Tennessee Walking Horse#Footnotes
{{Short description|American horse breed noted for a smooth gait}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox horse
| name= Tennessee Walking Horse
| image= Tennessee Walking Horse2.jpg
| image_caption= Flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horse
| features = Unique running-walk, tall, long neck; calm disposition; long, straight head
| altname= Tennessee Walker
Walking Horse
Walker
TWH
| country= Tennessee, USA
| color= Any color permissible
| height= {{hands|14.3|to|17}}
| weight= {{convert|900|to|1200|lb}}
| group1= Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association
| std1= http://www.twhbea.com
| group2= National Walking Horse Association
| std2= http://www.nwha.com
| group3=
| std3=
| extinct=
| note=
|}}
The Tennessee Walking Horse or Tennessee Walker is a breed of gaited horse known for its unique four-beat running-walk and flashy movement. It was originally developed as a riding horse on farms and plantations in the American South. It is a popular riding horse due to its calm disposition, smooth gaits and sure-footedness. The Tennessee Walking Horse is often seen in the show ring, but is also popular as a pleasure and trail riding horse using both English and Western equipment. Tennessee Walkers are also seen in movies, television, and other entertainment.
The breed was developed beginning in the late 18th century when Narragansett Pacers and Canadian Pacers from the eastern United States were crossed with gaited Spanish Mustangs from Texas. Other breeds were later added, and in 1886 a foal named Black Allan was born. He is now considered the foundation sire of the breed. In 1935 the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association was formed, and it closed the studbook in 1947.
In 1939, the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration was held. In the early 21st century, this annual event attracted considerable attention and controversy because of issues linked to abuse of horses that was practiced to enhance their performance in the show ring.
The two basic categories of Tennessee Walking Horse show competition are called "flat-shod" and "performance", distinguished by desired leg action. Flat-shod horses, wearing regular horseshoes, exhibit less exaggerated movement. Performance horses are shod with built-up pads or "stacks", along with other weighted action devices, creating the so-called "Big Lick" style. The United States Equestrian Federation and some breed organizations now prohibit the use of stacks and action devices at shows they sanction.
In addition, the Tennessee Walking Horse is the breed most affected by the Horse Protection Act of 1970. It prohibits the practice of soring, abusive practices which can be used to enhance the Big Lick movement prized in the show ring. Despite the law, some horses are still being abused. The controversy over continuing soring practices has led to a split within the breed community, criminal charges against a number of individuals, and the creation of separate breed organizations. Congressional legislation to strengthen the Act has been introduced with broad support, but has yet to be enacted.
Breed characteristics
The modern Tennessee Walking Horse is described as "refined and elegant, yet solidly built".{{cite book |title=Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America |author=Dutson, Judith |publisher=Storey Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=1-58017-613-5 |pages=246–249}} It is a tall horse with a long neck. The head is well-defined, with small, well-placed ears. The breed averages {{hands|14.3|to|17}} high and {{convert|900|to|1200|lbs|kg}}. The shoulders and hip are long and sloping, with a short back and strong coupling.{{cite web |url=http://www.crtwh.ca/about-walking-horses/clrc-pedigree/ |title=Breed description |publisher=Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse |date=2015 |access-date=September 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307133123/http://www.crtwh.ca/about-walking-horses/clrc-pedigree/ |archive-date=March 7, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/conformation.htm |title=Conformation |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226052449/http://www.twhbea.com/conformation.htm |archive-date=February 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} The hindquarters are of "moderate thickness and depth", well-muscled, and it is acceptable for the hind legs to be slightly over-angulated, cow-hocked or sickle-hocked.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/pdf/Evaluation%20Conf.pdf |title=Evaluation conformation |last1=Meadows |first1=Doyle |first2=Dave |last2=Whitaker |first3=Randall |last3=Baker |first4=Sis |last4=Osborne |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615090359/http://www.twhbea.com/pdf/Evaluation%20Conf.pdf |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
They are found in all solid colors, and several pinto patterns.{{cite web |url=http://imh.org/index.php/exhibits/online/horse-breeds-of-the-world/north-america/item/2201-tennessee-walking-horse |title=Tennessee Walking Horse |publisher=International Museum of the Horse |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628085230/http://imh.org/index.php/exhibits/online/horse-breeds-of-the-world/north-america/item/2201-tennessee-walking-horse |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |url-status=dead}} Common colors such as bay, black and chestnut are found, as are colors caused by dilution genes such as the dun, champagne, cream and silver dapple genes. Pinto patterns include overo, sabino and tobiano.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/breed/colorandmarkings.php |title=Colors |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312102104/http://www.twhbea.com/breed/colorandmarkings.php |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
The Tennessee Walking Horse has a reputation for having a calm disposition and a naturally smooth riding gait. While the horses are famous for flashy movement, they are popular for trail and pleasure riding as well as show.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/breedHistoryAndDescription.htm |title=History and Description |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831093937/http://www.twhbea.com/breedHistoryAndDescription.htm |archive-date=August 31, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
The Tennessee Walking Horse is best known for its running-walk. This is a four-beat gait with the same footfall pattern as a regular, or flat, walk, but significantly faster. While a horse performing a flat walk moves at {{convert|4|to|8|mph|km/h|abbr=off}}, the running walk allows the same horse to travel at {{convert|10|to|20|mph|km/h|abbr=off}}. In the running walk, the horse's rear feet overstep the prints of its front feet by {{convert|6|to|18|in|cm|abbr=off}}, with a longer overstep being more prized in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. While performing the running walk, the horse nods its head in rhythm with its gait.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/breed/gaits.php |title=The Breed |publisher=TWHBEA |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312102331/http://www.twhbea.com/breed/gaits.php |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Besides the flat and running walks, the third main gait performed by Tennessee Walking Horses is the canter. Some members of the breed perform other variations of lateral ambling gaits, including the rack, stepping pace, fox trot and single-foot, which are allowable for pleasure riding but penalized in the show ring. A few Tennessee Walking Horses can trot, and have a long, reaching stride.{{cite web |url=http://www.equisearch.com/uncategorized/go-gaited-tennessee-walking-horse-faqs/ |title=Go Gaited! Tennessee Walking Horse FAQs |publisher=Trail Rider Magazine |author=Jahiel, Jessica |access-date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326032832/http://www.equisearch.com/uncategorized/go-gaited-tennessee-walking-horse-faqs |archive-date=March 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
= Health =
Some Tennessee Walking Horses may be affected by the following genetic conditions:
- Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB2) is a heritable genetic condition that has been found in some Tennessee Walking Horses. It is a recessive missense mutation in the GRM6 gene and is believed to inhibit the ability of the ON-bipolar cell to uptake glutamate.{{Cite journal |last1=Hack |first1=Yael L. |last2=Crabtree |first2=Elizabeth E. |last3=Avila |first3=Felipe |last4=Sutton |first4=Roger B. |last5=Grahn |first5=Robert |last6=Oh |first6=Annie |last7=Gilger |first7=Brian |last8=Bellone |first8=Rebecca R. |date=March 2021 |title=Whole-genome sequencing identifies missense mutation in GRM6 as the likely cause of congenital stationary night blindness in a Tennessee Walking Horse |journal=Equine Veterinary Journal |language=en |volume=53 |issue=2 |pages=316–323 |doi=10.1111/evj.13318 |pmid=32654228 |s2cid=220500585 |issn=0425-1644|doi-access=free }} CSNB is characterized by an inability to see in low light conditions. Horses may also be reluctant to move at night and may struggle to find food and water. It is a non-progressive condition that is present from birth. No treatment is available, however management strategies, such as leaving a light on at night can be used to assist affected animals.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Amy |date=2020-06-08 |title=Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) |url=https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/congenital-stationary-night-blindness-csnb |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=School of Veterinary Medicine |language=en}} The allele frequency of CSNB2 in Tennessee Walking Horses is reported to be about 10%, horses homozygous for CSNB2 are affected, while a significantly larger number of animals heterozygous for the condition are unaffected carriers. Genetic testing is available to aid in diagnosis, management, and breeding decisions.
- Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1), a muscle disease which also affects several other breeds. It results in the abnormal accumulation of glycogen, leading to a breakdown of muscle fibers (Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis), causing muscle pain, weakness, skin twitching, sweating, and reluctance to move.{{cite web |title=PSSM-1 |url=https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/pssm1 |website=vgl.ucdavis.edu |publisher=Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis |access-date=11 October 2022}}
- Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome an X-linked recessive condition which affects male horses, where external genitalia fails to develop the animal is sterile.{{cite web |title=Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) {{!}} Veterinary Genetics Laboratory |url=https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/ais-horse |website=vgl.ucdavis.edu |language=en}}
History
File:Hambletonian10.jpg, the foundation stallion of the family that produced Black Allan]]
The Tennessee Walker originated from the cross of Narragansett Pacer and Canadian Pacer horses brought from Kentucky to Tennessee starting in 1790, with gaited Spanish Mustangs imported from Texas. These horses were bred on the limestone pastures of Middle Tennessee, and became known as "Tennessee Pacers". Originally used as all-purpose horses on plantations and farms, they were used for riding, pulling and racing. They were known for their smooth gaits and sure-footedness on the rocky Tennessee terrain. Over the years, Morgan, Standardbred, Thoroughbred and American Saddlebred blood was also added to the breed.
In 1886, Black Allan (later known as Allan F-1) was born. By the stallion Allendorf (from the Hambletonian family of Standardbreds) and out of a Morgan mare named Maggie Marshall, he became the foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.{{cite book|last1=Lynghaug |first1=Fran |title=The Official Horse Breeds Standards Guide: The Complete Guide to the Standards of All North American Equine Breed Associations |date=2009 |publisher=Voyageur Press |location=Minneapolis |isbn=978-1-61673-171-7 |page=324 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=myQBSVVEhagC&pg=PA324 |access-date=December 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222082957/https://books.google.com.au/books?id=myQBSVVEhagC&pg=PA324 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=live }} A failure as a trotting horse, due to his insistence on pacing, Black Allan was instead used for breeding. From his line, a foal named Roan Allen was born in 1904. Able to perform several ambling gaits, Roan Allen became a successful show horse, and in turn sired several famous Tennessee Walking Horses.
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association was formed in 1935. To reflect interest in showing horses, the name was changed in 1974 to the current Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA). The stud book was closed in 1947, meaning that since that date every Tennessee Walker must have both its dam and stud registered in order to be eligible for registration. In 1950, the United States Department of Agriculture recognized the Tennessee Walking Horse as a distinct breed.
In 2000, the Tennessee Walking Horse was named the official state horse of the US state of Tennessee.{{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov/sos/bluebook/07-08/46-Symbols%20&%20Honors.pdf |title=Tennessee Symbols and Honors |work=Tennessee Blue Book |publisher=State of Tennessee |accessdate=March 2, 2013 |page=524 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201181059/http://www.tn.gov/sos/bluebook/07-08/46-Symbols%20%26%20Honors.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }} It is the third most-common breed in Kentucky, behind the Thoroughbred and the American Quarter Horse.{{cite web |last=Patton |first=Janet |url=https://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/sale-of-tennessee-walking-horses-at-kentucky-horse-park-proceeds-quietly/ |title=Sale of Tennessee Walking Horses at Kentucky Horse Park Proceeds Quietly |publisher=Lexington Herald-Leader (cross-posted) |date=January 26, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225080623/https://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/sale-of-tennessee-walking-horses-at-kentucky-horse-park-proceeds-quietly/ |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} As of 2005, 450,000 horses have been registered over the life of the TWHBEA, with annual registrations of 13,000–15,000 new foals. While the Tennessee Walking Horse is most common in the southern and southeastern US, it is found throughout the country.
Uses
The Tennessee Walker is noted for its appearance in horse show events, particularly performances in saddle seat-style English riding equipment, but is also a very popular trail riding horse. Some are used for endurance riding. To promote this use, the TWHBEA maintains an awards program in conjunction with the American Endurance Ride Conference.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/programs/endurance.php |title=TWHBEA Endurance Program |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615153305/http://www.twhbea.com/programs/endurance.php |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.aerc.org/breed_awards.aspx |title=Breed Awards Offered for Endurance Riding |publisher=American Endurance Ride Conference |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312170659/http://www.aerc.org/Breed_Awards.aspx |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=dead}}
In the 20th century, the Tennessee Walking Horse was crossed with Welsh ponies to create the American Walking Pony, a gaited pony breed.{{cite book |title=Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America |author=Dutson, Judith |publisher=Storey Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=1-58017-613-5 |page=284}}
The breed has also been featured in television, movies and other performing events. The Lone Ranger's horse "Silver" was at times played by a Tennessee Walker. "Trigger, Jr.", the successor to the original "Trigger" made famous by Roy Rogers, was played by a Tennessee Walker named Allen's Gold Zephyr. The position of Traveler, mascot of the University of Southern California Trojans, was held at various times by a purebred Tennessee Walking Horse, and by a Tennessee Walker/Arabian cross.{{cite web |url=http://sait.usc.edu/recsports/spirit/traveler/home.html |title=Traveler |publisher=University of Southern California |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526031112/http://sait.usc.edu/recsports/spirit/traveler/home.html |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |url-status=dead}}
Horse shows
The two basic categories of Tennessee Walking Horse show competition are called "flat-shod" and "performance". Flat-shod horses compete in many different disciplines under both western and English tack.{{rp|19–20}} At shows where both divisions are offered, the flat-shod "plantation pleasure" division is judged on brilliance and show presence of the horses while still being well mannered, balanced, and manageable. "Park pleasure" is the most animated of the flat-shod divisions.{{rp|31}} Flat-shod horses are shown in ordinary horseshoes, and are not allowed to use pads or action devices, though their hooves are sometimes trimmed to a slightly lower angle with more natural toe than seen on stock horse breeds.
Tennessee Walking Horses are typically shown with a long mane and tail. Artificially set tails are seen in "performance" classes, on full-grown horses in halter classes, and in some harness classes, but generally are not allowed in pleasure or flat-shod competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.walkinghorseowners.com/wp-content/uploads/WHOA-Pleasure-rulebook-2014.pdf |title=Walking Horse Owners Association Official Rulebook Pleasure Division |date=February 2014 |publisher=Walking Horse Owners Association |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030185433/http://www.walkinghorseowners.com/wp-content/uploads/WHOA-Pleasure-rulebook-2014.pdf |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |url-status=unfit }}{{rp|12}}
Performance horses, sometimes called "padded" or "built up", exhibit flashy and animated gaits, lifting their forelegs high off the ground with each step. This exaggerated action is sometimes called the "Big Lick".{{cite web |url=http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/tenn_walking_horses/ |title=Tennessee Walking Horses |year=2013 |publisher=The Humane Society of the United States |access-date=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325071244/http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/tenn_walking_horses/ |archive-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=live}} The customary style for rider attire and tack is saddle seat. Horses are shod in double and triple-nailed pads,{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/cms/cmsfiles/PDFs/BasicsBrochure.pdf |title=Tennessee Walking Horses: The Basics |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitor's Association |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615101743/http://www.twhbea.com/cms/cmsfiles/PDFs/BasicsBrochure.pdf |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} which are sometimes called "stacks".{{cite web |url=https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Use-of-Action-Devices-Performance-Packages-for-Tennessee-Walking-Horses.aspx |title=Use of Action Devices and Performance Packages for Tennessee Walking Horses |publisher=American Veterinary Medical Association |accessdate=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905184733/https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Use-of-Action-Devices-Performance-Packages-for-Tennessee-Walking-Horses.aspx |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live}} In the early 21st century, this form of shoeing is now prohibited at shows governed by the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA),{{rp|3}} and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).{{cite web |url=http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2013/GeneralRules/08-ConductofCompetitions.pdf |title=2013 United States Equestrian Federation Rule Book |publisher=United States Equestrian Federation |year=2013 |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225143309/https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2013/GeneralRules/08-ConductofCompetitions.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} Artificially set tails are seen in "performance" classes, on full-grown horses in halter classes, and in some harness classes, but generally are not allowed in pleasure or flat-shod competition.{{rp|12}}
Horses in western classes wear equipment similar to that used by other breeds in western pleasure classes, and exhibitors may not mix English and Western-style equipment. Riders must wear a hat or helmet in western classes. Tennessee Walkers are also shown in both pleasure and fine harness driving classes, with grooming similar to the saddle seat horses.{{rp|31, 36, 43}} In classes where horses are turned out in saddle seat equipment, it is typical for the horse to be shown in a single curb bit with a bit shank under {{convert|9.5|in|cm}}, rather than the double bridle more common to other saddle seat breeds. Riders wear typical saddle seat attire. Hats are not always mandatory, but use of safety helmets is allowed and ranges from strongly encouraged{{cite web |url=http://www.showhio.com/documents/General%20Rules%20&%20Requirements.Aug2013.pdf |date=August 2013 |publisher=SHOW |title=Rule Book Divisions and Class Rules & Requirements Section |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922145522/http://www.showhio.com/documents/General%20Rules%20%26%20Requirements.Aug2013.pdf |archive-date=September 22, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{rp|9}} to required in some pleasure division classes.{{rp|23}}
= Horse Protection Act =
{{See also|Horse Protection Act of 1970|Soring}}
{{multiple image
| width1 = 200
| width2 = 157
| footer =
| image1 = TWH with Stacks.jpg
| alt1 = A horse's hoof, held onto a thick stack of pads with a band running over the top of the hoof.
| caption1 = Built up pads, called "stacks", held on by a band over the top of the hoof, are used in performance divisions
| image2 = Xray-USDA.gif
| alt2 = An X-ray of a horse's hoof, attached to a thick set of pads filled with nails
| caption2 = X-ray shows nails attaching the shoe pads that also add additional weight and could create pressure on the sole of the foot, a type of soring
}}
The showing, exhibition and sale of Tennessee Walking Horses and some other horse breeds is governed by the Horse Protection Act of 1970 (HPA) due to concerns about the practice of soring. This developed during the 1950s and became widespread in the 1960s, resulting in a public outcry against it.{{cite web |url=http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_welfare/content/printable_version/FS-HorseProtectionAct-Final.pdf |title=Horse Protection Factsheet |publisher=APHIS |access-date=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308044029/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_welfare/content/printable_version/FS-HorseProtectionAct-Final.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |url-status=dead}} Congress passed the Horse Protection Act in 1970, declaring the practice to be "cruel and inhumane". The Act prohibits anyone from entering a sored horse into a show, sale, auction or exhibition,{{cite web |url=http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/hpa_history_and_admin.pdf |title=History of the Horse Protection Act |publisher=APHIS |accessdate=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308044027/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/hpa_history_and_admin.pdf |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} and prohibits drivers from transporting sored horses to a sale or show.
Congress delegated statutory responsibility for enforcement to the management of sales and horse shows, but placed administration of the act with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Violations of the HPA may result in criminal charges, fines and prison sentences. The USDA certifies certain Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) to train and license Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to complete inspections. APHIS inspection teams, which include inspectors, investigators, and veterinary medical officers, also conduct unannounced inspections of some horse shows, and have the authority to revoke the license of a DQP who does not follow the standards of the Act.
Soring is defined by the HPA with four meanings:
"(3)(A) an irritating or blistering agent has been applied, internally or externally, by a person to any limb of a horse, (B) any burn, cut, or laceration has been inflicted by a person on any limb of a horse, (C) any tack, nail, screw, or chemical agent has been injected by a person into or used by a person on any limb of a horse, or (D) any other substance or device has been used by a person on any limb of a horse or a person has engaged in a practice involving a horse, and, as a result of such application, infliction, injection, use, or practice, such horse suffers, or can reasonably be expected to suffer, physical pain or distress, inflammation, or lameness when walking, "{{usc|15|1821}}Action devices, which remain legal but are often used in conjunction with illegal soring practices, are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations as "any boot, collar, chain, roller, or other device which encircles or is placed upon the lower extremity of the leg of a horse in such a manner that it can either rotate around the leg, or slide up and down the leg so as to cause friction, or which can strike the hoof, coronet band or fetlock joint".9 C.F.R. § 1.11
Between 1978 and 1982, Auburn University conducted research as to the effect of applications of chemical and physical irritants to the legs of Tennessee Walking Horses. The study found that chains of any weight, used in combination with chemical soring, produced lesions and pain in horses. However, chains of 6 ounces or lighter, used on their own, produced no pain, tissue damage or thermographic changes.{{cite web |url=http://www.ahdf.org/pdf/Soring/AuburnStudy.pdf |title=Thermography in Diagnosis of Inflammatory Processes in Horses in Response to Various Chemical and Physical Factors |author=Purohit, Ram C. |publisher=Auburn University |access-date=May 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202175740/http://www.ahdf.org/pdf/Soring/AuburnStudy.pdf |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=dead}}
Soring can be detected by observing the horse for lameness, assessing its stance and palpating the lower legs. Some trainers trick inspectors by training horses not to react to the pain that palpation may cause, often by severely punishing the horse for flinching when the sored area is touched. The practice is sometimes called "stewarding", in reference to the horse show steward. Some trainers use topical anesthetics, which are timed to wear off before the horse goes into the show ring. Pressure shoeing is also used, eliminating use of chemicals altogether. Trainers who sore their horses have been observed leaving the show grounds when they find that the more stringent federal inspection teams are present.
Although illegal under federal law for more than 40 years, soring is still practiced; criminal charges have been filed against people who violate the Act. Enforcement of the HPA is difficult, due to limited inspection budgets and problems with lax enforcement by inspectors who are hired by the shows they were to police.{{cite journal |url=http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/lameness/soring_030706/ |title=EQUUS Special Report: Why Soring Persists |publisher=EQUUS |accessdate=March 17, 2013 |author=Meszoly, Joanne |date=November 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909111123/http://www.equisearch.com/article/soring_030706 |archive-date=September 9, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} As a result, while in 1999 there were eight certified HIOs, by 2010, only three organizations remained certified as HIOs, all known to be actively working to end soring.{{cite news |last=Patton |first=Janet |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2009/11/11/1013783/walking-horse-rules-supported.html# |title=Walking horse rules supported |newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader |date=November 11, 2009 |accessdate=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225153516/http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article44014578.html |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}
In 2013, legislation to amend and strengthen the HPA was introduced in Congress. The President and executive committee of the TWHBEA voted to support this legislation, but the full board of directors chose not to.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31963/twhbea-president-backs-anti-soring-bill |author=Raia, Pat |title=TWHBEA President Backs Anti-Soring Bill |publisher=TheHorse.com |date=May 30, 2013 |accessdate=June 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203035316/http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31963/twhbea-president-backs-anti-soring-bill |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=live}} The bi-partisan bill, H.R. 1518, was sponsored by Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY), and Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), with 216 co-sponsors. On November 13, 2013 a hearing was held. Supporters included the American Horse Council, the American Veterinary Medical Association, members of the TWHBEA, the International Walking Horse Association, and Friends of Sound Horses. Opponents included members of the Performance Horse Show Association, and the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture.{{cite web | url=http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=101469 | author=Raia, Pat | title=Hearing: Legislative Hearing on "H.R. 1518, a bill to amend the Horse Protection Act. | publisher=docs.house.gov | date=November 13, 2013 | accessdate=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204013448/http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=101469 |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |url-status=live}} The legislation did not pass in the 113th Congress and was reintroduced in 2015 for the 114th Congress.{{cite web|title=Summary: S.1121 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1121|website=Congress.gov|accessdate=6 September 2016}} In 2016, the USDA proposed new rules independent of the PAST Act, banning stacks and chains, and providing stricter inspections at training barns, auctions, and shows.{{cite web|title=Decoding the HPA, PAST Act, and New Proposed HPA Regulations|url=http://www.horsecouncil.org/horse-protection-act-past-act-new-usda-proposed-hpa-regulations/|accessdate=6 September 2016|work=American Horse Council|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825041337/http://www.horsecouncil.org/horse-protection-act-past-act-new-usda-proposed-hpa-regulations/|url-status=dead}}
= Show rules and organizations =
File:Tennessee Walking Horse Head.jpg
Controversies over shoeing rules, concerns about soring, and the breed industry's compliance with the Horse Protection Act has resulted in the development of multiple governing organizations. The breed registry is kept by the TWHBEA, which promotes all riding disciplines within the breed, but does not sanction horse shows.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhbea.com/association/about.php |title=About the TWHBEA |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitor's Association |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312102119/http://www.twhbea.com/association/about.php |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
The USEF does not currently recognize or sanction any Tennessee Walking Horse shows. In 2013 it banned the use of action devices and stacks at any time in any class.
The Tennessee Walking Horse Heritage Society is a group dedicated to the preservation of the original Tennessee Walker bloodlines, mainly for use as trail and pleasure horses, rather than for showing. Horses listed by the organization descend from the foundation bloodstock registered by the TWHBEA. Pedigrees may not include horses that have been shown with stacks post-1976.{{cite web |url=http://www.twhheritagesociety.com/ |title=Introduction |publisher=Tennessee Walking Horse Heritage Society |access-date=May 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624191009/http://www.twhheritagesociety.com/ |archive-date=June 24, 2013 |url-status=usurped |df=mdy-all }}
Two organizations have formed to promote the exhibition of flat-shod horses. The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) promotes only naturally gaited horses in its sanctioned horse shows, has its own rule book, and is the official USEF affiliate organization for the breed.{{cite web |url=http://www.nwha.com |title=The National Walking Horse Association |publisher=National Walking Horse Association |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302062353/http://www.nwha.com/main.html |archive-date=March 2, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Patton |first=Janet |url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44043273.html |title=USEF links with walking horse group | Business |newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader |date=August 5, 2010 |accessdate=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225155142/http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44043273.html |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} The NWHA sanctions horse shows and licenses judges,{{cite web |url=https://nwha.com/wp-content/uploads/NWHA%20General%20Files/Rule%20Books%20SOPs/Rule%20Books%20/2015-NWHA-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf |title=National Walking Horse Association Rules and Regulations |publisher=National Walking Horse Association |accessdate=February 25, 2016 |date=January 1, 2015 |version=8.2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225083104/https://nwha.com/wp-content/uploads/NWHA%20General%20Files/Rule%20Books%20SOPs/Rule%20Books%20/2015-NWHA-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{rp|7, 23–26}} and is an authorized HIO.
The NWHA was in the process of building its own "tracking registry" to document both pedigree and performance achievements of horses recorded there.{{cite web |url=http://www.nwha.com/nwhatr.html#Conformation |title=Tracking Registry: Gait and Conformation |publisher=National Walking Horse Association |accessdate=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040807093346/http://www.nwha.com/nwhatr.html |archive-date=August 7, 2004 |url-status=dead}} These included the Spotted Saddle Horse and Racking Horse breeds as well as the Tennessee Walker. However, the NWHA was sued by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA), which eventually won some concessions regarding the use of the TWHBEA's copyrighted registry certificates by the NWHA. While the judgment did not prohibit the NWHA from continuing its registry service, this is no longer advertised on the NWHA website.{{cite web |url=http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44007834.html |title=Injured walking horses will not be eligible for breeders incentive fund |publisher=Lexington Herald-Leader |website=kentucky.com |date=September 9, 2009 |accessdate=February 25, 2016 |author=Patton, Janet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225173737/http://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44007834.html |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://worldwha.org/faqs/ |title=FAQ > Didn't NWHA get sued for doing this? |publisher=The World Walking Horse Association |accessdate=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225161450/http://worldwha.org/faqs/ |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nashvillepost.com/home/article/20450465/walking-horse-groups-in-copyright-dispute |title=Walking Horse Groups in Copyright Dispute |last=Wood |first=Thomas E. |date= December 12, 2006 |publisher=Nashville Post |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225161647/http://www.nashvillepost.com/home/article/20450465/walking-horse-groups-in-copyright-dispute |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}
Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) also promotes exhibition of flat-shod and barefoot horses.{{cite web |url=http://www.fosh.info |title=Welcome to Friends Of Sound Horses |publisher=Fosh.info |accessdate=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221020207/http://www.fosh.info/ |archive-date=February 21, 2016 |url-status=live}} It licenses judges for both pleasure classes and gaited dressage,{{cite web |url=http://www.fosh.info/Ija-judging-program.php |title=IJA Judging Program |publisher=Friends of Sound Horses |accessdate=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118050228/http://fosh.info/Ija-judging-program.php |archive-date=January 18, 2016 |url-status=live}} promotes use of gaited horses in distance riding and sport horse activities,{{cite web |url=http://www.foshgaitedsporthorse.com |title=Home: What is FOSH Gaited Sport Horses? |publisher=Friends of Sound Horses |access-date=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006214131/http://www.foshgaitedsporthorse.com/ |archive-date=October 6, 2013 |url-status=usurped}} and is an authorized HIO.
Two organizations promulgate rules for horse shows in which action devices are allowed: the Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA){{cite web |url=http://www.walkinghorseowners.com |title=WHOA: Walking Horse Owners Association |publisher=Walking Horse Owners Association |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630055158/http://www.walkinghorseowners.com/ |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |url-status=live}} and "S.H.O.W." ("Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, Winning fairly"){{cite web |url=http://www.showhio.com |title=Dear Friend of the Tennessee Walking Horse |publisher=S.H.O.W., Inc |access-date=March 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029222652/http://www.showhio.com/ |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |url-status=live}} which regulates the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.{{cite news |url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2012/sep/02/horse-show-ends-not-controversy-tennessee/86834/ |title=74th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration ends, not controversy |last=Sohn |first=Pam |date=September 2, 2012 |newspaper=Chattanooga Times Free Press |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115195532/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2012/sep/02/horse-show-ends-not-controversy-tennessee/86834/ |archive-date=January 15, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://twhnc.com/content/the-celebration/ |title=The Celebration |publisher=The Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration |access-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225165051/http://twhnc.com/content/the-celebration/ |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} The Celebration has been held in Shelbyville, Tennessee, each August since 1939. It is considered the showcase competition for the breed.{{cite book|author1=Harris, Moira C. |author2=Langrish, Bob |title=America's Horses: A Celebration of the Horse Breeds Born in the U.S.A |url=https://archive.org/details/americashorsesce0000harr |year=2006 |publisher=Globe Pequot |isbn= 1592288936 |page=195 |access-date=February 25, 2016}} In the early 21st century, the Celebration has attracted large amounts of attention and controversy due to the concerns about violations of the Horse Protection Act.
Footnotes
{{Reflist}}
Further reading
- {{cite book|last=Womack|first=Bob|date=1973|title=The Echo of Hoofbeats: The History of the Tennessee Walking Horse|location=|publisher=Dabora|isbn=|oclc=37529291}}
- {{cite book|last=Green|first=Ben A.|date=1960|title=Biography of the Tennessee Walking Horse|location=|publisher=Parthenon Press|isbn= 9780963964427|oclc=1297065}}
- {{cite book|last=Webb|first=Joe|date=1962|title=Care and Training of the Tennessee Walking Horse|location=|publisher=|isbn=|oclc= 9290742}}
External links
{{Portal|Horses|United States}}
{{sister project links|collapsible=true|c=Category:Tennessee Walking Horse|d=Q1708738|wikt=slow-walk|n=no|b=no|v=no}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100504143150/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/hpa_info.shtml USDA Horse Protection Program]
- [http://www.worldwha.org/ World Walking Horse Association, Inc.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231044646/http://worldwha.org/ |date=December 31, 2018 }}
- [http://www.twhawc.com/ TWHAWC – Tennessee Walking Horse Association of Western Canada]
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080213221029/http://www.twhheritagesociety.com/ Tennessee Walking Horse Heritage Society]}}
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gctdQ59m_dc Video depicting different show divisions]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20160317123006/http://twhbea.com/OnlineVoice/The_Voice_February_2016_Sire_Summary_Rev/main.swf Sire Summary]
{{Horse breeds of Canada and the United States}}
{{authority control}}