1969 Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1969 March Voice RS | Page 54

handle this for all other shows, especially those that
are not sanctioned by any association? The manager
of an early show recently came to see us regarding
this issue. His position was that their show, while not
belonging to any association, did want to adhere to
the new rules. His big question was regarding this
rule and who was responsible for measuring ponies
and horses, and whose card they should recognize.
After some discussion he decided that they should
measure them all themselves before they went into
the gate.
Measuring the Foot and Hoof Angle
Another new rule that has brought considerable in­
quiry is the rule having to do with the "angle of the
hoof” and the measurements of the front and back of
the hoof. This rule has been widely promoted by many
people for some years as it was commonly felt that a
horse set on too high an angle toward the front had
an undue amount of strain on ligaments and tendons
in the front legs, which caused a certain amount of
soreness and perhaps permanent damage. It is our
understanding that Dr. DeWitt Owen of Franklin,
Tennessee became the deciding authority on this rule
and that he worked with officials of the American
Horse Shows Association in setting up the limits.
To repeat what appeared in our "Rules Insert” last
month, we point out that the length of the hoof in
back (measured from the ground to the hairline) shall
not be more than two-thirds (2/3) of the length of the
same measurement in front.
A lot
:
tO
Talk About
EDITOR’S NOTE — Since this ruling appeared in the
February VOICE, a considerable amount of concern
has been registered by horsemen from coast to coast.
A called meeting of the various authorities was held
Saturday, March 15 at the Holiday Inn in Shelbyville,
Tennessee. This issue was discussed, and a tentative
rule change resulted. The interpretation as we under­
stand it now reads that the heel can come within one
(1) inch of the length of the toe. This is NOT official!
We do not know if it has been adopted or rejected by
any authority or organization as we go to press. We
hope to have the "official ruling” next month.
RULE CHANGES FOR 1969
Last month we printed the complete rules and regu­
lations for exhibiting the Tennessee Walking Horse
for 1969, as accepted by all recognized authorities.
By now you have probably had ample opportunity to
study these new rules and to form your own opinions
as to their effectiveness. We feel that most changes
are for the better and, if followed by everyone, will
up-grade our breed considerably. Th ere are some
questions, however.
Walking Ponies and 15.2-Hand Horses
There are many questions as yet unanswered w
regard to some phases of the new rules. One in p;
ticular is the measuring of Walking Ponies and t
15.2-hand horses. The interpretation of the rules
presented by the American Horse Shows Associati
indicates that someone, somewhere, will measure the
animals and will give the owner or rider a card in
eating that their pony or horse meets the standai
We are sure the American Horse Shows Associati
has taken care of this for their shows, but who u
Boots and Showring Procedure
One of the most widely-applauded rules changes
this year has to do with boots and showring procedure
regarding boots. For 1969 we will have a larger size
boot (minimum width is now 3 inches) with the same
restrictions regarding construction. This was welcome
to some people but not the leather-goods manufactur­
ers. We understand that several of our more promi­
nent Walking Horse equipment suppliers have a quan­
tity of two-inch boots on hand for sale - cheap.
The procedure regarding boots has changed consid­
erably this year. Boots will not be dropped or removed
for inspection in the ring unless the judge requests it
on a specific horse. American Horse Shows Association
rules call for a two-man inspection of feet and boots to
b,e .held not more than ten (10) minutes before a class.
I his is to be done by a veterinarian and a represen­
tative of the show management (A.H.S.A. rules call
jor a Steward) and all horses checked are to be kept
m a specific area from the time they are checked until
they are called to enter the show ring. This will def­
initely save time in the line-up
54
Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse