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87-666: The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum is the only museum dedicated entirely to the Tennessee Walking Horse . It is located in downtown Wartrace, Tennessee , and contains exhibits on all aspects of the Walking Horse industry. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum was first established in Shelbyville, Tennessee , at which time it was housed in a room adjacent to the Calsonic Arena . In

174-407: 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,

261-554: 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. 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. At shows where both divisions are offered,

348-460: A color portrait of him painted in 1940 by artist Bill Humphreys. Another exhibit is focused on Betty Sain , who became the first female rider to win a World Grand Championship. Sain won the title in 1966, on her horse Shaker's Shocker . The museum also contains a hands-on section where visitors can look through old show bills, industry-related magazines, and the like. Tennessee Walking Horse The Tennessee Walking Horse or Tennessee Walker

435-480: A flat walk moves at 4 to 8 miles per hour (6.4 to 12.9 kilometres per hour), the running walk allows the same horse to travel at 10 to 20 miles per hour (16 to 32 kilometres per hour). In the running walk, the horse's rear feet overstep the prints of its front feet by 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 centimetres), with a longer overstep being more prized in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. While performing

522-523: 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. 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 9.5 inches (24 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

609-431: A hoof to expose the sensitive tissue. Tennessee Walking Horses are not allowed to be shown without passing a USDA and HPA physical inspection for current and past evidence of soring. This includes scarring on their pastern as it is associated with soring. Soring is often confused with specialized shoeing for animated performance. While controversy also surrounds the use of long toes, stacked pads and weighted chains around

696-574: A horse named The Royal Dollar in the 74th annual Red Carpet Show of the South. The Royal Dollar placed third in its class, but during a post-show inspection, a veterinary officer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined that The Royal Dollar was sore. From 2013 to 2016, the McGartlands received further official warnings and were identified as "violators" on the USDA web site. They sued the USDA, on

783-404: 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. 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

870-610: A long, reaching stride. Some Tennessee Walking Horses may be affected by the following genetic conditions: 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

957-527: 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, " Action devices, which remain legal but are often used in conjunction with illegal soring practices, are defined in

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1044-404: 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

1131-399: 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. 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

1218-415: 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. Clinical signs of a sored horse include: One method of soring involves using chemical agents such as mustard oil , kerosene , or other caustic substances on the pasterns, bulbs of the heel, or coronary bands of

1305-413: A small wedge-shape, are used with horseshoes in many circumstances and can protect the sole of the hoof or make simple alterations to action. But when stacked into an action device, they may be up to 4 inches (10 cm) thick in the heel and 2 inches (5 cm) thick in the toe. Stacks of pads that are built up on a horseshoe have a metal band that runs across the front of the hoof to help keep them on

1392-421: A variety of exhibits related to all aspects of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. There is an exhibit on the current World Grand Champion , updated yearly as a new horse wins, and saddles and tack worn by past winners. There are also exhibits honoring select breeders and trainers, which are changed periodically. One prominent piece is the saddle worn by the first National Champion, Strolling Jim , as well as

1479-606: 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

1566-606: 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. 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

1653-429: Is acceptable for the hind legs to be slightly over-angulated, cow-hocked or sickle-hocked . They are found in all solid colors , and several pinto patterns. 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 . The Tennessee Walking Horse has

1740-489: Is allowed and ranges from strongly encouraged to required in some pleasure division classes. 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. Congress passed

1827-599: 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

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1914-592: Is an authorized HIO. Two organizations promulgate rules for horse shows in which action devices are allowed: the Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA) and "S.H.O.W." ("Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, Winning fairly") which regulates the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration . The Celebration has been held in Shelbyville, Tennessee , each August since 1939. It

2001-560: Is considered the showcase competition for the breed. 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. Soring Soring practices include the application of chemicals such as mustard oil or diesel fuel, misuse of mechanical devices such as overweight chains, or engaging in practices such as trimming

2088-454: Is described as "refined and elegant, yet solidly built". It is a tall horse with a long neck. The head is well-defined, with small, well-placed ears. The breed averages 14.3 to 17  hands (59 to 68 inches, 150 to 173 cm) high and 900 to 1,200 pounds (410 to 540 kg). The shoulders and hip are long and sloping, with a short back and strong coupling . The hindquarters are of "moderate thickness and depth", well-muscled, and it

2175-492: Is found throughout the country. 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. In

2262-434: Is so much pain in the horse's front hooves that the horse snatches its feet off the ground as fast as possible in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Correspondingly, the horse steps under itself as far as possible with its hind legs to relieve the forelegs of weight. This results in the "squatting" body outline (hindquarters extremely lowered, forelegs flung very high) typical of the "big lick" horse. Such abuses are illegal under

2349-958: Is sometimes called the "Big Lick". The customary style for rider attire and tack is saddle seat . Horses are shod in double and triple-nailed pads, which are sometimes called "stacks". In the early 21st century, this form of shoeing is now prohibited at shows governed by the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA), and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). 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. 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

2436-542: Is the official USEF affiliate organization for the breed. The NWHA sanctions horse shows and licenses judges, 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. These included the Spotted Saddle Horse and Racking Horse breeds as well as the Tennessee Walker. However,

2523-716: 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

2610-458: 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". Between 1978 and 1982, Auburn University conducted research as to

2697-462: The US Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Horse Protection Act numerous times between 1979 and 2012. According to Roy Exum of The Chattanoogan , "McConnell has a known record that includes over 30 unbroken years of persistent violations of the federal Horse Protection Act, but because laws have been so lax, he has done little more than wink and continue on his way." In 1986, McConnell

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2784-416: The pastern . Illegal use occurs if irritants have been placed on the same area of the horse's foot or leg. The movement of a chain over a chemically traumatized area of the leg increases the painful response, resulting in the exaggerated gait. Soring is always illegal under federal law, but use of chains varies depending on the show-sanctioning organization. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF),

2871-431: The pasterns to enhance a horse’s gait , this is separate from the practice of soring. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, when Tennessee Walking Horses enjoyed a surge of widespread popularity with the general public, as the exaggerated front leg action, especially at the running walk, drew spectators to horse shows and helped increase the popularity of the breed. This action was also rewarded by judges. This began

2958-649: 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

3045-500: The 1990s it was moved to Lynchburg , but subsequently closed in 2005. In 2011 it reopened inside an old store in Wartrace, which is known by the nickname "The cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse". In 2016, the museum was given over $ 3,000 in state grants. The money was used to restore old film of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and make it available for viewing. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum contains

3132-574: The 2011 annual championship found that all of the 52 horses inspected had a foreign substance applied to their front hooves, either to cause pain or to hide it. In June 2012, the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association jointly issued a call to ban both action devices (chains, rollers, etc.) and "performance packages", e.g., stacks or pads. At

3219-472: The 2013 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, USDA testing showed that 67% of the horses tested positive for substances that could be used to hide soring. In April 2024, the USDA announced a new federal rule, effective February 2025, strengthening the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's enforcement of the Horse Protection Act regarding soring. The changes eliminate industry self-regulation and

3306-475: The 20th century, the Tennessee Walking Horse was crossed with Welsh ponies to create the American Walking Pony , a gaited pony breed. 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

3393-725: The APHIS. The issue remains very controversial, particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee. Soring has been declared "cruel" and "inhumane" by the United States Congress . Similarly, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has described it as "inhumane" and "unethical". The legal definition of soring in the Horse Protection Act of 1970 is: (A) an irritating or blistering agent has been applied, internally or externally, by

3480-445: 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. 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

3567-402: 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, 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

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3654-405: The Horse Protection Act of 1970 but are still practiced. Measures have been taken to stop the practice, and many supporters of the Tennessee Walking Horse have organized to oppose soring. The HPA, created specifically to stop such practices and to monitor the Tennessee Walking Horse in particular, prohibits the use of soring agents. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), part of

3741-738: 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. Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) also promotes exhibition of flat-shod and barefoot horses . It licenses judges for both pleasure classes and gaited dressage , promotes use of gaited horses in distance riding and sport horse activities, and

3828-551: The Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture. The legislation did not pass in the 113th Congress and was reintroduced in 2015 for the 114th Congress. 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. Controversies over shoeing rules, concerns about soring , and the breed industry's compliance with

3915-707: The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville while sore. For that offense, he received a $ 2,000 civil fine and a two-year disqualification from March 19, 1995, through March 18, 1997. In May 1979, he entered the sored horse Threat's Black Power in the Ninth Annual Fun Show in Shelbyville, Tennessee. A USDA veterinarian classified this horse as the "sorest horse at the show", having an "exhausted, steaming, defeated appearance" and testified that

4002-664: The Tennessee Walking Horse was named the official state horse of the US state of Tennessee . It is the third most-common breed in Kentucky, behind the Thoroughbred and the American Quarter Horse . 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

4089-455: The USDA began a larger crackdown on soring within the industry. A new device known as a "sniffer" (also used to detect the chemical presence of bombs in airport security), whereby swabbed samples are taken from the horse and then "sniffed", can now be employed. At the 2006 Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration, the long-standing dispute between trainers and USDA inspectors came to a head. The inspectors disqualified six of ten horses from showing on

4176-498: The USDA, is working with the industry to enforce the law. Tennessee Walking Horse organizations send designated qualified persons (DQPs) to shows to inspect the horses, and, as funding permits, APHIS sends federally employed veterinary medical officers to work with DQPs at some shows. Trainers who oppose soring have formed and joined alternative breed organizations, including the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) and Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH). All of these organizations promote

4263-418: The animals with a wooden beam and an electric cattle prod to make them stand still during leg palpation. Soon after the undercover footage was released, state authorities raided McConnell's barn. After ABC News aired the footage, McConnell was banned for life from the Tennessee Walking Horse organization's biggest event and stricken from its hall of fame. In September 2012, McConnell was found in violation of

4350-420: 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

4437-443: 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. Soring can be detected by observing the horse for lameness , assessing its stance and palpating

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4524-471: The federal Horse Protection Act; he was sentenced to three years probation and fined $ 75,000. McConnell faced 52 counts of transporting and showing abused horses. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of animal cruelty in an agreement with prosecutors. US District Judge Harry Sandlin Mattice Jr. accepted McConnell's plea. McConnell faced up to five years in prison if the agreement had not been accepted. He

4611-509: 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. 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

4698-416: The front pasterns of the horse, but to be legal, must weigh no more than 6 ounces (170 g). They are intended to be used with a lubricant to allow them to slide easily along the pastern. Users of chains do not believe they cause the horse pain, stating that it creates a similar feeling to a loose bracelet. However, they may be harmful above a certain weight. In 1982, a study at Auburn University examined

4785-577: The health effects of action devices on gaited horses through the use of thermography. The researchers conclude that chains "altered thermal patterns as early as day 2 of exercise with chains. These altered thermal patterns persisted as long as chains were used," with thermal patterns not returning to normal until 20 days after last use. A stallion in the study developed lesions from 8-ounce (230 g) chains, after wearing them in nine 15-minute exercise periods over 11 days. Whereas 2-, 4-, and 6-ounce chains (55, 115, and 170 g) produced no adverse effects in

4872-447: The horse for lameness , assessing its stance, and palpating the lower legs. Some trainers can bypass inspectors by training horses not to react to the pain that palpation may cause, often by severely punishing the horse for flinching after the sored area is palpated. The practice is sometimes called "stewarding" in reference to the horse show steward , who is often the first line of rule enforcement at any horse show. Trainers may also time

4959-436: The horse's foot. This design is an extension of a base shoe, and can be taken off or changed without having to completely re-shoe the horse. While the design is intended to exaggerate the horse's action, the shape of the stacks and added weight to the horse's foot cause the foot to strike with more force and at an abnormal angle. Soring occurs when items are concealed between the pad and hoof such that painful pressure occurs to

5046-405: The horse's front legs were covered with raised scars that when touched were found to be "very sore" causing "extreme pain". McConnell received a $ 750 civil penalty and a six-month disqualification from September 9, 1985, through March 8, 1986. McConnell was also disqualified for a violation of a unilateral sore (September 12, 2006, to September 25, 2006). McConnell was disqualified for a violation of

5133-482: The horses being studied. More important than the weight of the chains is the application of caustic materials on the skin of the horse under the chains—such as oil of mustard, croton oil, kerosene, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)—followed by wrapping the legs to "cook" the chemicals into the skin to render them tender. The chains then irritate the horse's legs. Measures are taken to obscure scars, lesions, and raw skin before show time. Considered legal "action devices" in

5220-430: The horses, causing burning or blistering of the horses' legs to accentuate their gaits. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is sometimes added to increase the effect. The treated area is then often wrapped in plastic while the chemicals are absorbed. The chemical agents cause extreme pain, and usually lead to scarring . A distinctive scarring pattern is a characteristic indication of soring, so practitioners may attempt to disguise

5307-434: The industry, chains themselves are not harmful, but they rub against the already irritated skin and increase the horse’s pain. In response, his gait becomes flashy: He picks up his sored feet more quickly and lifts them higher than normal, and he shifts some of his weight to his hind end to escape the pain up front. Soring has been prohibited at sales and shows for decades but is still practiced. It can be detected by observing

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5394-415: 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

5481-419: 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,

5568-768: The national governing body for equestrian sport in the U.S., disallows any use of devices or chemical compounds. However, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association , which sanctions many shows, is not affiliated with the USEF and exempts some devices. New legislation to update the HPA may lead to restrictions on these devices. Stacks are also called "performance packages" or "pads". Stacks are composed of multiple hoof-shaped pads, usually made of plastic, although they can also be made of leather, rubber, polyurethane or even wood. Normally, single relatively thin pads, either flat or with

5655-450: The night of Friday, August 25, 2006. The trainers denied soring and challenged the monitoring methods. The result was that a number of celebration championship classes were canceled; considerable controversy over the situation still exists. After a yearlong discussion between the industry and the USDA over the issues raised at the 2006 show, the 2007 championship went off without significant controversy. An investigation by ABC News into

5742-506: The over-trimmed hooves, until they are very sore. Trainers sometimes place objects, such as metal beads, nails, or screws, under the pad, causing intense pressure, although this practice has begun to decrease with the use of fluoroscopy to detect such methods. Abusive use of chains (such as using them with chemical soring agents) is also a common practice. "Action devices" include "stacks", which are multiple pads between hoof and ground; and "chains", bracelet-like chains or rollers placed around

5829-466: The problem. Under normal conditions, if a stack is lost, it usually only affects the pads and not the base shoe, which remains intact. Injuries are usually very limited from "throwing" (accidental separation of) a set of pads. It is dangerous if a horse wearing stacks pulls off a shoe, as not only will the stack come off, but the band may tear off part of the hoof wall. Horses wearing stacks should not be turned out. Bracelet-like chains are attached around

5916-485: The rage for "big lick" movement. While "lite shod" horses with naturally good movement could comfortably perform this crowd-pleasing gait at the time, it took both natural ability and considerable time to properly train and condition the horse. Some individuals, wishing to produce similar movement in less talented horses or in less time, borrowed practices used by other breeds to enhance movement. This included action devices such as weighted shoes, "stacks" (stacked pads), and

6003-483: 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. A failure as

6090-445: The running walk, the horse nods its head in rhythm with its gait. 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

6177-688: The scar rule (September 6, 2005, to September 19, 2005). He was disqualified for a NHSC 5 Pt. Exam Score (August 8, 2004, to August 21, 2004). He was disqualified for a bilateral sore from August 31, 2003, to April 30, 2004. He was disqualified for a unilateral sore from October 6, 2002, to October 19, 2002. McConnell was disqualified for violation of terms of a five-year USDA disqualification and suspended from November 19, 2009, to May 18, 2010. In April and May 2011, an undercover investigator shot footage at McConnell's stable. The footage revealed two workers, Jeff Dockery and John Mays, applying caustic substances that cause soring to horses' legs and hooves and beating

6264-486: The scarring with a dye, or the horse's legs may be treated with salicylic acid to reduce scarring. These chemicals are harmful, usually quite toxic, and sometimes carcinogenic , such that practitioners must use a brush and wear gloves when applying them. Other methods of soring include pressure shoes, where the hoof is trimmed to the quick so that the sole is in direct contact with the pad or shoe. The horse may then be "road foundered", ridden up and down hard surfaces on

6351-454: The shoe into the "white line", or quick , of the hoof , trimming the sole of the hoof to the point that it bleeds or is bruised, increasing the weight of the stacked pads by driving in a large number of concealed nails and the controversial practice of "soring", which is the application of a caustic chemical agent to the pastern of the front legs to cause pain when the chains bang against the pastern with every step. The outcome of these practices

6438-415: 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. The modern Tennessee Walking Horse

6525-510: The shows they were to police. 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. 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. The bi-partisan bill, H.R. 1518,

6612-459: 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

6699-400: The sole of the hoof making the horse lift its feet faster and higher. Permissible thickness and weight vary between categories of competition. The use of stacks is controversial. Some criticize the band that holds the stack on, which they believe cuts into the hoof and may wear a slot into it. However, trainers commonly loosen the band when the horse is not being exercised, which may minimize

6786-565: The sound Tennessee Walking Horse. In addition, in 2005, the national directors of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) voted to remove themselves from the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC), the sanctioning body closest to the soring issues. The TWHBEA formed its own sanctioning body and developed a new rule book and strict guidelines for affiliated horse shows and Horse Industry Organizations [HIO] that applied and were examined by

6873-595: The training methods of Tennessee Walking Horses revealed that many horses had been beaten to produce their signature high-stepping gait. In a video shot by the Humane Society of the United States , high-profile trainer Jackie McConnell is seen beating horses, using electric cattle prods, and soring their hooves with caustic chemicals. Additionally, a random inspection by the Department of Agriculture at

6960-481: The use of chemical soring, action devices, stacks, and shoeing abuses. Jackie McConnell, a Tennessee Walking Horse trainer, owns Whittier Stables in Collierville, Tennessee . Once a prominent figure in the industry and hall of fame trainer, in 2012 McConnell pleaded guilty to 12 counts of animal cruelty and of violating the federal Horse Protection Act. Formal sanctions were imposed on Jackie McConnell by

7047-512: The use of the agents so that chemicals will not be detected when the horse is examined, but will be in effect when the rider goes into the ring. Others 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 leave the show grounds when they find that the more stringent federal inspectors are present. In 2006, owing to new techniques in both soring and detection,

7134-405: The use of weighted chains around the pasterns, all of which were allowed within certain limits. As these methods produced horses that won in the show ring, and as ever-higher and more dramatic action was rewarded by the judges, some trainers turned to less savory methods to produce high action in a hurry. These methods include excessively heavy weighted chains, use of tacks deliberately placed under

7221-408: 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

7308-610: Was named Trainer of the Year by the Walking Horse Trainers Association. However, he had a long history of violations: In September 1998, McConnell entered a sored horse, Regal By Generator, in the 1998 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and received a civil fine of $ 2,200 and a five-year disqualification from October 31, 2006, through October 30, 2011. In September 1989, McConnell was charged for exhibiting Executive Order (owned by Floyd Sherman) in

7395-544: Was required by the court to write a letter about the soring of horses, the pain it causes, the long-term effects, and its widespread use. McConnell also pleaded guilty in state court to 12 of 22 counts of animal cruelty in 2012. He was sentenced to one year of house arrest and a $ 25,000 fine. The Circuit Judge Weber McGraw sentenced Jackie McConnell and two co-defendants in July 2013. Jeff Dockery pleaded guilty to three counts of animal cruelty and John K. Mays to fourteen. Dockery

7482-418: Was sentenced to three years of probation and Mays to four years of probation. Under the state plea agreement, McConnell is not allowed to either own or train horses for 20 years. The judge gave McConnell 120 days to sell his two remaining horses. According to The Commercial Appeal , "This is the second time all three men have pleaded guilty rather than face trial." In 2013 Lee and Mike McGartland entered

7569-782: 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

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