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
Pressure Mounts To End Soring
Some members of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry maintain only a few bad apples are involved, but for others, soring is still a major concern
Some 49 nails were used to hold the pads together on this Tennessee Walking Horse. Equine veterinarian Tracy Turner says this is clearly excessive when you look at how the nail locations were used to add weight in the heel area. While the Horse Protection Act prohibits weights attached to the outside of the hoof wall, horseshoe or any portion of the pad, it is not clear whether this use actually constitutes a violation.
Many in the Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) industry maintain less soring and pressure shoeing is taking place than in the past. Others aren’t so sure, citing evidence that indicates that the banned practices are still all too common among high-level horses.
Soring involves the use of caustic chemicals, chains and other irritants on the legs of TWH and other gaited breeds. This leads to severe pain and forces the well-accepted high-stepping gait.
Soring has been banned since 1970 under the Horse Protection Act (HPA) that is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA.) It includes, but is not limited to:
- The use of irritants.
- The treatment of the pastern region to remove visible effects of irritants or any scar/callus remnants resulting from use of irritants and/or action devices.
- Pressure shoeing and excessive paring of the sole and/or frog.
- Any method utilized to induce pain or laminitis.
While many in the industry believe that trainers are responsible for most of the illegal practices, even surveyed farriers who deal with TWHs believe shoers are doing a portion…
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.