National Walking Horse Association

Since our beginning in 1998, the NWHA has worked to promote the sound, naturally-gaited walking horse and advocate for its humane treatment.  Why you ask? 

SORING!  Soring is an incredibly cruel practice where a person places chemicals and/or devices on the lower limbs of a TWH making them extremely sensitive to touch so that the horse will pick its feet up quickly and dramatically, producing an exaggerated show gait called “the big lick.”  Sored horses are often scarred physically, and mentally, which leaves them with a dim future.  Soring is INHUMANE and has been ILLEGAL since the passing of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) in 1970 . . . BUT, it still persists today. 

NO soring allowed at NWHA!  Our #1 priority is the HORSE.  Pads, chains, bands are prohibited and we carry strict penalties for offenders.  We continued our excellent record in 2013 with 27 sound, HPA-compliant shows and events held across the nation! 

NWHA's mission also includes community and good-horsemanship education, and the development of our youth.  Two $250 educational scholarships are awarded to our youth members annually and we recognize their 4-H achievements.  Our trainers who have proven to use only humane methods are certified.  And, we train our own Judges and Inspectors to ensure knowledge, consistency, and fairness. 

NWHA is proud of its partnerships with the American Competitive Trail Horse Association and Best of America by Horseback group through which our members serve as great ambassadors for the walking horse while they enjoy America's trails.  We also offer a wide variety of versatility events so that ALL who want to show a sound horse can compete with us - Dressage anyone?

Making strides in this industry remains a challenge, yet we “Stay Calm and Walk On” for the horse!  We operate on a limited budget of membership dues, inspection fees, fundraisers, and very-much-appreciated donations from awesome folks like YOU!  Your donation will enable us to continue working for the horse.  Please support the NWHA with your donation today! 

• Member - Kentucky Non-Profit Network
• Member - American Horse Council
• Alliance Partner - United States Equestrian Federation
• Breed Representative - 2010 FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games
• Supporter - 2009 and 2010 Sound Horse Conferences