Frequently Asked Questions
Q- What Is The Difference Between Pleasure And Performance Horses?
A - Pleasure horse, also called flat shod horses, do not wear built-up shoes or action devices on their front feet. Pleasure horses are popular in “versatility” events such as trail riding, pole bending, barrel racing, western reining, dressage and much more. Performance horses are horses that are geared toward a more dynamic show ring presence rather than the activities associated with pleasure horses. While both pleasure and performance horses have the same natural gait, their gait is enhanced through the use of built-up shoes and action devices on the front feet of the horse. Whether you are watching a pleasure or performance horse, you will notice that riders are enjoying a smooth ride in the saddle, this is thanks to the natural over stride in the horse back legs. This is what gives us a “walk” rather than a trot, rack, fox-trot or other gaits.
Q - Are The Horses Being Inspected at Shows?
A - EVERY Walking Horse is inspected EVERY time at EVERY show. Horses are inspected before they show by industry inspectors (DQPs)and frequently by USDA veterinarians.. Inspectors are charged with enforcing the regulations set forth in the Horse Protection Act and the industry’s various rule books. In addition to a preshow inspection, horses are also subject to random post-show inspections.
Q - How Does the USDA Decide Which Shows to Attend?
A - The USDA is welcome to attend any show in the country. The various HIOs informs the USDA of the location and time of every horse show they affiliate. It is the discretion of the USDA which of those shows they attend. The USDA does not inform the HIO or the horse show whether or not they will be in attendance.
Q - Why Do Walking Horses Wear Such Big Shoes On Their Front Feet?
A - The built-up shoes, or pads, worn on the front feet of performance Walking Horses are used to enhance their natural gait. If you compare a performance (built-up) Walking Horse with a pleasure (flat shod) Walking Horse, you’ll notice that both have the same distinct gait Walking Horses are born with, but the performance horse’s gait is more exaggerated. Several equine breeds use built-up shoes and each is designed specifically for the breed to both enhance the gait and absorb the shock when their front feet hit the ground. Because of this, Walking Horses don’t suffer from as many leg and tendon injuries as other equine sports, and many Walking Horses continue to compete well into an advanced age.
Q - Show horses often have high pads or “stacks” on their hooves. Are these stacks painful to the horse? Are horses wearing these stacks forced to remain in barns their whole lives, or are they allowed to go out into pastures?
A- Pads or “stacks” are not painful for the horse. They are not heavy, and parameters for the size and angle of the pads are defined by USDA regulation. Show horses that have pads on during the show season are extremely well cared for. As are show horses of other breeds, they are maintained in stalls during the show season, but are taken out daily, often several times daily, to be exercised, groomed, and otherwise cared for. The barns show horses are kept in are well kept and well ventilated, with skylights in many of them. Horses with pads are also sometimes turned out into paddocks. Mares that have had successful show careers are often used for breeding, and may spend the rest of their lives outdoors. These well-cared for show horses often live long healthy lives and some show well into their teens or twenties.
Q - How Old Are Walking Horses When They Show?
A - Walking Horses begin to show under saddle as two-year-olds and many show into their teenage years; some even into their 20’s. After a successful show career, many Walking Horses are retired to ride trails, to the pasture or the breeding shed. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration recognizes classic horses that show at their show and are 15 years old or older. Last year, 53 classic horses were shown at the Celebration, a testament to the care these horses receive.
Q - What Is The Penalty For A Horse That Doesn’t Pass Inspection?
A - Penalties vary based on the violation. For some minor rule violations, exhibitors are allowed to correct the problem before they go into the show ring. Some violations have penalties that include fines and suspensions. It is important to note that EVERY penalty imposed by the NHSC exceeds what is mandated by the federal Horse Protection Act.
Q - The Tennessee Walking Horse has a very unique, high-stepping gait. Some have said that in order to win shows, the horse is intentionally made lame, or “sore” to encourage him to step higher. Is this true?
A – The Tennessee Walking Horse does have a unique high-stepping gait, and is a smooth, comfortable riding horse. This is a natural gait for the horse, and is enhanced by professional training, just as professional athletes train to enhance their natural abilities. Unfortunately, many years ago, various techniques that caused pain to the horse were used. However, soring horses is now unacceptable in the industry. New training techniques have been developed, and acceptable training techniques of today do not allow practices that cause pain.
Q – There have been some statements made that it is common practice in the industry to use caustic chemicals that burn the horses, or mechanical devices such as screws in their hooves, or a painful method of trimming the hoof called ‘pressure shoeing” to make the horse lift its feet higher? Is this true? Is this acceptable in the industry?
A – This is not true. These types of practices are completely unacceptable in the industry today. Those found to have used these practices are prevented from showing horses, and are subject to severe penalties imposed by the industry and by the federal government. To confirm its opposition to these practices, in 2007 the Walking Horse Trainer’s Association adopted a new Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics states that licensed trainers must “Treat all horses in their care humanely, and with dignity and respect. Trainers shall use proper care in training, handling, and showing them, and shall not utilize techniques known to inflict pain for the purposes of performance enhancement. Trainers found to have used pressure shoeing shall lose their training license and be banned from the Walking Horse Trainers Association for life.”
Q - What are the chains around some horses’ pasterns? Are they painful to the horse?
A- Those chains are known as “action devices” and encourage horses to lift their feet higher. Action devices are common training tools for most breeds. In the Walking Horse industry, action devices are not allowed to weigh more than 6 ounces - comparable to the weight of a wristwatch or bracelet. Research conducted at Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine determined that 6 ounce chains used as action devices on Tennessee Walking Horses do not cause any detectable pain or tissue damage to the horses..
Q - It has been stated the USDA made a commitment in 2006 to enforce the “Horse Protection Act.” What is the “Horse Protection Act”, and why did the USDA decide to start enforcing it in 2006?
A- The Horse Protection Act was enacted in 1970, and USDA, APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) has been enforcing it for many years, in partnership with the industry. Since the enactment of the HPA, the industry has evolved significantly, and the welfare of the horse has become of paramount importance. USDA and the industry continue to work together to ensure compliance with the Horse Protection Act. The recently adopted Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Code of Ethics reaffirms this commitment.
Q - It has been stated that industry has spent $1 million to try to change and weaken the law, and that industry has hired a Washington insider, previously an official with USDA to try to weaken the existing regulations. Is that true?
A – There had been some previous attempts by some in industry to modify the law. A new Washington firm was hired in 2007 to interact with USDA and the industry to assure consistent interpretation and enforcement of the HPA. This firm is not in any way attempting to change the law. On the contrary, the firm is working with USDA and industry to assure compliance with the HPA, and to help the Walking Horse Trainers Association (WHTA) move the industry forward. The focus is on protecting the horse and preserving the industry for future generations. The WHTA would also like to partner with others to develop new training methods focused on the welfare of the horse, and on improved detection of sore horses. The Washington firm will be working to facilitate those efforts, and to develop strategic planning to continue to move the industry forward.
Q - Why are more horses being turned down at pre-show inspection when the USDA is present at a show?
A - This is a concern that we have been addressing. With the help of the USDA, we have improved the joint training of our industry inspectors (DQPs) and their inspectors (VMOs). We are reevaluating our DQP program to see if we can make it even better, and are also working with the USDA to research new technology that will make all of our inspections more consistant.
Q - Why do the majority of trainers ... many times ... load up and leave a show when the USDA is present?
A - This is not a problem like it was a couple of years ago. In fact, the USDA was present at 20 National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) shows last year and 8,831 horses were shown - that’s an average of 442 per show. Trainers used to leave shows because of a lack of trust in and concerns about the inspection process. We have been working hard with USDA, and are now more comfortable with the inspection process. Trainers are now more willing to show their horses with USDA present because of the improved relationship with USDA and because of the good condition of the horses.
Q - Why do trainers continue to wrap the horses legs in plastic wrap?
A - While there are legitmate reasons to use plastic wrap, the industry and the USDA recognized the perception problems in the 2007 operating plan. HIOs who signed the operating plan have agreed to not allow horses to have plastic wrap on their legs while at a show.
Q - Why won't the industry consider reducing the size and shape of the pads and a different design (boot-like) action device?
A - We are an evolving sport and are always considering new and better ways to train our horses. We feel that the pads and action devices used on our horses are safe and effective. Veterinarians tell us that they don’t treat many Walking Horses for leg problems (bowed tendons, etc.) and a study by the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicane concluded that the pads and action devices on Tennessee Walking Horses to not cause any detectable pain or tissue damage to the horses. If new information or data indicates we should reduce the size and shape of the pads, we will certainly evaluate it,
Q - When industry (HIO) violations occur, why does the industry not publish the name of the violator(s) as well as the violation(s) ... would this not be a deterrent?
A - The USDA requires each HIO to make their list available to anyone who requests it and as far as we know this is being done. We are currently looking at ways to compile the information from each individual HIO into one industry document.
Q - Why so many chronic repeat offenders? A number of trainers/owners ... over the years ... have been found guilty of HPA violations, served long suspensions, paid huge fines and paid huge legal fees ... but after they "do the time" they "come back" and nothing changes ... they continue in business and continue to WIN until they are once again charged and found guilty ... why does the industry tolerate this? Why are they not banned for life after being found guilty of HPA violations time and time again?
A - Our industry penalties already exceed what is required by law in every instance. Just like when people break any law in society, they are required to serve a certain penalty that is appropriate for the offense. Just like our laws, we are constantly evaluating our rules and penalties to make sure they are effective deterrents and appropriate for the severity of the offense. Last year the Walking Horse Trainers Association announced that they would issue a life suspension for any trainer found guilty of pressure shoeing a horse.
Q - What is the industry doing to improve inspection procedures?
A - We’re doing a lot. Each year all industry inspectors are trained with USDA inspectors to make sure our inspection procedures are consistent and discuss ways how we can all do our jobs better. Two major industry shows, The International Grand Championships and the Celebration enacted new measures above and beyond all rules to ensure only sound horses are in the ring. New measures included random drug screening, removal of shoes on random horses for closer inspection and polygraph tests for the inspectors. The measures received high acclaim from the USDA , American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Horse Protection Association (AHPA), and American Humane Association (AHA).
More recently several trainers volunteered to bring horses to be inspected by the USDA to research new thermography tests. As with any new procedure there is a great deal of work to do to make sure its appropriate. The findings from Walking Horses must be compared to findings from other breeds of show horses and sport horses; the technology must be tested not only in a lab but in the field; and appropriate and consistent protocals must be established to insure the test is administered fairly for everyone.
Q - What do you think of new inspection technology?
A - We are encouraged by new technology that may give us a more consistent and definitive way to inspect horses. Before implementing any new inspection procedures and penalties, we must be assured that the new technology has been appropriately tested in the lab and the field and that the test results found with Walking Horses are compared to test results found with other livestock and equine breeds. For example, some of the substances found in recent “sniffer” tests are also found on show cattle and other equine breeds. It is important to ensure that new technology targets appropriate substances or practices, so that only those who violate the HPA and/or abuse horses are identified. It is also critically important to ensure that trainers and owners receive guidelines on the use of any new technology to help them ensure they can achieve full compliance.
Q- What do you think of the $10,000 reward being offered by the Humane Society for information leading to the conviction of someone who sores a horse?
A - Every group within our industry has taken a stand against soring practices and abuse of any kind. We hope the HSUS will recognize the dramatic progress that has been made within the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, and will broaden their scope to include cases of potential abuse in any and every breed. The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association is also setting up a hotline so callers can report any suspected abuse.
Q - Why are more violations found by HIOs like the NHSC?
A - The NHSC has the most highly trained DQPs in the industry, therefore it’s no surprise that they would be able to detect violations more easily. Some of the NHSC DQPs have been inspecting horses for 15-20 years and have been trained by the USDA dozens of times. The NHSC has also put an increased emphasis on ensuring that horses presented for show are in compliance with the Horse Protection Act.