American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
PAST Act Could Spur More Changes
If enacted, legislation could eventually change shoeing for more than Tennessee Walkers, Spotted Saddle Horses and racking horses
Pictured Above: The performance packages that are applied to Tennessee Walking Horses are intended to be an extension of the foot and accentuate the gait. Photo: USDA
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have introduced legislation that targets the practice of soring. If the bill becomes law, it will fundamentally change how farriers shoe Tennessee Walking Horses and could shift into other breeds and disciplines.
Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., introduced Senate Bill 2957 — the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act of 2018 in late May.
“For more than 400 years, horses have been a part of Virginia’s culture,” according to a statement attributed to Warner. “But despite a federal ban, horse soring — an act that deliberately inflicts pain on these animals — continues in some segments of the Walking Horse industry. This bipartisan bill will finally put an end to this cruel and abusive practice.”
Farrier Takeaways
- Both versions of the PAST Act propose the prohibition of action devices, weighted toes, pads, wedges and hoof bands that are on any limb of a Tennessee Walking Horse, racking horse or Spotted Saddle Horse.
- If the PAST Act becomes law, it could lead to changes in other breeds and disciplines that don’t have a history of soring, according to some in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.
- New research that studied the effects of pad stacks over a 5-day period contradicts previous research indicating the packages cause heat and inflammation. Researchers acknowledge that the findings “should not be…
Premium content is for our Digital-only and Premium subscribers. A Print-only subscription doesn't qualify. Please purchase/upgrade a subscription with the Digital product to get access to all American Farriers Journal content and archives online.
Top Articles
Current Issue
5 Lessons & Insights from Farriers Who Shoe for a Living
When Should the Equine Hoof & Pastern Angle Line Up?
Iron Sharpens Iron in the Scenic City
Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
Videos
Hoof Care on Parade
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Events
Michigan Horseshoers Association 55th Annual Clinic
Date: 01/02/25
Location: Lansing, MI
View Event
Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell USA
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.