TWHBEA^SM INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM UPDATE

1. TWHBEA^SM is in the final stages of composing the INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE.  This committee is composed of TWHBEA^SM directors and member individuals from all foreign countries who are dedicated to the success of TWHBEA^SM on the International front.  As there will certainly be additions as the program progresses, TWHBEA^SM has created this committee to provide a forum for all International Committee Members to report the needs of the International membership to TWHBEA^SM.

1. In an effort to unify the International Tennessee Walking Horse membership, the TWHBEA^SM will now act as show management for all TWHBEA^SM Recognized International Horse Shows.  Management will consist of a TWHBEA^SM staff person(s) or representative on site at each show to act as manager for the duration of the show.

Show managers will:

1. Collect entry fees for show
2. Supervise the location, set up, and schedules needed for horse show.
3. Work with TWHBEA^SM and International members to secure appropriate class selections in show programs
4. Handle rule disputes with an on site rules committee
5. Provide show coordination and implementation
6. Aid in Sponsorship coordination and implementation
7. Oversee all operations associated with the show and work in good faith with the International membership to make the show a success
8. Supervise all horse show office and grounds staff.
9. TWHBEA^SM will add additional responsibilities to show management duties as determined.
10. Provide needed information for International Associations and TWHBEA^SM to track points for High Point Award Programs involving the show managers project shows.

TWHBEA^SM has established the location for the 2008 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.  The new location is:  www.reitsportzentrum-steinhagen.de

REITSPORTZENTRUM STEINHAGEN
Zucht-,Reit- und Fahrverein Steinhagen-Brockhagen e.V.  
Postweg 2
33803 Steinhagen
Postfach 14 05
33794 Steinhagen
Telefon: +49 (0) 5204 - 3693
e-Mail: info@reitsportzentrum-steinhagen.de

There will be much more information coming soon on Hotels available, Camping areas and Driving Directions.

There has been an expansion on the class listing, clinics days, and explanation of the new opportunities available to European members.

1. TWHBEA^SM is also hosting the first EUROPEAN FUTURITY in conjunction with the EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS.  A complete description of the FUTURITY will be announced in all languages soon.  TWHBEA would like to encourage everyone to participate in the Futurity to add value to your breeding stock, weanlings, yearling, and two and three year olds.

1. In 2009, TWHBEA^SM is implementing a new show circuit for Europe.  This show circuit will provide a consistent opportunity for Tennessee Walking Owners to showcase their horses in competition and to the public.  A selection of locations will be chosen, and these locations will be found in any part of Europe which expresses an interest in hosting a show.  We are now requesting suggestions for locations from many sources in order to secure the best possible locations to hold this event.

A HIGH POINT PROGRAM will be implemented in 2009 along with the show circuit.  At each show, a horse can earn points during the show season, and the European Championship will be worth double points.  These points will be counted and a year end high point award will be presented to all high point winners in each division.  (Divisions include:  Plantation, Trail Pleasure, Country Pleasure, Versatility, Equitation/Horsemanship, Youth)  Divisions may change or grow depending on the decisions of TWHBEA^SM and the International Committee.

1. TWHBEA^SM is seeking the most professional, equine accommodations possible for these events.  The following requirements are desired, but not limited to:
1. Permanent stalling facilities
2. Restrooms and food resources
3. Permanent seating for spectators
4. Appropriate technical equipment for internet and computers, announcer, and event needs
5. Located near suitable hotels for attendees, campgrounds would be a plus as well.
6. A location suitable for European membership to have access within a reasonable distance.
7. Facility with connections to stall bedding, horse feed, veterinary support services, and blacksmith services

1. The TWHBEA^SM INTERNATIONAL RULE BOOK will be in effect for all TWHBEA^SM recognized shows.  This rule book will contain only rules that apply to flat shod divisions, and a newly created barefoot division.  The rule book is in its final stages and should be ready for review in a few weeks.

1. A specific INTERNATIONAL WEB PAGE found on the TWHBEA^SM website will feature announcements translated in both German, Dutch, and Hebrew with more languages to be added in the future.  This page will be a direct source for all information coming from the TWHBEA^SM office to its International Membership.

1. MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:  TWHBEA^SM is seeking International Show Management volunteers.  These volunteers should be individuals who are not interested in showing, but are interested in being a part of show office management.  If you are interested in Management Training, a workshop will be offered during the clinic days at the European Championships.  Office management volunteers are required to speak and read the English language.  All office management volunteers will be required to be TWHBEA^SM members.  For more information, contact Nicole Carswell at ncarswell@twhbea.com or 931-359-0585.

1. Information will be included in each Voice Magazine for our International members regarding International issues and programs.

1. International Membership email addresses will be requested for all members who would like to receive TWHBEA^SM announcements directly to their computers.  These announcements will also be translated into German, Dutch, and Hebrew with more languages to come.

The TWHBEA^SM is excited about the future of the International Membership.  We look forward to working with all International members in making the transition to a stronger, more secure presence in all International countries.

The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association^SM, headquartered in Lewisburg, Tennessee, is the oldest and most prestigious organization devoted to the promotion and protection of the breed. Founded in 1935, the breed registry was established to record the pedigrees of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Its goal is to maintain the purity of the breed, to promote greater awareness of the Tennessee Walking Horse and its qualities, to encourage expansion of the breed and to help assure its general welfare.