Program For Excellence

Continuing in the spirit of innovation and inclusion, the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse is excited to announce ‘The Canadian’ Program For Excellence, which will:

In, 1993, the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse took over sponsorship of ‘The Canadian’ Tennessee Walking Horse Futurity. In 1994, the futurity format was changed from comparative system to an evaluative one. And in 2004 the Virtual Futurity was added to make ‘The Canadian’ more inclusive. People from across Canada (or with Canadian-bred Walking Horses elsewhere in the world) could participate.

From the earliest days, the goal of ‘The Canadian’ was to improve and promote the Tennessee Walking Horse born and bred in Canada. ‘The Canadian’ Futurity encouraged breeders and owners to put their horses under the scrutiny of a judge, to bring their horses to the attention of the public, and ultimately to submit their horses to the judgement of the market place. It was a breeder’s program with emphasis on improvement of the breed rather than on winning or losing.

After thoughtful analysis of current conditions in the horse industry in North America, and recognizing the impact that future demographic changes would have, the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse took a bold step in 2005. All Futurity entry fees and nomination fees were returned and ‘The Canadian’ was postponed.

In its place, we introduced a new and innovative format: horses were evaluated on video. As a test run, we gave people the opportunity to travel to a central location on a set date, and on that day, a professional videoed their horses. Believing it was important that horses be presented in the best possible manner, we allowed retakes. The videos were sent to a licensed TWH judge for evaluation. (We accepted personal videos for submission, as well). Participants received a copy of the video and a written evaluation of their horse. The horses evaluated were not ranked, nor was any prize money distributed. The process was purely evaluative. A significant number of horses participated, and the event was deemed a success.

‘The Canadian’ Program for Excellence was unveiled at the 2006 AGM. It replaces ‘The Canadian’ Futurity, and it is open to all owners of Canadian Registered Tennessee Walking Horses. Individual horses are videotaped (at home or at a gathering) performing a set test, and their performance is evaluated by qualified people against a standard.

Horses can achieve a Bronze, Silver and/or Gold Award. In addition, there is a Platinum Award to recognize superior stallions and mares. The awards will be recorded on each successful horse’s CRTWH registration papers, creating a permanent and public record of achievement.

With video evaluation of horses, an evaluative program is now available to breeders and owners of the Canadian Registered TWHs in any part of the world. And the program provides opportunities to connect with other breeders and owners, building an important business and social network.

The Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse continues to develop activities that allow us all to promote and enjoy The Horse for All Reasons, the Canadian Tennessee Walking Horse.

For more information about ‘The Canadian’ Program For Excellence, visit our website, www.crtwh.ca , or contact Dianne Little by email or phone (403) 271-7391.

Please note: the deadline for submitting videotapes or DVDs this year is October 15, 2006