking Horse exhibition . A group was appointed from within the voting membership as a " rules committee ” to act in an advisory capacity to all other associations involved with Rules and Regulations . Thus far their recommendations have been well received and some sweeping changes are possible next year provided Walking Horse showring activity meets certain standards during the 1968 season . It is up to all Walking Horse exhibitors to make an extra effort to meet these standards if we are going to reach the high level of acceptance we have been striving for . Please do your part !
Another reason for our new-found enthusiasm is the fact that we have seen more fine two-year-olds this year than ever before . It is our opinion that our trainers are surprising themselves with their horses this year . After the developments of last year at the Celebration in the Two-Year-Old Classes we believe that most people have finally become convinced that the days of the " sore horse ” are over . The bloody feet and gaping sores on our horses will no longer be tolerated , even in the Deep South . With this in mind
they are " riding their horses ,” and are surprised to find that more of their colts are responding to this new approach than ever did to the old methods . Everywhere we hear people say , " Take a look at their feet . . . they ’ re in good shape , aren ’ t they ? Our trainers are taking pride in the fact that their colts are in good shape and are clean . The odd part about it is that their horses are hitting a bigger lick than ever before .
At the breeding level we hear that more stables are getting a higher percentage of mares in foal than
ever before . We believe there are some specific reasons for this , too . The recent development in the Mid "
die Tennessee area with regard to payment of stud fees and daily charges for care of mares and colts has produced an influx of better mares . This has created an impression in the minds of other breeders and many who are not following this policy find that
Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse