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Humane Society Pushes to End Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses

Formac Thornridge South trained horses sored during HSUS UC investigation

For over a decade, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has been advocating for stronger enforcement of the Horse Protection Act, with a particular focus on stopping the abusive practice of soring in Tennessee walking horses. Soring is a cruel and illegal method used to force horses to perform the exaggerated “Big Lick” gait by inflicting pain on their legs. Despite its ban, gaps in enforcement have allowed this practice to persist.

In April 2024, the USDA introduced a long-awaited rule aimed at closing these gaps, which included eliminating the industry’s self-policing system and banning devices often used in soring. However, this progress is now at risk. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration management has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the rule, which is scheduled to take effect in February 2025.

This lawsuit comes despite evidence contradicting claims that soring is no longer an issue. In a 2022 undercover investigation, the HSUS documented the ongoing abuse at Formac Stables, run by renowned horse trainer Jimmy McConnell. The investigation revealed that staff at the stables were applying harmful chemicals to the horses’ legs, causing significant pain and discomfort, and using tricks to evade detection during USDA inspections. The investigation also uncovered involvement from prominent figures in the industry, including Billy Young, president of the Walking Horse Trainers Association, who was seen assisting in the abuse.

Despite these violations, McConnell has continued to train and exhibit horses at major shows, even receiving awards from the Walking Horse Trainers Association. His assistant, Sam Martin, who was directly involved in the abusive practices, has also continued to train and compete in shows, further highlighting the industry’s failure to hold abusers accountable.

In response, the HSUS has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit, hoping to defend the USDA’s rule and ensure its implementation. According to Keith Dane, senior director of Equine Protection at the HSUS, “Only the elimination of the devices that are integral to soring and the corrupt, failed system of industry self-policing will provide long-overdue protection to these horses.”

The organization is also calling for the passage of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, federal legislation that would further strengthen protections for horses and increase penalties for violators. Although the PAST Act has broad bipartisan Support, it has been repeatedly blocked by a small group of lawmakers with ties to areas where soring is prevalent.

HSUS leaders, such as Gillian Lyons, director of regulatory affairs, stress the urgency of action. “This investigation provides incontrovertible evidence that the prompt implementation of the USDA rule and enactment of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act are urgently needed to protect thousands of horses from the torment of soring,” said Lyons.

The Humane Society urges concerned citizens to contact their representatives in Congress to push for the passage of the PAST Act and to put an end to the suffering caused by soring once and for all.