FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rob Hoskins
615-780-3332
rob.hoskins@dvl.com
NEWLY FORMED VETERINARY ADVISORY COUNCIL SET TO ENFORCE HISTORICAL RULE
CHANGES FOR UPCOMING TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION
Unprecedented Action Created to Protect the Breed at August 20-30 National Championship
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (August 12, 2014) – With the approach of the 76th annual Tennessee
Walking Horse National Celebration nearing, members of the newly formed Veterinary Advisory
Committee are set to enforce landmark changes concerning the rules for the safety and wellbeing of the Tennessee Walking Horses competing on August 20-30 in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Dr. Jerry H. Johnson, who serves as chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) that
is now in charge of rules and regulations that protect the Tennessee Walking Horses competing
at The Celebration, recently announced the major rule enhancements for all participants. The
VAC also includes renowned veterinarians Drs. Jerry H. Johnson, D.V.M, Dallas O. Goble, D.V.M,
and Phillip D. Hammock, D.V.M.
“These new rules are for the benefit of the breed and for those who love Tennessee Walking
Horses,” said Dr. Johnson. “With these rule changes we are also sending notice to those who
mistreat these beautiful animals that they have no place in the horse industry and will be
exposed. Working together, we can ensure that the Tennessee Walking Horse breed gets the
respect its power and grace deserve.”
Among the new rules going into effect are:
 Horses must be stabled on the grounds of the TWHNC for 48 hours before
championships,
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Registration papers, as well as a current (within 30 days) health certificate and negative
Coggins test for each horse to gain admittance into the show grounds, and
Digital x-rays and blood draws on-site conducted and supervised by VAC appointed
licensed equine veterinarian specialists.
Dr. John L. O’Brien, DVM, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, has been appointed Show Veterinarian
by the VAC.
“As chairman, I speak for the entire committee that we are pleased to provide The Celebration
with independent veterinary advice,” said Johnson. “Our primary mission is to protect the horse
and set a gold standard which hopefully will be embraced and utilized by the industry for the
future."
In addition to these rules enhancements, the TWHNC has launched a website to better serve
the public and breeders, providing detailed information on this historic initiative. The website is
www.celebrationvac.com and contains VAC recommendations, FAQ’s, a section to submit a
question to the VAC and biographies of the veterinarians serving on the VAC.
“The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is taking an unprecedented action,” said
Mike Inman, CEO of the TWHNC. “No other breed is incorporating protocols that go beyond the
scope of the HIO and USDA inspection entities. These protocols will be implemented as yet
another positive, objective way to ensure the welfare of those equine athletes competing at the
national championships.”
More about the Veterinary Advisory Council (VAC)
Dr. Jerry Johnson is an equine veterinarian with nearly 50 years of experience with degrees
from the University of Georgia (D.V.M.), Iowa State University (M.S.), and a Diplomat of the
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist. A
tenured professor prior to entering private practice in 1979 in Lexington, Kentucky, Johnson
taught equine surgery for sixteen years at five universities: University of Pennsylvania, Iowa
State University, Kansas State University, Auburn University, and University of Missouri.
Dr. Dallas O. Goble graduated from Kansas State University in 1965 with a degree in agriculture;
he later received an additional degree in arts and sciences in 1967. Goble then attended the KState College of Veterinary Medicine and earned his DVM in 1969. After earning his DVM,
Goble practiced in Oklahoma for three years before becoming a faculty member at Michigan
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State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He eventually moved to the University of
Tennessee as a faculty member for the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. He was the
equine surgery/clinical professor. He remained in this position until he retired in 2003.
Although Goble is retired he remains busy as the Budweiser Clydesdale herd health consultant.
Goble travels all over the United States evaluating the 250 horses in the Budweiser herd. The
horses are located across the country from Florida to California at eight different facilities.
Dr. Phillip D. Hammock is an equine surgeon based in Louisville, Tennessee and according to the
Knoxville News-Sentinel is regarded as one of the top surgeons in his field according to racing
insiders. Some of his past patients include former Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide and Dubai
World Cup winner Curlin. Hammock holds degrees from the University of Tennessee (B.S. and
D.V.M.), the University of Illinois (M.S.) and a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary
Surgeons.
About The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC):
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® takes place each year during the 11 days
and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during
which the breed's World Grand Champion® and some 20 World Champions are named. It is a
festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $650,000 in
prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and
a dog show.
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