Help Us End the Cruelty: Join the Fight Against Soring
Soring is a horrific and illegal practice that inflicts extreme pain on Tennessee Walking Horses to achieve an exaggerated gait known as the "Big Lick". This cruel practice is strictly prohibited under the Horse Protection Act. Soring involves applying caustic chemicals to the horses' legs, wrapping them to "cook" the chemicals into the flesh, and using chains and tall stacks to agitate these sensitive areas. The "Big Lick" is not a natural gait but a product of immense suffering.
Despite being outlawed, unethical trainers continue to use these methods and employ various tricks to avoid detection during inspections. These horses suffer severe physical deterioration, including damage to bones, ligaments, and tendons, and often end up in the slaughter pipeline once they can no longer endure the pain.
We are offering a $10,000 reward for evidence and information that leads to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses.
What is Soring?
Soring is the deliberate infliction of pain to a horse's lower legs to force an unnatural, high-stepping gait. Methods include:
Chemical Soring: Applying corrosive substances like kerosene or mustard oil to the pastern area, then wrapping the leg to trap the chemicals and cause burning. This leads to extreme sensitivity and often leaves scars.
Physical Soring: Grinding or trimming hooves to expose sensitive tissues, inserting objects under pads, over-tightening metal hoof bands, or deliberately causing laminitis (founder).
Use of Devices: "Stacks" (layered pads nailed to hooves) and chains are used to intensify the pain and exaggerate the gait.
Signs of Soring: Excessive time spent lying down or unwillingness to move.
Abnormal posture while standing or moving.
Swelling, pain, abraded skin, or other signs of inflammation on the lower leg.
Unnaturally wavy, rippled, or curly hair on the lower leg; scars.
Your Role in Ending the Abuse:
If you have information regarding individuals involved in soring Tennessee Walking Horses, your tip could be crucial in bringing abusers to justice and stopping this cruel practice.