Butt Resigns As Executive Director of TWHBEA
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Stan Butt, Executive Director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) has resigned his post effectively immediately. The resignation came in a release from TWHBEA at 4:00PM today, February 10, 2011.
Butt simply stated that circumstances in the industry dictated he take another path. Butt also expressed his willingness to help in any transition.
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TWHBEA To Hire Ron Thomas
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Walking Horse Report has learned from sources close to the situation that Ron Thomas will be announced as the new Executive Director of TWHBEA as early as tomorrow, February 11, 2011. Thomas has previously served as CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
When contacted, TWHBEA had no official comment on the matter but did say an announcement on the new Executive Director would be coming soon.
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Now as far as I understand, Butt was actually wanting to see horses go sound. I have friends who are members of TWHBEA who received his letter, citing differences in opinions. Maybe he left because TWHBEA is refusing to make changes to help the industry and wants to continue with business as usual...? Ah to be a fly on the wall at that meeting!
I also went on the HPAdata website and Thomas has no violations listed there. No I'm not quite sure what direction TWHBEA is considering going.
Now THIS is amazing...
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WHOA Activates HIO; Will Accept Mandatory Penalties
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Walking Horse Report has learned from sources close to WHOA that in the annual WHOA Board of Directors meeting, which was held in executive session, the board voted to activate its HIO and accept the mandatory penalties.
It was not a unanimous vote but a majority of the board members voted in favor of the motion.
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It was promptly followed by this...
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Zeis and Vaughn Resign From WHOA Board
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Kathy Zeis and Bruce Vaughn have both resigned from the Walking Horse Owners' Association Board of Directors. Zeis and Vaughn both informed Walking Horse Report of their decisions and released the following resignation email sent to President Kim Bennett.
Dear Kim,
With regret, Bruce and I feel that we must resign from the WHOA Board of Directors. Today's events make it difficult for us to continue to serve on the WHOA board.
We feel that as members of the FAST board of directors we must maintain a neutral position on the political situation that has arisen and remain dedicated to the promotion, protection and preservation of all kinds of show horses and horse shows for the Tennessee Walking Horse.
We wish you great success in your Horse Show Development endeavors. If we can be of assistance in the future please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Bruce Vaughn and Kathy Zeis
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Of course, Vaughn and Zeis are both violators: Vaughn with two and Zeis with one.
Folks, be sure to send letters to WHOA thanking them for their choice. This is amazing news. Whether or not they are having a change of heart, choosing to accept the penalty structure shows us that they understand things have gotten out of hand and that they seem to be willing to work with the government and with the law. Here is WHOA's website: http://www.walkinghorseowners.com/ Don't just use the Contact Us link--also write directly to the email addresses for the board members and officers.
Let's hope we hear more about these kinds of positive changes for the horse in the near future.
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