8/19/08-
We here at Mountain View Rescue had a visit to the farm last week from 2
members of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA)
office. It was a lovely afternoon with much talk about the rescue, the horses we
love and the rocky future of a breed so surrounded in controversy.
I have been fortunate enough to work in an environment which has exposed me to
World Champion horses of this breed, and the methods in which they are bred,
trained and exhibited. Make no mistake, these are very well cared for animals.
Their health & well being is very important to their owners, trainers &
enthusiasts.
I personally admire the breed for their calm & good natured temperament, their
smooth gait, and their natural willingness to please. I also feel they have
unfairly been exposed to a misinformed press, general bias and an overall
negativity. It is a natural human instinct to doubt what we don't understand.
In an effort to change opinions on the training methods and controversial
treatment of this breed, we have made a choice to work together with the TWHBEA
in an effort to educate the public on the facts and falsehoods surrounding the
training and showing of this breed, as well as to promote the humane treatment
of all horses.
I am happy to announce what I hope is a long lasting partnership with the TWHBEA.
This partnership is the first of its kind for either a breed registry or a
rescue organization, and our hope & goal is that we may help clean up the image
of Tennessee Walking Horse industry through education, resources and teamwork.
The TWHBEA stands behind regulations that keep their horses safe and sound
through many years of showing, trail & pleasure.
Inspections up- disqualifications few at Walking Horse Celebration
We couldn't be more pleased that a breed as a whole sees what a worthy cause horse rescue is and that they are the first of their kind to stand behind the humane treatment of ALL horses.
Please enjoy the press release made by the TWHBEA.
We can only hope other breed registries follow suit and try to combat the problems facing not only their breed, but for all the horses across our nation.
Flyer made for MVR to be circulated at the Celebration World Championship Horse Show
A few links to help understand the breed:
http://www.twhbea.com/breedHistoryAndDescription.htm
http://www.twhbea.com/careAndTrainingFAQs.htm
Please stay tuned for pics & information regarding this exciting partnership!
Thank you,
Raquel Ferotti President & Director Mountain View Rescue
9/10- Below are pictures from the 2008 Celebration in Shelbyville, TN. The TWHBEA were gracious hosts and allowed us space in their booth at the trade fair. We met a lot of great folks, saw great horses at the horse show & enjoyed all the exhibits. A big thanks goes out to Chris Coffey & Tommy Grider for making it possible.
