Horse Soring: In the News
The Daily News Journal of Murfreesboro, Tennessee filed this report:
Officials with the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced Tuesday the appointment of Doyle Meadows as its new chief executive officer.
- Meadows replaces Ron Thomas, who resigned in November. Thomas had been CEO of the Shelbyville-based Celebration since 1984.
“Doyle is well recognized within the greater horse industry and he has served in many capacities that make him uniquely qualified to serve in this role,” said Pat Marsh, chairman of the search committee, in a news release.
The annual event is held in late summer and attracts thousands to Shelbyville each year.
In recent years, the Celebration and other walking horse events have come under scrutiny for mistreatment of horses through the practice of soring. In some cases, trainers used chemicals or hoof devices to make the horse raise their forelegs higher, creating the “big lick” gait for which the breed is known.
In 2006, the Celebration’s final champion class was halted before a world grand champion was named because a majority of the horses were disqualified in an anti-soring inspection.
Meadows recently retired from a 20-year career with the University of Tennessee Extension where he led the statewide horse program including leading the state 4-H horse shows, the nationally recognized Tennessee 4-H judging contests and many other multi-state horse events. Meadows has coached 25 World and National Champion Youth Horse Judging Teams.
“I am excited to begin a new career as the CEO of the Celebration. I appreciate the confidence of David Howard, chairman of the board and of the entire Celebration board of directors and anticipate a long-lasting relationship. The Celebration is extremely important to the community, and I look forward to being part of the Bedford County family,” Meadows said in the release.
Meadows has served as the show manager of the Tennessee State 4-H Horse Championships for 20 years, held at the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville in June featuring 2,500 entries in 2007.
Officials said Meadows has strong working relationships with all horse breed associations and is uniquely familiar with the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Meadows has judged horse shows in the United States and eight foreign countries. He has conducted judging workshops and judges’ ethics seminars for the National Horse Show Commission in Tennessee, Kentucky and Nevada. He has also conducted educational programs for the Walking Horse Owners Association at their annual meetings.
Meadows lives in Fayetteville and is married to Gloria Gill, who is the daughter of W. W. Gill Jr.
Gill showed in the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and has been a lifelong breeder and supporter of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
“Doyle was selected because of his intense commitment to the promotion of youth horse shows across the country,” said Celebration Chairman David Howard.
“He is a well-respected expert about the horse and he has practical experience in developing and growing a large-scale horse show. His understanding of the youth involved in the sport is an exciting benefit as we look for him to lead the Celebration to a bigger and better event in the future.”
Source: Walking Horse Celebration names new CEO, The Daily News Journal
No Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
