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Lively Dialogue Alive and Well in Lewisburg, Tennessee
Lewisburg, TN – The Semi-Annual meeting kicked off on Thursday afternoon with the Pleasure Horse sub-committees of Versatility, and Trail Ride. The World Show was the focus for the Versatility sub-committee as details were addressed for the August 2nd - 4th event. Lots of positive feedback came as a result of TWHBEA’s partnership with Best of America By Horseback. Several directors had participated in events in their states and reported exciting things about the program. On Friday, Committee meetings began at 8:00 a.m. with Marketing making the early call as committee chairs addressed important issues and prepared for their reports to the entire membership on Saturday. In the Executive Committee meeting on Saturday, the Futurity received top billing, and it was decided that a final decision on the date and location would be made not later than June 8th. Marketing VP Marty Irby asked Executive Director Chuck Cadle about the sponsorship funding for the Celebration. Mr. Cadle stated that the funds were budgeted but not committed at this time. After the National Board of Directors meeting was called to order and the roll call made, several staff members were recognized for their service to the association; Paulette Ewing for 15 years, Sarah Gee, Joni Jenne, and Christy Stephens for 5 years.
After the approval of the agenda, approval of the minutes from the December meeting, and the approval of the annual audit, President Pedigo confidently stated, “We are the guardians of the most versatile and talented of all equine breeds… There is no one segment more important than the whole, or more important than the horse. This organization has had to make difficult decisions. The future growth of the Tennessee Walking Horse is dependent on our efforts. We must be broadminded enough to accept change and to put forth the effort to allow change to be successful.”
Senior VP Jane Meredith was next to the podium as she expressed thoughts about her optimistic outlook for the industry and the Tennessee Walking Horse. After so much negative press from a year ago, “I believe we still have a tremendous reason to be optimistic…the horse is why we have reason to look to the future. Our industry must be aware of our competition and seize the opportunity to capture a larger segment of the horse market, especially as gaited breeds gain popularity with an aging population seeking diverse recreational activities.”
New CEO and Executive Director, Chuck Cadle, was next to address the National Board. He emphasized his commitment to the Executive Committee’s objective of leading the industry HIOs to adopt the TWHBEASM sponsored Sanctioning Plan. “The Sanctioning Plan has the support of the USDA and has been endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Ron Thomas recently stated in one correspondence to me that it would be hard for any reasonable person to disagree with it. I’m focused on my mission that was assigned to me by the Executive Committee. I have received many emails and letters with diametrically opposing views. Reasonable people can agree on goals and objectives but have honest disagreements on how to reach them. Our industry conflicts are not good versus evil. Leadership is hard. It’s not a popularity contest. It’s about making tough decisions that support your objectives,” said Cadle. “…I ask you to go to the Celebration and to the industry HIOs and ask them to support the plan. If the NHSC and the Celebration signed the plan, it would send a statement to the world that the industry is ready to take responsibility for their past and to lead us into the future. …I am laser focused on our mission. I will work hard to lead the industry to do the right thing,” continued Cadle. Following Mr. Cadle’s address, David Landrum asked him about a recent press release regarding the American Farm Bureau Federation’s endorsement of the TWHBEASM Sponsored HIO Sanctioning Plan. Mr. Landrum took issue with a quote in the release that he said made the statement that the practice of soring was increasing. Mr. Cadle clarified that the actual quote states that soring may be on the increase. He further explained that the press release came directly from the American Farm Bureau Federation and that the quote was made by American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. Mr. Cadle then assured Mr. Landrum that the statement in no way reflects the opinion of TWHBEA. After Cadle’s opening comments, President Pedigo moved to ratify the actions of the Executive Committee. As President Pedigo proceeded, much discussion continued about the Sanctioning Plan and about Mr. Cadle’s challenge to the board. Eventually the actions of the Executive Committee were ratified by a 39-30 vote. Committee reports began mid morning and continued into the afternoon. Charles Wharton, VP of Admin/Fiscal/Audit, began the reports by stating that according to all projections, including DNA cost, downturn in revenue for Voice™, and slow down in registrations and transfers, the association would end the year with an approximate loss of thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00).
Kathy Zeis, VP of Breeders, addressed several key issues with the DNA conversion and concluded by saying that even with all the problems, “we are still well ahead of plan.” Zeis also commented about the down turn in the equine market in general and stated that the Walking Horse had been adversely affected as well. Jamie Hankins, VP of Enforcement, concluded the morning session with a brief report. He explained that there is nothing before his committee at this time. The board was treated to an excellent luncheon honoring Sharon Brandon, who recently retired from TWHBEA after forty-four years of service. Kathy Zeis, fighting back tears, made several fitting comments about Mrs. Brandon, as did several others.
After lunch, Pat Stout, VP of Horse Shows, reported that TWHBEA had affiliated 15 shows so far this year in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. It was during Stout’s report that several questions were raised about the upcoming futurity. Stout reaffirmed the commitment of the June 8th deadline to inform the membership about final details.
VP of Marketing, Marty Irby, was next to make his report. Irby began by detailing several plans for Voice™ Magazine concerning international marketing, and encouraging every discipline to take advantage of advertising in the Voice™. Irby also acknowledged the recent partnership with GMC for the Walk This Way Tour. According to Irby, the new sponsorship of the Best of America By Horseback program is one of the best promotions that TWHBEA has been involved with in a while. With Jack Haefling out for emergency surgery, Deputy Director Kristi Lane briefly reported plans for the upcoming Celebration clinics. Proposed clinic topics include Showmanship at Halter, Dressage, Colt Training, Gaiting and Biting, Obstacle Trail, Horse Health, and Trail Riding/Packing.
VP of Performance Show Horse, Bruce Vaughn, opened his report by stating, “It has been a very interesting and trying year for the performance horse. …One of the shining stars is our Academy program; it went from 6 to 12 shows.” Several questions were raised concerning the Sanctioning Plan during this presentation but were tabled until Old Business. Darren Gray, VP of Pleasure Horse, reported on the expanded format for the World Show. “The is the tenth anniversary for the Show and it is returning the Calsonic Arena where the first show was held. Gray also commented on the success of the Host-A-Ride program for the trail horse enthusiasts in our breed. VP of Training, Wayne Dean opened his report by making several positive comments about the improvement trainers have made in presenting their horses. “I have talked to a number of leaders in the industry. They are really pleased that we are presenting a more positive image in our show ring, but we must keep it up.” Next was Members at Large By-Laws, Mr. Sid Baucom. He presented several changes that had been approved by the By-Laws committee and the Executive committee. One has to do with providing more continuity to the Executive committee. The second was to change the secretary/treasurer position from an elected to an appointed office. The third addresses language concerning holding office and HPA violations. The fourth would make provisions for the President to appoint a secretary for meetings rather than directors. And the fifth would allow the Executive Committee to offer a contract to an Executive Director for up to three years. For the final committee report, Holly Reynolds, Member at Large/Youth, began by acknowledging this year’s scholarship recipients – Melissa Burcham, Dan Starnes, Rachel Galeski, Matt McMurtrey, Blair Morton, Sarah Rowland, Ashley Scott, and Mary Jo Williams. She also stated that her committee would be expanding to include several special interest programs including older members needs and physically challenged riders. With the conclusion of the committee reports, President Pedigo then moved to the next item on the agenda, that of old business. The main topic discussed under old business was the TWHBEA Sponsored HIO Sanctioning Plan. Several board members expressed their frustration regarding the Plan and concern that the Plan was actually hindering several of TWHBEA’s programs by excluding members from participating. Other concerns regarding the Sanctioning Plan included the amount of money that has been spent in its support, the amount of money that has perceivably been lost due the industry’s wariness regarding the Plan, and the industry’s unwillingness, thus far, to embrace the Plan. President Pedigo began by explaining that, according to TWHBEA’s bylaws, the AssociationSM has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of the Tennessee Walking Horse. He stated, “In our bylaws we are directed by our objective to do all the things the Sanctioning Plan and HIO affect.” He then remarked that it would take a bylaw change for TWHBEA to remove itself from all matters concerning the USDA and the inspection process. Bylaw changes must be submitted for consideration by April 1st of each year. Discussing TWHBEA’s involvement in the inspection process over the years, TWHBEASM Administrative Counsel Craig Evans pointed out that TWHBEASM has had an HIO, earlier referred to as a steward program, for most of the time since the passage of the Horse Protection Act in 1971 – first the Regulatory, late r as a partner in the NHSC, and now the TWHBEASM HIO. Executive Director Chuck Cadle expressed his support for the trainers and their commitment to presenting sound horses and emphasized that the Sanctioning Plan is not the TWHBEASM Sanctioning Plan, it is the TWHBEASM Sponsored Sanctioning Plan. He urged the directors to stay the course and support the plan. He stated, “David Landrum and I have talked more today than since I’ve been on board. We’ll continue to talk and maybe will find that compromise that Sid Baucom discussed. We can’t talk around it, I’m your representative, I’ll listen. I’ll analyze and I’ll take this to the people who will make these changes. If we’re cause –driven, let’s stay the course. Things aren’t perfect. But let’s get the people to the table. This is not a plan that takes over anybody’s HIO. It’s a voluntary, self-policing plan.” After several motions to dissolve the Sanctioning Plan were attempted and deemed untenable based on the bylaws and legal opinions from TWHBEASM Counsel John T. Bobo, VP Marty Irby put forth the following, “I want to know what this board wants. I would like the National Board to pass a resolution to make a recommendation to the Executive Committee to rescind the Sanctioning Plan.” The motion was seconded by John Fikes.
VP Charles Wharton asked Irby to consider amending his motion to allow the full board to vote via certified letter. Irby declined as several directors expressed their desire to vote that day. After much more discussion regarding the pros and cons of the plan, the question was called and a vote was taken by roll call. The motion failed 36 to 32. Following the vote, board members urged the Executive Committee to find a way to include show records from other HIOs in TWHBEA’s programs. President Pedigo responded, “I would suggest that the Executive Committee get counsel as regards to that and find out what we can and can’t do. I think we hear this board loud and clear.” Under new business, Barney Denney proposed two motions that passed unanimously. The first was that TWHBEASM put out positive press releases on the Tennessee Walking Horse and the second was that TWHBEA work to expand into other markets and other countries.
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