The Torture Must End

If the AHSA had the nerve to make the punishment fit the crime, a lot_of trainers would be on crutches. The trainers, of course, blame pressure from the owners, and the owners say the trainers are at fault. (One owner quoted his trainer: "Just don't watch while I put the boots on—you'll feel better when you ride up to get that ribbon.")

So, despite the courage of men like Yenser, C. C. Turner and Amos, there is little to be hoped for from the self-interested, ribbon-seeking trainer or owner. That leaves the matter squarely in the hands of the American Horse Shows Association, which has yet to enforce or even clarify its own tepid rules. If the AHSA at its current meeting fails to redefine its rules, make clear who is responsible for enforcing them and provide stringent penalties for offenders, a few courageous show managers are ready to drop the Walking Horse division entirely. This may seem a drastic remedy, but the various Walking Horse societies have had ample time to clean their own stable. They have failed to do so. The AHSA must have the courage to do it for them.