Our News Home Page Our News Archives

USDA further delays effective date of provisions to eliminate HIOs

On May 8, 2024 the USDA published a final rule amending the horse protection regulations.  Those amendments would have banned the use of action devices and pads, eliminated HIOs, and amended the Scar Rule and due process provided by USDA.  It also extended reporting requirements to other major horse breeds in addition to the Tennessee Walking Horse and Racking Horse.

Read Story
 

More Stories

  • APHIS Shares Update on 2026 Horse Show Season

    Dear Horse Protection Stakeholder, As we enter the 2026 horse show season, I write to share an update on USDA’s Horse Protection Program and our plan for working with you to fulfill our shared responsibilities under the Horse Protection Act (HPA). Read More

  • USDA Postpones Implementation of Horse Protection Amendments

    WASHINGTON, D.C., January 28, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that it will postpone the effective date for the Horse Protection Amendments final rule. Read More

  • VWRHOA Banquet Rescheduled

    The VWRHOA Banquet, originally scheduled for January 31, has been rescheduled to February 28 due to weather conditions. Read More

  • Affiliate Your 2026 Horse Shows with the TWHBEA International High Point Program

    As you plan your 2026 horse show season, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) encourages all show managers to affiliate their events with the TWHBEA International High Point Program. Read More

  • Meeting Planned for Horse Show Organizers

    The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), in partnership with the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA), will host a meeting for Tennessee Walking Horse show managers on Saturday, February 14, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Read More

  • Equine Obituary – A Neon Knight

    WGC A Neon Knight was humanely laid to rest on his owner's farm in Culleoka, Tennessee, where he lived out his life until his death on January 27th. Read More

  • USDA further delays effective date of provisions to eliminate HIOs

    On May 8, 2024 the USDA published a final rule amending the horse protection regulations.  Those amendments would have banned the use of action devices and pads, eliminated HIOs, and amended the Scar Rule and due process provided by USDA.  It also extended reporting requirements to other major horse breeds in addition to the Tennessee Walking Horse and Racking Horse. Read More

  • TWHBEA Academy Show Postponed due to extreme weather

    Due to the extreme temperatures, the TWHBEA Academy Show originally scheduled for January 31st has been rescheduled for February 21st. The show will still take place at Pleasant Valley Farm, beginning at 10:00 AM, with Judge Keegan Meadows officiating. Read More

  • WHTA Auxiliary WHOO deadline approaching

    Freda Dean, chairperson of WHOO, Walking Horses Overcoming Obstacles, announced that the Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary, Inc. will be accepting grant applications for 501(c)3 facilities working with mentally or physically challenged children and adults.  Read More

  • Thinking Outside The Box Meeting

    FAST, Inc and WHTA welcome you to a strategic planning session on Friday February 13th , 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Franklin, TN, the site of the 2026 annual WHTA banquet. This session is open to anyone interested in the success of our show horse.   Read More
More News

Recent Show Results