SHELBYVILLE, TN (WSMV-AP) -
Tennessee's most famous horse show is making a single, significant change to better protect the animals that compete. The decision follows a very public scandal in the walking horse industry.
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration returns to Shelbyville on Wednesday, bringing tradition and a lot of money to the community. But it also brings with it familiar controversy, and this year a significant change for good and for the better.
The Celebration's board of directors on Monday announced the changes that will, for the first time, make the results of chemical tests public and result in trainers immediately losing their trophies and prize money if caught abusing horses.
In the past, chemical test results were delayed, but this year the show is expediting the results so they will be available during the event.
"I want it to be completely gone," said Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of the Celebration. "If something has been done to the horse, then it's not fair. It's cheating."
In recent years, the Celebration cut down on soring through increased self-policing. And last year, just more than 1 percent of horses failed a USDA inspection.
In spite of those improvements, some scrutiny remains. The Humane Society recently purchased a billboard near the Celebration site that promises $10,000 rewards for proof of horse abuse.
"We just cannot have horses that are not compliant, horses that are not fit to be shown and that won't pass inspection at this event," Meadows said.
Horse owner Jennifer Hankins was making final preparations Monday ahead of the 74th annual Celebration. She said the change is a good idea for this trainer and could stop the cheating of a few that ruins the sport for many more.
"Once the swabbing starts, I think it's a positive thing, because there's no questioning," Hankins said. "You know, if a swab comes back with something that shouldn't be on there, you know, it's not my word against your word. It's CSI-type proof, I guess."
It's also interesting to note that a display board inside the arena honors the Celebration's previous grand champions, but one year remains blank. In 2006, several classes canceled after the USDA disqualified several of horses that didn't pass inspection.
Meadows said he thinks it is important to remember the shame of that year for the sake of the sport moving forward.
Copyright WSMV 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
