Inspectors at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration found a total of 219 violations of the Horse Protection Act among the 1075 horses examined, figures just released show.

With a smooth gait well-suited for carrying riders great distances in comfort, the Tennessee walking horse is symbolic of the American South. The breed's unique running walk and high-stepping gait, known as the "big lick,"? can bring big money in the show ring. Those high steps kick up more than dirt in the arena. They're kicking up tensions in the horse community lately, as well.

Supporters of training techniques associated with Tennessee walking horse "big lick" showmanship now have a champion in U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Blackburn recently introduced House Resolution 4098, or the Horse Protection Amendments Act of 2014, to counter HR 1518, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act.

New Federal Regulations Critically Needed to Address Widespread Corruption in Tennessee Walking Horse Industry

Amendments to Horse Protection Act Would Eliminate Corrupt Industry Self-Policing Practices and Make Other Key Reforms

Days before the commencement of the 2012 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., The Humane Society of the United States is launching a national tip line in English and Spanish to help crack down on the illegal and cruel practice known as "soring."? The HSUS offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides any information leading to the arrest and conviction of a violator of the Horse Protection Act or any state law which prohibits horse soring, the deliberate infliction of pain to force horses to perform an artificially high-stepping gait for the show ring.