At its meeting on May 23, 2025, the Executive Committee of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) considered a disciplinary recommendation submitted by the Hearing Committee regarding a complaint filed under Rule 20 of the Association’s Corporate Rules.

Rule 20 provides for a formal complaint procedure by which a member may, upon submission of a fee, seek relief from the Association in various matters. Lisa Van Kooy utilized this process, filing a written complaint against Brian Sizemore.

The complaint alleged that in 2020, Ms. Van Kooy and Mr. Sizemore agreed to a swap of horses: her yearling filly in exchange for his mare, which was in foal to his stallion Dealers Main Playboy. In 2021, the mare produced a filly, but that filly remains unregistered due to Mr. Sizemore’s failure to file a signed stallion breeding report, despite repeated requests and offers by Ms. Van Kooy to pay the associated fee. The complaint further noted that Mr. Sizemore acknowledged the obligation and provided no substantive explanation or justification for his unwillingness to sign.

The Association also became aware of similar issues experienced by other individuals who had bred to Mr. Sizemore’s stallion but were likewise unable to register resulting foals due to his non-cooperation.

After thorough review, the Hearing Committee found that Ms. Van Kooy had made numerous reasonable efforts to resolve the matter and that her claims were credible and supported.

Accordingly, the Executive Committee approved the following disciplinary actions:

  1. Registration Authorization: TWHBEA staff is authorized to complete the registration of DOC’S EBONY PRIDE (DEALERS MAIN PLAYBOY x CHANTILLY’S CHARMED ONE), owned by Lisa Van Kooy, and SAM HUDSON’S SPARKLE (DEALERS MAIN PLAYBOY x PLEASANT’S CREAM PUFF), owned by Susan Hudson, and to take appropriate steps to verify paternity.
  2. Penalty Assessment: Mr. Sizemore is assessed a $450.00 penalty, representing the complaint fee and applicable breeding report fee.
  3. Suspension of Benefits: Mr. Sizemore is suspended from all benefits of the Association, effective immediately. This suspension will remain in place until the penalty is paid in full. He has also been formally admonished that a recurrence of such conduct will result in immediate reinstatement of the suspension.

TWHBEA remains committed to maintaining accurate and reliable breeding records and to upholding the responsibilities and standards expected of its members.