If you think all show horses are pampered and well cared for, think again. Many Tennessee walking horses, known for their distinctive gait and willing natures, are subjected to a cruel practice known as soring—the intentional infliction of pain to their feet and legs to produce an exaggerated gait known as the "Big Lick."
The Tennessee walking horse is bred for its smooth, natural gait—the running walk—and The HSUS supports the many owners and trainers who use humane training methods to showcase this natural gait, while also working to end the abusive practices often used to create the exaggerated high-stepping gait that has long been associated with soring.
The lives of many Tennessee walking horses trained in this manner are filled with pain, suffering, and fear. Most are kept in stalls the majority of the time. Fitted with tall, heavy shoes, their legs covered with caustic chemicals meant to cause pain, these horses are subjected to extreme cruelty, all for the sake of a ribbon. The HSUS is working to increase the enforcement of the federal Horse Protection Act and other laws that are meant to protect these majestic animals.
Support legislation to make soring a thing of the PAST »
Tenn. Governor Keeps Animal-Cruelty Investigation Legal
SB 1248/HB 1191 would have outlawed whistleblowing, such as The HSUS's investigation of Tennessee walking horse trainer Jackie McConnell’s criminal abuse. But Gov. Haslam vetoed the bill.
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May 13, 2013
Tenn. Governor Haslam Vetoes Anti-Whistleblower Bill
Gov. Bill Haslam vetoed the anti-whistleblower “ag-gag” bill, SB 1248/HB 1191, after hearing from thousands of Tennesseans urging the veto and a report deeming the bill constitutionally suspect by the Tennessee Attorney General.
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May 9, 2013
USDA Indicates 76 Percent of Horses Tested at 2012 Walking Horse Celebration Found Positive for Foreign Substances
In contrast to the two foreign substance violations reported by the Tennessee walking horse industry at the 2012 National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s testing revealed that 145 horses out of 190 tested, or 76 percent, were found positive.
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May 3, 2013
Bill to Criminalize Animal Cruelty Whistlblowers Reaches Governor’s Desk, Continues to Draw Criticism
As the anti-whistleblower “ag-gag” bill SB1248 was finally transmitted to Gov. Bill Haslam for his decision – two weeks after being passed by the legislature – more than 300 Tennessee clergy joined First Amendment and animal welfare groups urging a veto
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May 1, 2013
Tennessee Ad Calls for Governor to Veto Whistleblower Suppression Bill
The Humane Society of the United States has placed a full-page advertisement in The Tennessean as the latest in the deluge of criticism that has met anti-whistleblower “ag-gag” bill, SB1248, at every step of the legislative process.
Our Victories
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May 13, 2013
Tenn. Governor Haslam Vetoes Anti-Whistleblower Bill
Gov. Bill Haslam vetoed the anti-whistleblower “ag-gag” bill, SB 1248/HB 1191, after hearing from thousands of Tennesseans urging the veto and a report deeming the bill constitutionally suspect by the Tennessee Attorney General.
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February 5, 2013
The Humane Society of the United States Encouraged by New Federal Wild Horse Program Policies
The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Bureau of Land Management’s announcement outlining several new policies associated with the agency’s Wild Horse and Burro program.
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November 2, 2012
The HSUS Applauds University of Tennessee for Showcasing Only Sound Horses at Annual Homecoming Game
The Humane Society of the United States commends the University of Tennessee for choosing to allow only sound horses to participate at this year’s annual homecoming game.
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September 21, 2012
The HSUS Applauds NJ Governor Christie for Signing Bill Banning Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption
The HSUS applauds New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for signing A.2023, a bill that prohibits the slaughter of horses and sale of horse flesh for human consumption, bans the sale of horse meat or products derived from slaughtered horses and bans the transport of horse meat or live horses for the purpose of slaughter.
