What is TWHSA?

Tennessee Walking Horse Shows of America (TWHSA) was founded in the fall of 2004 as a show affiliation organization created solely for the support and nurturing of Tennessee Walking Horse Shows nationwide. 

TWHSA's Origins

Tennessee Walking Horse Shows of America was organized in November 2004, by a group of show managers, judges, licensed DQP inspectors, long time exhibitors and breeders. The mission was to create a successful show circuit for the Tennessee Walking Horse. The TWHSA rule book includes rules for both performance and pleasure horses. TWHSA was created for the sole purpose of providing Tennessee Walking Horse shows and their managers services for holding successful and profitable shows held in compliance with the Horse Protection Act.  

TWHSA’s goal is simple: consistent, fair and knowledgeable judges and an easy to understand rulebook. TWHSA organizers recognized TWHBEA as a vital partner that offers exhibitors the advantage of permanent records and public access to individual horse show records through IPEDs.  Although TWHSA is not a USDA certified HIO, they are committed to using the services of the Horse Protection Commission (HPC), an HIO with high standards and experienced, knowledgeable DQPs. By partnering with the Horse Protection Commission for DQP services, TWHSA will be free to devote time to training judges, aiding show management in putting on a successful show, and working within the horse industry to promote the Tennessee Walking Horse.

A website for each affiliated show providing all show information, including show bill downloads, contacts, directions, etc., will be available through the official TWHSA website, located at www.twhsa.com .  The TWHSA rulebook is also available for download on the official website, and is intended to define and simplify show requirements, with the aim of bringing fun back to the show ring.  Also provided will be a comprehensive horse show manager’s guide, with easy to use forms and step-by-step instructions for putting on a great show.  Feedback from show managers will be encouraged and ideas and suggestions will be incorporated into future manager handbooks.

Amateur cards or trainer licenses are not required in order to show at TWHSA affiliated shows. TWHSA's High Point Program will be open to and based upon all exhibitors at TWHSA shows; no membership required, no nomination form to submit and no additional fee to be paid.  Memberships are not required to take part in TWHSA events or programs. However, memberships are available for $20 per year to those who wish to support the organization.

TWHSA MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of TWHSA is to promote the Tennessee Walking Horse by providing shows with an affiliation program that emphasizes compliance with Federal guidelines and to accomplish this goal in a manner determined by a consensus of our membership. 

To accomplish this mission, we will:

• Recognize the Tennessee Walking Horse as the official breed of this organization.

• Provide shows and exhibitors with DQP inspection services that are in compliance with the Horse Protection Act.

• Provide shows and exhibitors with TWHSA Show Rules and Regulations to be used in all affiliated shows and exhibitions.

• Provide shows and exhibitors with judging that is in compliance with TWHSA Show Rules and Regulations.

• Provide show results to the TWHBEA for recording in the IPEDS Program.

• Insure that the actions of this organization are driven by a consensus of our members.

• Be open, honest and accountable to our membership in all of our actions.

The TWHSA Difference

• TWHSA has simplified the fee structure for its member shows in an effort to assist the shows in planning and in becoming more profitable.  The fees are designed to be built directly into the showbill and, with the exception of the expenses of compensating show personnel (i.e. Judge, announcer, DQP’s), shows can budget and plan for profitability. 

• Exhibitors at a TWHSA show enjoy a welcome relief from the extra charges of required membership and amateur card fees and, therefore, can extend their show budgets further than ever before. 

• All results from TWHSA shows will be recorded with the TWHBEA in its IPEDs program, and become a part of the horse's permanent and official breed record. 

• DQP inspection services are supplied by the Horse Protection Commission, whose inspectors are trained and overseen by a panel of veterinary professionals. 

• Experience, licensed and well respected judging professionals were selected to take part in TWHSA's Judging program based on their reputation and experience.  Future judges will be selected or trained as the need arises with the growth of the show circuit.   

• TWHSA's High Point Program is open to and based upon ALL exhibitors at TWHSA shows.  No membership is needed, no nomination form to submit and no additional fee to be paid. 

• Memberships to TWHSA are available.  Members are expected to take part in the oversight of the organization , selecting TWHSA's leadership and safeguarding the organization's adherence to the Mission Statement.  Memberships are not required to take part in TWHSA events or programs, but are encouraged to those wishing to take an active roll in the continuance of organization's goals.

TWHSA was created for the sole purpose of providing Tennessee Walking Horse Shows and their managers the services they require to conduct successful and profitable shows held in full compliance to the federal standards set up by the Horse Protection Act.  It is true that other organizations may offer similar services as one of their many programs, however, for TWHSA, providing these services is our sole reason for existing.  Show management can be certain in the knowledge that the fees they pay in affiliating with TWHSA will be invested right back into the growth and promotion of their shows and others just like them.