We are at a tipping point in the fight to end the brutal practice of horse soring, a form of torment to force Tennessee walking horses and related breeds to exhibit the high-stepping gait known as the “Big Lick.” 

We have spent over a decade urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agency that oversees this industry, to close some of the loopholes in its regulations that have allowed horse soring to persist. In April, the agency finalized a rule to do just that. But the management of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has filed suit in federal court in Texas to block the rule from taking effect in February 2025 as planned.

In its lawsuit, the Association claims that soring is a thing of the past, but we have evidence that clearly shows that soring continues to be business as usual for even highly regarded horse trainers within this industry.

The USDA rule must take effect and be fully enforced. That is why the Humane Society of the United States has moved to intervene in the lawsuit to defend the new rule. Additionally, federal legislation would make the reforms of the rule permanent and go even further in advancing protections for horses by strengthening penalties. The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act must be enacted.