Horse advocates' Washington rally targets soring

[Bob Of Burleson]

By Sean Cockerham
McClatchy News Service

WASHINGTON — With lawmakers divided over a bill to stop the abuse of show horses, advocates for the measure brought horses to the Capitol on Wednesday for a demonstration designed to pressure Congress to ban some of the painful procedures, known as soring, used to make horses step higher in the ring.

The bill by Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., would forbid the use of "action devices," such as chains that rub on horses' legs made sensitive with chemicals, and pads that hurt the hooves to achieve the crowd-pleasing exaggerated high gait known as the "Big Lick."

The measure would end the industry's self-policing, and has attracted 291 co-sponsors, drawing support from both parties.

But other influential lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., say the bill goes too far. Its future is far from certain with time running out to pass this year, given a congressional calendar that includes a monthlong August recess and other breaks before the midterm elections in November.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2014/06/19/3299 ... rylink=cpy

[Bob Of Burleson]

What is Soring?

Humane Society

Soring involves the intentional infliction of pain to a horse's legs or hooves in order to force the horse to perform an artificial, exaggerated gait. Caustic chemicals—blistering agents like mustard oil, diesel fuel, and kerosene—are applied to the horse's limbs, causing extreme pain and suffering.

A particularly egregious form of soring, known as pressure shoeing, involves cutting a horse's hoof almost to the quick and tightly nailing on a shoe, or standing a horse for hours with the sensitive part of his soles on a block or other raised object. This causes excruciating pressure and pain whenever the horse puts weight on the hoof.

Soring has been a common and widespread practice in the Tennessee walking horse show industry for decades. Today, judges continue to reward the artificial "Big Lick" gait, thus encouraging participants to sore their horses and allowing the cruel practice to persist.

MORE

[dublusk]

I guess this is for "walking" horses? None of the Western or English shows have their horses stepping like that!

[Grassman]

Well it's good they can tackle this issue. Not much else of importance going on. Glad they have the time for this, it's really one of those issues that needs addressing right now. Can you sense the sarcasm here, cus I'm laying it on pretty thick?

[Dancer]

Well it's good they can tackle this issue. Not much else of importance going on. Glad they have the time for this, it's really one of those issues that needs addressing right now. Can you sense the sarcasm here, cus I'm laying it on pretty thick?

Sarcasm taken, seems to me a good horse will do what the rider needs without that crap. A good horse is like a good dog, you two work together.