Are you a horse enthusiast or a new horse owner trying to learn about the dos and don'ts of horse care? One important aspect to be aware of is horse soring. In this article, we will dive into what horse soring means, why it's illegal, and how to spot the signs if you suspect a horse may be experiencing this painful practice.
What Does It Mean To Sore A Horse Table of Contents
What is Horse Soring?
Soring is the unethical and inhumane practice of intentionally causing pain to a horse's legs and feet to achieve an exaggerated gait known as the "big lick." This high-stepping gait is valued in certain horse shows and competitions, especially in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
Soring can be done using various cruel methods, such as applying caustic chemicals to the horse's front legs, which cause severe burning, and using chains or other action devices weighing on the sensitive area. Another form of soring involves placing sharp objects or stacks of pads (known as "stacks") beneath the horse's front hoof to create pressure, making it painful for the horse to put weight on the hoof.
Why is Horse Soring Illegal?
While soring may momentarily provide a more desired gait in specific competition events, it creates unnecessary and extreme distress for the horse. Recognizing the inhumane nature of this practice, the United States Congress passed the Horse Protection Act (HPA) in 1970.
The HPA comes under the enforcement of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The act prohibits:
- Showing, exhibiting, or auctioning sore horses.
- Transporting sore horses to horse shows, sales, exhibitions, or auctions.
- Entering sore horses in any horse show, sale, exhibition, or auction.
It is essential to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for soring in the equestrian community to ensure the welfare and well-being of all horses.
How to Spot the Signs of Horse Soring
If you suspect that a horse may have been subjected to soring, there are several signs to watch out for:
- Physical symptoms: Swelling, hair loss, and scars on the horse's legs and hooves are some of the primary indicators. Any sign of discomfort or pain in these areas should be considered a potential red flag.
- Lameness: A horse subjected to soring may exhibit lameness or have difficulty walking or standing normally.
- Behavioral changes: Sore horses may show signs of anxiety, agitation, or aggression, especially when being handled, touched, or when pressure is applied to their legs. They may also be hesitant to perform certain movements or gaits.
- Unusual shoeing practices: Observe the horse's hooves for abnormal pads, stacks, or bandages attempting to hide the evidence of soring.
If you encounter a horse showing signs of soring, it's crucial to report it to the relevant authorities such as the USDA or your local animal welfare organization.
What Does It Mean To Sore A Horse Example:
Imagine attending a local horse show or exhibition and noticing a Tennessee Walking Horse dancing about the arena with that "big lick" gait. As you observe the horse closer, you see that the horse is limping when not performing, and upon inspection, there are hair loss and scarring on its front legs. This is a clear indication that the horse may have been subjected to soring and should be reported immediately to the event organizers or the USDA.
We hope this article has enlightened you on the cruel and unethical practice of horse soring. Together, we can work towards preventing it by raising awareness and reporting suspected cases. Be sure to share this article with your fellow horse lovers and explore other important guides on How to Own a Horse to help promote a happier, healthier, and more humane equestrian community.
