“Zero tolerance for soring and abuse” is the clarion call of the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA), which has recently moved its headquarters to the Kentucky Horse Park’s National Horse Center, joining more than 30 other national and regional equine organizations headquartered there.

The NWHA is an alliance of people who are committed to preserving and fostering the natural abilities and welfare of the Walking Horse. The organization was established to promote the naturally gaited Walking Horse. The group’s record of compliance with the USDA Horse Protection Act is not only a mission, but a matter of pride within the organization, which improves the lives of horses and people by encouraging responsibility and sportsmanship. It promotes educational and recreational activities while preserving the unique qualities of the Walking Horse.

According to the NWHA, for five decades the controversial training and showing practices of some gaited horse breeds stunted their acceptance and growth. As artificial gaits changed the direction of the breed, the true gaits–which originally made the breed popular–were almost lost. Thus, a nationwide group of committed Walking Horse owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts united to form the NWHA.

John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, stated, “We gladly welcome the NWHA as a new tenant in our National Horse Center because the welfare of Walking Horses is their top priority. Their noble efforts to preserve and protect naturally-gaited horses are laudable, and we are proud to have them join the Kentucky Horse Park family